PAWS was established to donate a portion of proceeds from the sales of Stanley the Bear, the cruise line’s recently introduced plush bear, to local causes and charities that support nature, animals and wildlife.
'Our support of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center furthers our commitment to nature and wildlife in the places we visit, as well as offers a much-desired authentic Alaska experience to our guests,' said Ralph Samuels, VP public affairs, Princess Cruises.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center plans to use the donation to fund an enhanced bear-viewing and sitting areas on the property and a new family interactive space. In addition, the center will be providing Princess bear-related items, such as paw prints to be used in the line’s Camp Discovery youth centers.
'We’re honored to be the first recipient of $25,000 from the Princess Animal Welfare Sponsor and applaud the cruise line for supporting our sanctuary, dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, education and quality animal care,' said center board member Karen Cowart said.
Named in a Facebook contest that generated nearly 9,000 entries, Stanley was chosen in honor of the founder of Princess Cruises, Stanley B. McDonald. Debuting in May for the Alaska cruise season, Stanley the Bear interacts with travelers through various entertainment and enrichment opportunities and is available for purchase on board and in the Princess Wilderness Lodges in Alaska for $24.95.
Princess donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this bear to support PAWS, an allocated fund within Princess Cruises Community Foundation.
