Over the past few weeks on my show (The WDW Radio Show), I've been talking about the upcoming 10th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom, and in the process, have had the pleasure of having on a number of Cast Members from a variety of disciplines come on the show to talk about some of the magic behind the "magic." In addition to celebrating not only the beauty of DIsney's Animal Kindgom, the celebration on April 22 will also highlight some of the extraordinary conservation efforts that go on backstage at the parks.

One of the most incredible efforts by Disney has been through its Wildlife Conservation Fund. The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF) began a significant annual grants program in 1995 on Earth Day (April 22) for the study and protection of the world's wildlife and ecosystems. In 1998, as Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park opened, the DWCF made its first grants and has since continued to provide annual awards to U.S. nonprofit conservation organizations working alongside their peers in other countries. Many of the recipient organizations concentrate their activities on "biological hotspots" -- areas rich in plant and animal life at risk of imminent destruction.

The DWCF is supported by guests who choose to add a dollar or more to purchases at Walt Disney World locations, and are supplemented by Disney's Office of Worldwide Outreach ensuring more than $1 million annually for the program.

In April 2006 the DWCF celebrated a contribution milestone of $10 million since Disney's Animal Kingdom opened, and in 2007, the DWCF awarded $1.5 million divided between North American, African, Asian, Latin American and marine projects.

As part of the April 22 official events, there will be once again be a gathering of Disney fans from around the globe. From the same group that brought us Celebration 25, honoring Epcot's 25th anniversary, comes "A Wild Decade." With a number of events throughout the day which were approved by Disney and complimenting the official schedule, more than 400 people are expected to be in attendance. 

Some of the Wild Decade events include a showing of Finding Nemo: The Musical, a group ride on Expedition Everest, a history walk through the park and more.

I'm honored to not only be participating and sponsoring the event, but as part of the efforts from Celebration 25, a donation will be given on that day by the WDW Celebrations group to my DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project, which I am honored to be receiving at that time. 

I will also be recording a segment for the WDW Radio Show LIVE from the parks during the events, incluing having a live audience at one of the venues (details to follow), so if you are attending the event or in the parks, please come by and say hello!

For more information about A Wild Decade, visit WDWCelebrations.com, and for more information about Disney's Wildlife Conservation Fund, visit the Disney Worldwide Outreach web site