Actress Isabella Rossellini has been named one of five recipients of Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, a program that has benefited nearly 500 wildlife projects around the world.
Rossellini said she will share the funds with the Andean Cat Alliance/Wildlife Conservation Network and the Howard Gilman Foundation, where she serves as trustee and plays a role in supporting developing entrepreneurs internationally.
In addition to Rossellini, actor/comedian John Cleese, elephant expert Iain Douglas-Hamilton, primatologist Jane Goodall and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai each accepted $100,000 awards for their conservation causes during a ceremony held April 6 at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Animals have been a part of Disney history since Walt's first sketch of Bambi, and today we celebrate Disney's conservation contributions by providing support to those who are making a difference for animals and the environment, Dr. Beth Stevens, vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom, said during the ceremonies.
We selected these special individuals because each brings a personal passion to studying and saving endangered species and lands, Stevens said.
The ceremony marked a milestone for the conservation fund, which has now given $10 million to conservation efforts. Since 1998, the DWCF has been supported by donations from guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and enhanced by company contributions.
Posted: April 12, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST