The animal specialists at the Walt Disney World Resort are at it again. Animal Kingdom is rehabilitating eight more turtles that were harmed by the oil spill in the Gulf. The experts at Disney’s Animal Programs returned from the Florida Panhandle on Thursday with six Kemp’s Ridely Sea Turtles, which are among the most endangered species of sea turtle in the world, and two Green Sea Turtles. Disney’s animal care teams are ready to help the creatures of the Panhandle as needed. Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends are available rehabilitation centers for turtles and birds that have been injured or badly affected by the oil spill.
Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president for Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives at Disney Parks said, “Oil can have a devastating effect on the health of sea turtles, marine mammals and birds. Over the next several months, many of these animals will require intense medical treatment over a prolonged period. We want to be sure that we provide top-notch medical care wherever we can – whether it’s on a beach or in a state-of-the-art veterinary facility. Ultimately, our goal is to re-release these animals so they can once again thrive in the wild of our oceans and coastline.”
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), supported by Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green, donated $100,000 to help with environmental and animal rescue efforts, including $50,000 to The National Audubon Society for their service in the Gulf. DWCF Rapid Response Fund awarded another $50,000 in grants to various organizations assisting with the cleanup.