In celebration of the release of Disney’s The Lion King, the upcoming groundbreaking feature film helmed by Jon Favreau in cinemas 17 July, Disney is proud to announce a global conservation campaign to raise awareness and support the dwindling lion population across Africa.

Since Disney’s The Lion King was first released in cinemas 25 years ago, half of Africa’s lions have disappeared. Lions face rising threats, such as destruction of habitats, loss of prey, and poaching. However, research shows the lion population can recover.

Disney has already donated more than $1.5 million to The Wildlife Conservation Network's Lion Recovery Fund and its partners and will make additional grants as well as invite fans to help double the donation for a total contribution of up to $3 million.