The Fund’s board of directors approved the 2010 grants to 95 wildlife protection projects including rescue and rehabilitation efforts of endangered manatees and sea turtles, protection of critical habitats such as the Florida Keys, studies of declining shark populations and education programs that inspire people to care for at-risk wildlife.

“The challenges and pressures facing wildlife and entire ecosystems are greater than ever,” said Brad Andrews, president and executive director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and chief zoological officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “We identify projects with the greatest potential to positively impact conservation so that every dollar we grant works as hard as possible to protect the animals.”

Just a few of the many projects and organizations supported in 2010 include:

Preserving the Florida KeysThe Florida Keys are known for sunshine and good times, but the area is also a vital ecological region suffering from environmental degradation. The Florida Keys Wildlife Rescue facility rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife and educates the public on the importance of keeping the environment safe and clean for present and future generations.

San Diego Turtle and Tortoise SocietyThe San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society is the only non-profit organization in San Diego that rescues turtles and tortoises of any species. They also provide medical care, foster care and permanent home placements. The Fund’s support will help with medical care requirements of the California Desert Tortoise and education of the public concerning the proper care of the tortoise as well as how to help protect species native to California.

Safe Guarding Sea Turtle Nesting SitesCameroon Sea Turtle Society is protecting newly identified green and leatherback turtle nesting sites along the Wole beach in the Republic of Cameroon. This is an important nesting ground for sea turtles threatened by ship building, toxic waste and egg poachers. The Society’s efforts include nesting site clean-ups, creating safe zones that would limit access and educating egg poachers in other income–generating trades.

Bald Eagle Rescue and RehabilitationFlorida supports one of the largest breeding populations of bald eagles in the continental United States. The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is the leading raptor rehabilitation facility in the region and works to protect bald eagles and their habitat through its rehabilitation program, nest monitoring program, and educational programs that reach more than 35,000 people annually.

Sand Tiger Shark Conservation Due to their unfortunate reputation as a “man-eater”, sharks are often not thought of when the public considers wildlife conservation. The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is currently doing a study on the decline of the sand tiger shark population along the east coast of the United States. This information will be integrated into the development of the Coastal Sharks Interstate Fishery Management Plan by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to further the conservation of this threatened species.

Conserving the West African ManateeIn Africa, the lack of basic knowledge about West African manatees has been a great hindrance to the long-term conservation of the species. The Wildlife Trust is working to create a unified network of African researchers in countries of the animal’s range to collect collaborative research on the endangered species.

Save the ElephantsThe Mobile Education and Monitoring Unit is a new project that will double the outreach and education capabilities of the Save the Elephants Education Program in Samburu, northern Kenya. The work being done there includes long-term elephant monitoring and conducting mammal census in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves.

For more information on the Fund, please visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org.

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photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove’s Mother’s Day Escape package is the perfect gift for a memorable Mother’s Day that includes something very “splashy” to show how much mom is appreciated — a “love note” delivered by an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

Located in the heart of Orlando, Discovery Cove provides a secluded, tropical retreat where families can enjoy extraordinary adventures through up-close encounters with exotic marine life and other animals. In the sparkling Tropical Reef, families can snorkel, swim and wade among thousands of tropical fish and hundreds of velvety rays. In the Explorer’s Aviary, guests can hand-feed more than 250 exotic birds. A winding river, sandy beaches and resort pool add to the paradise, but the highlight of Discovery Cove is the dolphin experience, where guests enjoy interacting with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins – for most, a dream come true. And for Moms, a dolphin delivers a personalized “love note” on a keepsake buoy for a fantastic finale.

In addition, this special Mother’s Day Escape package features Crabtree & Evelyn® La Source spa essentials gift basket, photo and frame, champagne and a private cabana, and is available April 26 through May 9, 2010 for $329. Package prices are in addition to park admission and require the purchase of at least one dolphin-swim, which start at $199 per person, plus tax.

With approximately 1,000 guests per day, guests can enjoy the all-inclusive benefits of a light continental breakfast, freshly-prepared lunch, as well as snacks and beverages throughout the day. Other park amenities include complimentary snorkel gear, towels, lockers and parking, as well as a 14-day, unlimited-use pass to SeaWorld or Aquatica in Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

For those looking to “wow” Mom this Mother’s Day, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call
1-877-434-7268 to make a reservation.

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