The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting species research, habitat protection, conservation education and animal rescue, recently made grants of more than $1.3 million to 112 environmental and research organizations worldwide. The Fund also pledged $85,000 in awards for schools and community groups honored in the annual SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards.

Among the recipients were two San Diego organizations: the Chula Vista Nature Center and the Zoological Society of San Diego, as well as six other California and Baja, Mexico organizations.

This year's grants represent a record one-year total for the Fund, launched four years ago by Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the family entertainment subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch. The foundation was created to supplement the already substantial donations made to environmental groups by BEC, Anheuser-Busch and the company's nine theme parks.

With the recent grants and pledges, the Fund has committed more than $3.5 million in support of organizations that share its mission to help animals in need, encourage environmental education, and to conserve wild life and wild places. Donations to the Fund come from BEC, its parks, Anheuser-Busch and the company's family of wholesalers, park visitors and the general public. Information and online donations can be made at www.swbg-conservationfund.org.

"We are very pleased to support so many worthy projects, individuals and organizations," said Fund President Virginia M. Busch. "While diverse in geography, species, and approach, these projects share a common trait - focus and passion at the community level. This is real-world conservation in action, and we're honored to help."

Since first opening its gates more than 40 years ago, SeaWorld San Diego has allowed visitors to experience an incredible array of wildlife while learning unforgettable lessons about the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation, animal care, education and research. "We hope that people come away from our park with not only memories of fun with their families, but also with an appreciation for wildlife and the world we share," said SeaWorld General Manager Andy Fichthorn.

SeaWorld supports the Conservation Fund in a number of ways, including offering special Conservation Fund merchandise for sale, with portions of the proceeds going to the Fund. Also, guests who take the Saving-A-Species Tour get to feed endangered sea turtles and touch real sharks, while at the same time making a contribution to wildlife projects around the world. For more information about merchandise, tours and making donations to the Fund, visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org.

California and Baja, Mexico organizations receiving grants in 2007:

Chula Vista Nature Center
"Light-footed Clapper Rails"; $10,000 (one of the most endangered coastal birds in California, SeaWorld San Diego already has history of significant support)

Zoological Society of San Diego
"Eagle Conservation Alliance"; $5,000 (an international eagle conservation initiative coordinated by the San Diego Zoo)

Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center of Huntington Beach
"Herons"; $5,000 (the Fund has granted $20,000 total to this project over three years)

Defenders of Wildlife
"Sea Otter Protection Program"; $5,000 (the Fund has granted $20,000 total to this project)

Chelonian Science Foundation
"Fresh Water Turtles"; $5,000 (protecting California's only freshwater turtle - Emys marmorata - in Ventura/Santa Barbara counties)

Lemanya Oceanica
"Shark Fishers' Network"; $15,000 (the Fund as granted $25,000 total to this project)

ProPeninsula
"Ocean Connectors: Connecting Youth for Conservation"; $6,320 (program linking 600 6th graders from San Diego & Mexico)

Oceanides
"Vaquitas"; $15,000 (Vaquita is one of the most endangered cetaceans in the world, endemic to Upper Gulf of California in Mexico)

A full list of the groups funded during this granting session is available online at www.swbg-conservationfund.org. Unlike most charities, all donations to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund reach the foundation's target organizations. Busch Entertainment Corporation, in addition to its cash donations, covers 100 percent of the Fund's administrative and development costs.

The SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards are given each year to school groups who plan and execute programs to improve the environment or enhance awareness of conservation issues. Since 1993, more than $1.5 million has been donated to schools and community groups in 35 states.

The mission of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is:

To work with purpose and passion on behalf of wildlife and habitats worldwide, encouraging sustainable solutions through support of species research, animal rescue and rehabilitation and conservation education.