Cecil the Lion's Legacy Lives On: Beanie Baby Donations Pour in for Wildlife Conservation

Strategic Insights -

The outpouring of support for the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) following the death of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe has been unprecedented, with over £550,000 in donations made in just a few weeks. Ty Inc., the manufacturer of the Beanie Baby, has announced that a special Cecil the Lion Beanie Baby will be released next month, with 100% of the proceeds going to WildCRU. The charity is using the funds to extend their research on big cat conservation beyond Zimbabwe, with plans to work on conservation projects in surrounding countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over £550,000 in donations have been made to WildCRU since the death of Cecil the lion, exceeding the charity's initial £500,000 target.
  • Ty Inc. has created a special Cecil the Lion Beanie Baby, priced at $5.99, with 100% of the proceeds going to WildCRU.
  • American philanthropist Tom Kaplan and his wife Daphne agreed to match donations, helping the charity reach its target.
  • WildCRU will use the funds to extend their research on big cat conservation beyond Zimbabwe, with plans to work on conservation projects in surrounding countries.
  • The charity's director, Prof David Macdonald, has pledged to devote the team to working for the conservation of lions following the public's "incredible generosity".

Statistics:

  • Over £550,000 has been donated to WildCRU since the death of Cecil the lion.
  • The charity's initial fundraising target was £500,000.
  • 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Cecil the Lion Beanie Baby will go to WildCRU.
  • The Beanie Baby will be priced at $5.99.

Sources:

  • WildCRU's director, Prof David Macdonald, said: "We will devote ourselves, supported by the incredible generosity of these donations, to working for the conservation of lions in Hwange and, with this marvellous support, the surrounding landscapes in adjoining countries." (Source: The Telegraph, 20 July 2015)
  • American philanthropist Tom Kaplan said: "Daphne and I are thrilled that the match has been achieved, and are grateful to all who have given to WildCRU's appeal." (Source: The Telegraph, 20 July 2015)
  • The Telegraph, 20 July 2015 - "Cecil the lion: £500,000 raised for conservation since death in Zimbabwe"