Earth Month at Disney: Where Conservation, Science and Storytelling Meet | S3E8
ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY
In this episode of the Life at Disney podcast, we’re celebrating Earth Month and exploring how conservation, science and storytelling come together to inspire care for our planet through entertainment, experiences and real‑world impact.
MEET OUR GUESTS
Janet, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, National Geographic
Over the past 26 years, Janet has worn many hats at National Geographic, giving her a wide-ranging perspective on both creativity and strategy. What’s been consistent throughout is her passion for crafting distinctive, purpose‑driven stories that truly reflect the heart of the brand. As part of the Disney ecosystem, National Geographic is in a unique position to combine trusted authority with global reach and emotionally rich storytelling; creating content that informs, inspires and connects with audiences in ways that feel both meaningful and entertaining.
“Science is at the heart of everything we do and is what makes National Geographic truly distinctive. It grounds our storytelling in credibility while allowing us to bring audiences closer to discovery.”
Dr. Mark, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment
Dr. Mark’s career journey began in South Africa, where he worked as a veterinarian and collaborated with Disney teams on wildlife conservation efforts. Fourteen years into his Disney career, he continues to protect wildlife, care for animals and help create memorable guest experiences in his role leading Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.
“Our team of passionate veterinarians, nutritionists, animal keepers and scientists not only deliver the absolute highest care to the animals that call Walt Disney World home, but they take that knowledge out into the world, spanning the globe with a mission to enhance the world’s understanding of protecting, conserving and enhancing natural resources and wildlife for future generations.”
Purpose-Driven Storytelling at Scale with National Geographic
Working on creating the series “Secrets of the Whales” was a pivotal moment in Janet’s career, and the inspiration for the latest installment in this documentary series came from her very own backyard. When Janet noticed the absence of bees in her home garden, she set out to find out why and became a passionate advocate for the bees. Now with over ten years of experience as a beekeeper, she wanted to inspire others with “Secrets of the Bees.”
“To be able to make a film that showcases insects in such a positive and beautiful way is exactly what I wanted,” said Janet. “I want people to not be afraid of them. I want people to not overlook them. This film will make that wish happen. By combining beauty, intimacy, and science, we’re able to shift perception - from something people might overlook or fear to something they appreciate and value.”
National Geographic has a distinct approach where science drives the story and the storytelling elevates the science, inviting audiences to understand something they’ve never experienced or known.
“We can tell stories across television, digital, social and print in a way that no other brand can. That allows us to meet audiences wherever they are, deepen their connection to the natural world, and extend the impact of our storytelling well beyond a single platform.“
Turning Wonder into Impact with Immersive Experiences at Disney
Throughout the 28 years of history at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney has made significant contributions to the preservation and wellbeing of animals not only at the theme park, but also around the globe. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is committed to implementing and supporting cutting-edge science and technology that promotes conservation and improves animal welfare, by sharing the discoveries and knowledge with guests, cast and the professional community. Dr. Mark’s teams at Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment have been able to support scientific research that continues for many years, underlining Disney’s sustained and long-term efforts that advance fields of study.
“When guests visit the park, they are surrounded by glimpses of all this hard work like the beehive fence in the end scene of Kilimanjaro Safaris (a nod to our work with the Elephants and Bees Project) or Bakso the young Sumatran tiger (a beacon of hope for his critically endangered species),” said Dr. Mark.
The mission at Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment is to “Lead, Care, Connect and Conserve” and the team believes through that commitment they can truly change the world.
“And we know we can, because we already have,” said Dr. Mark. “Over the past three decades, and with a lot of help from all of you and our guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has been able to grant more than $141 million to programs that have helped protect 1,000 species, across half the countries in the world, all five oceans, and every continent.”
Inspiring Care for Our Planet Beyond Earth Month
On Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates 28 years, but the legacy of what the park offers and the efforts of the cast members who work there extends far beyond a single day or month-long celebration.
“That legacy is more than a theme park with incredible animals; it’s more than remarkable shows and experiences that leave us with a sense of wonder,” said Dr. Mark. “Disney’s Animal Kingdom forever impacted everything we understood about the environment, animals and the world around us, and that legacy of celebrating and supporting the natural world will live on to impact generations and generations to follow.”
Similarly at National Geographic, Earth Month serves as a moment to show up in a meaningful way and highlight stories that inspire.
“It’s important that we deliver something that is both entertaining and informative while reinforcing the importance of caring for our planet,” said Janet. “It’s about continuing to connect audiences to the natural world showing how precious our earth is and as strong and wonderful as it is, we humans still need to do our part.
Like what you heard? Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast to hear from the storytellers, dreamers and doers who are building their careers and making an impact across The Walt Disney Company. Stream “Secrets of the Bees” on Disney+ and Hulu.
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