When Kilimanjaro Safaris opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 21 years ago, we knew it was going to be a unique experience in the park, offering guests a chance to get up close with nature. The attraction also gives guests an opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation for the animals they meet, with an overall goal to promote the conservation of these species.
The key to sharing the magic of nature is our cast members. The guides at Kilimanjaro Safaris are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the many beautiful animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When Disney’s The Lion King “Protect the Pride” campaign was announced earlier this summer, these cast were eager to help promote this important conservation initiative with guests during their safari with some special shout-outs for the lions.
Disney has already donated nearly $2.9 million and is well on its way to donating up to $3 million to support the dwindling lion population across Africa, and Kilimanjaro Safaris was a huge part of this effort. For every guest who rode the safari during the opening week of Disney’s The Lion King film, the Disney Conservation Fund donated $2 to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund to help double the number of lions across Africa by 2050.
If you didn’t get a chance to be part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris rider donation, there’s still time to join the effort and help reverse the decline of African lions:
- Purchase a special edition Simba and Nala plush from Disney Stores* across the globe, or during your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- Pick up a copy of The Art and Making of The Lion King to learn about Disney Publishing Worldwide’s contribution and Disney’s commitment to conservation.
- In celebration of The Lion King coming home, The Walt Disney Company’s home entertainment division has made a $100,000 contribution to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund. Add The Lion King to your movie collection today on Digital and Blu-ray. New on 4K Ultra HD.
- Learn more about the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund.
Visit Disney.com/LionKingProtectThePride to learn more and follow the social conversation for updates about #TheLionKing #ProtectThePride.
*In North America, available at Disney stores, and in the U.S., available at shopDisney.com and select locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort while supplies last.