Disney’s Donation to Fund the Protection of Key Wildlife Areas and Expansion of Access to Nature for Communities across Florida
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 4, 2025) – The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), continues its 30-year commitment to conservation today by awarding $1 million to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving Florida’s natural landscapes by promoting the permanent connection, protection and restoration of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The donation, announced at the Corridor Connect Summit at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, builds on Disney’s long legacy of protecting the magic of nature, and its vision for a healthier, happier planet called Disney Planet Possible.
As a network of connected natural lands and waters, the Florida Wildlife Corridor stretches across nearly 18 million acres of Florida, offering a lifeline for wildlife and endangered species like the Florida panther, black bear, and manatee. Walt Disney World plays a key role, acting as a crossroads that connects east and west coast animal migration patterns and offering a safe space for wildlife to move and thrive. These corridors are critical for species survival and the state’s environmental health, strengthening resilience against storms, protecting water quality and offering recreation opportunities that contribute to the wellbeing of Florida communities.
“Nature is essential to our health and happiness, and here in Florida, we are tremendously fortunate to have such a rich diversity of awe-inspiring landscapes to enjoy,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company. “That’s why we are excited to grow our collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, to carry forward a shared commitment to preserving our natural heritage and sharing the magic of wildlife and wild places for generations to come.”
Disney’s donation will fund conservation efforts by training and coordinating local collaborators to protect key areas of the Corridor. The donation will also fund the expansion of access to these beautiful spaces, especially in communities where access is limited. By supporting new trailheads and public entry points, conservation groups hope to make nature more accessible to all Floridians, helping them connect with and appreciate the state’s wild beauty.
At Disney, protecting nature for the benefit of people and the planet is a commitment that dates back to its founding. In Florida during the development of Walt Disney World, Walt Disney himself set aside large areas of land for conservation, ensuring that these areas would benefit wildlife and future generations. Spanning approximately 40 square miles, around one-third of Walt Disney World’s property is dedicated to wildlife conservation.
“Disney’s continued and growing commitment to conservation in their own backyard is both inspiring and impactful,” said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. “We’re grateful for Disney’s support of the Corridor Connect Summit and their significant grant, which will empower partners to expand access to trails within the Corridor and accelerate conservation in its most vulnerable areas.”
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the environment through Disney Planet Possible, visit impact.disney.com.
To learn more about the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, visit FloridaWildlifeCorridor.org.