Here is an email notice from IFAW that was in my INBOX this morning:
Dear Betsy, 

I've seen a sneak preview of Disneynature's new film "African Cats" and I have to tell you, it is simply amazing.Here's the trailer.

On the heels of their record-breaking documentaries "Earth" and "Oceans", Disneynature will premiere "African Cats" this Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

The film, of course, has Disneynature's trademark breathtaking cinematography. The sweeping landscape and endless horizon of the African Savanna is truly captivating, and the way the film captures the sharpest details really makes you feel like you're there. 

And Disney has enlisted a narrator worthy of the film's incredible story and vision, Academy Award nominee Samuel L. Jackson.

But what really makes this film so special is the deep emotional connection you'll feel for the cat families.

The true story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother's strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion. You'll be amazed by their determination, laugh at their misadventures, and feel the love that deeply bonds their families together.

A Shared Commitment to Protecting Large Cats and their Habitat

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has long supported IFAW and our Emergency Relief team, helping us rescue thousands of endangered penguins threatened by an oil spill in 2000, and supporting IFAW's emergency responses to the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the Asian tsunami, and other lifesaving missions and projects.

And just like Earth Day 2010, when Disneynature's "Oceans" coincided perfectly with IFAW's successful campaign to defeat a deadly proposal to legalize whaling, "African Cats" comes at a critical time for large cats, especially lions.

Over the past two decades, the number of African lions has declined by nearly 50%. Today, there are fewer than 40,000 African lions remaining.

IFAW and a coalition of animal welfare groups have petitioned the United States, by far the largest importer of lion "trophies," to list African lions as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

By making the plight of these cat families so personal, Disney has succeeded in creating an emotional side to this issue that can't be ignored - you can't watch this film and not want to help Africa's majestic kings of the savanna.

See "African Cats", Save the Savanna

During the film's opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to ensure the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African Savanna.

So treat yourself to this incredible film, while helping protect the very habitat the cats depend upon. Order your tickets today by calling 1-888-DISNEY6 or visiting www.disney.com/africancats.

See you at the movies! 

Fred O'Regan
IFAW President

PS. There will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the African lion listing petition before the US government makes a final decision. Please watch for an alert from IFAW and help us win this victory for lions!