Family Films Celebrating Endangered Animals

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a couple who raise a lion cub and then release it back into the wild, emphasizing the importance of conservation and the natural habitat of animals.

Fact: The film inspired a book, a TV series, and even a song that became a hit.

Description: This Disney tale about the friendship between a fox and a hound subtly addresses themes of coexistence and the impact of human intervention on wildlife.

Fact: It was the last film to have the personal involvement of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men," the core group of animators who worked closely with Disney.

Description: This French film follows a bear cub's journey to reunite with his mother, highlighting the beauty of nature and the challenges animals face in the wild.

Fact: The film was shot in the Canadian Rockies and used real bears, trained to perform specific actions for the camera.

Description: A young boy befriends a captive orca, leading to an adventure to free the whale back into the wild. This film raises awareness about the plight of captive marine animals and the importance of their freedom.

Fact: The film's success led to three sequels and inspired real-life efforts to release captive whales into the wild.

Description: Mumble, an emperor penguin with a unique talent for tap dancing, faces challenges in a world where his kind is threatened by overfishing. The film's message about the impact of human activity on wildlife is clear and compelling.

Fact: The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, and it won for Best Original Song for "Happy Feet."

Description: A group of zoo animals embark on an adventure to find a missing lion cub, inadvertently learning about the wild and the importance of their natural habitats.

Fact: The film features the voice talents of Kiefer Sutherland, who also voiced the character in the video game adaptation.

Description: This documentary captures the annual journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica, showcasing their struggle for survival in a harsh environment, highlighting the effects of climate change on their habitat.

Fact: It was the second highest-grossing documentary of all time in the United States, and it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Inspired by true events, this film tells the story of a dolphin named Winter who loses her tail and learns to swim with a prosthetic one, showcasing human efforts in wildlife rehabilitation.

Fact: Winter, the real dolphin, became an ambassador for people with disabilities, inspiring many with her story.

Description: While not directly about endangered animals, this live-action adaptation explores the relationship between humans and wildlife, with Mowgli's journey highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Fact: The film was shot entirely in a studio, with all the animals and environments created through CGI, making it a technological marvel.

Description: This Disney classic follows Simba, a lion cub who must reclaim his throne from his uncle Scar. It subtly introduces themes of environmental impact and the circle of life, making it a poignant choice for this collection.

Fact: The film was the first animated feature to be an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival. It also inspired a Broadway musical that has become one of the longest-running shows in history.