Just beyond Walt Disney World’s world-class attractions lies something truly incredible—the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This sprawling interconnected network of natural habitats stretches across nearly 18 million acres of Florida, offering a lifeline for wildlife and endangered species like the Florida panther, black bear, and manatee. And 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 species to move and thrive.
Today, the Disney Conservation Fund continued its 30-year commitment to conservation by awarding $1 million to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation during the Florida Corridor Connect Summit at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, to help protect and share the magic of nature across the state.
“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 partners 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.
Collaborating to Preserve Natural Pathways
As the state continues to see record growth year-after-year, the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides essential wildlife passages, allowing species to thrive and migrate without being hindered by fragmented habitats that are uprooted by developments. These corridors are critical for wildlife survival and the state’s environmental health, strengthening resilience against storms, protecting water quality and offering recreation opportunities that benefit the wellbeing of Florida communities.
“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.
A Legacy of Conservation and Magic
Disney’s commitment to conservation extends far beyond protecting land — it’s also about connecting people to nature. Spanning approximately 40 square miles, about one-third of Walt Disney World’s property is dedicated to wildlife conservation. 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.
One prime example of Disney’s commitment is the Disney Wilderness Preserve, an 11,500-acre conservation restoration success story that serves as a key piece of the Everglades ecosystem and is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals. Though it’s not part of the theme parks at the resort, Disney’s support for the preserve, including funding for restoration and wildlife monitoring, is a testament to Walt Disney’s deep love for nature and his legacy of environmental stewardship.
As Disney continues its environmental stewardship through efforts like these, it’s clear that conservation is part of the magic. Walt Disney’s vision of preserving natural landscapes and inspiring people to take action lives on through the company’s ongoing work with the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This $1 million donation is just one part of the larger commitment to helping future generations enjoy the same natural wonders that make Florida — and Walt Disney World Resort — so special.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $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.