Celebrity
The Legend of Tarzan Teams Up with Nonprofit Stop Ivory to End Poaching
Published
10 years agoon
NEW YORK, N.Y. (FNN NEWS) — Since the Victorian era in which The Legend of Tarzan unfolds, the overall population of elephant species in Africa dropped from 19 million to just 500,000, stresses a new PSA by nonprofit group Stop Ivory featuring the film’s stars, Alexander Skarsgard and Margot Robbie. The organization is raising the volume on the plight of endangered African elephants, a magnificent species hunted for their ivory.
In theaters today, the action adventure The Legend of Tarzan is joining the fight, as much of the movie’s backdrop was captured in Gabon, home to many endangered species, including the African forest elephant. The movie is receiving attention for the untapped beauty and diverse landscape of the Gabonese rainforest, home – and last hope – for roughly half of the world’s remaining 100,000 forest elephants.
In the new PSA, launched in partnership with Warner Bros., Skarsgard and Robbie, who play the film’s Tarzan and Jane, are raising awareness about the harsh truths of ivory poaching, revealing that, without immediate action, the remaining forest elephant population could be gone in a decade.
“We’re facing an immediate crisis as the population of forest elephants dwindles to a dangerous level due to the continued threat of poachers,” said Josh Ponte, a Director with Stop Ivory, who also served as the African technical advisor on the film. “Through this partnership, we are providing an international platform for Stop Ivory’s Elephant Protection Initiative, which seeks to stop the illegal trade of ivory.”
The recently announced partnership also aims to promote the successful conservation work being done in the African country of Gabon, where crews spent six weeks shooting scenes for the film – a first for Hollywood.
“Gabon was a founding member of the Elephant Protection Initiative, recognizing the important role the country’s landscape plays in the protection of the majestic forest elephant,” said Lee White Director of Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN). “Since its founding, ANPN has continued to support initiatives and enforce wildlife laws that will safeguard Gabon’s environment and wildlife.”
ANPN is comprised of 13 national parks that safeguard more than 5 million acres of forestry, helping to conserve the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of Gabon. ANPN employs 700 – including a wildlife police force known as ecogardes – tasked with overseeing protection of the national parks and its wildlife. Since 2010, Gabon’s ecogardes have arrested more than 6,000 individuals involved in the illegal trafficking of ivory and other natural resources.
For more information, please visit stopivory.org or connect to @Gabon_Nature on Twitter and @Gabon Nature on Facebook.
About Stop Ivory
Stop Ivory is an NGO registered in the UK and US committed to protecting elephants, stopping the ivory trade and securing a meaningful future for elephants and communities. Stop Ivory is the secretariat of the Elephant Protection Initiative. www.stopivory.org
About the Elephant Protection Initiative
The Elephant Protection Initiative leads African efforts to bring elephant range states, non-range states, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector partners and private citizens together to protect elephants and stop the illegal ivory trade. Gabon was a founding member. www.elephantprotectioninitiative.org
About Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN)
To learn more about the Gabonese Republic, please visit http://www.parcsgabon.org/
You may like
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
____________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
__________________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
FNN Newsletter
Trending
Central Florida News2 days agoNick Nesta Wins Apopka Mayor Runoff in Landslide, Defeats Christine Moore
Entertainment4 days agoOrlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase
Business4 days agoFlorida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025
Florida2 days agoDavid Jolly Campaign Tops $5 Million in Fundraising, Gains Momentum in Florida Governor’s Race
Central Florida News2 days agoMaribel Gomez Cordero, Rick Singh and Emily Bonilla File for Orange County Clerk of Courts Race
