Disney’s Global “Protect the Pride” Campaign Roars Back

The campaign aims to double the lion population in the wild by 2050, and fans can help too.

Watch the Protect the Pride launch video featuring the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King to learn more.

In celebration of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, arriving in theaters December 20, 2024, Disney has relaunched the global “Protect the Pride” conservation campaign to support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and LRF’s partners working across Africa to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.

Thirty years ago, the hit animated film The Lion King released and permanently established itself as a classic. Since then, there have been The Lion King sequels, series, musicals, merchandise and theme park attractions—but the reality is that since the original film was first released, Africa has lost half of its lions. It’s no secret that without lions, there is no Lion King, which is why fans are once again invited to support efforts that engage communities to ensure a future for African wildlife and their habitats.

Disney’s “Protect the Pride” campaign first launched in 2019, enabling LRF to expand its reach and cumulatively fund more than 300 projects working across 25 countries in Africa.  Today at least 50 percent of the sites in which the LRF is investing are already showing stable or increasing populations of lions. Additionally, LRF support has helped sustain livelihoods and employ thousands of people across Africa, removed 83,000 snares that could harm wildlife, and brought together communities to co-develop solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. With the additional funding from this relaunched campaign, LRF will continue to invest in innovative and effective projects across Africa that can recover lions, restore their landscapes, support sustainable economic development, and achieve a future with thriving savannah landscapes where Africa’s people and its lions can coexist.

“The fight to recover Africa’s lions must begin with a holistic approach that protects not only the species, but also the landscapes they depend on and the people who share their environments,” said Peter Lindsey, Director of WCN’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF). “Truly protecting lions means addressing the full spectrum of threats they face, from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict to the growing pressures of illegal wildlife trade. Our sustained collaboration with Disney has helped the LRF make significant improvements in these areas. We look forward to continuing our work together.”

This campaign is also reflective of Disney’s longtime dedication to taking meaningful and measurable action to support a healthier planet for people and wildlife, a commitment called Disney Planet Possible. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $125 million (including nearly $25 million to projects across Africa) to community-based efforts that have helped protect more than 1,000 species of wildlife across half the countries in the world and all five oceans.

Learn more about Disney’s commitment to “Protect the Pride” alongside the holiday theatrical release of Mufasa: The Lion King at Disney.com/MufasaProtectThePride because when we protect lions, we protect the circle of life.

For other ways to be a part of The Lion King legacy, fans are invited to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney Resort or their local Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited institution, watch the award winning The Lion King musical now playing on Broadway and on tour across North America, or prepare for Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters by streaming lion-inspired titles on Disney+.

About Mufasa: The Lion King

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending liveaction filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.