Disney Aquatic Wildlife Experts Partner on Special Mission to Save Florida’s Coral Reefs
Not far from the picturesque beaches of Florida, the destiny of the state’s coral reefs is being shaped in Central Florida, just a short distance from the Walt Disney World Resort. Over the last four years, a dedicated team of aquatic wildlife specialists from Disney has collaborated with conservationists on a critical mission to rescue Florida’s coral reefs. These reefs are under threat from the fast-growing expansion of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), endangering 22 species of coral with extinction.
Related-Coral Reef Restoration Project Underway at Disney’s Castaway Cay
The Orlando-based Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC) is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to nurturing hundreds of corals most vulnerable to SCTLD. Experts have noted that the disease has escalated into quite a crisis, now affecting all of Florida’s coral reefs and spreading to other areas globally. The corals at FCRC are set to be a cornerstone in the forthcoming efforts to rejuvenate Florida’s coral reef ecosystem. The breeding program is focused on ensuring genetic diversity of offspring and will provide the as many as thousands of baby corals required to restore the reef.
Related-Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Donates $24,000 to Support Coral Reef Research
Disney is at the forefront as one of the accredited groups spearheading efforts and contributing funding to the facility while collaborating on coral conservation efforts with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Since its inauguration in 2020, the FCRC has played a pivotal role, offering a secure and controlled environment where over 500 coral colonies are afforded top-tier care by a team of scientific professionals.
Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment stated,“With the Florida coastline as home to Disney Cruise Line and part of our backyard, we know keeping coral reefs healthy is essential to the vitality of our coastline, underwater ecosystems, and our economy. Disney has long been a leader in coral conservation, particularly through our ongoing efforts in The Bahamas, and we are honored to support efforts to rescue and protect Florida’s coral reefs and work with others who share our passion so we can save nature together and make a difference.”
Disney Conservation is dedicated to saving wildlife and building a global community inspired to protect the magic of nature together. To learn more, visit www.disney.com/conservation.
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