SAN DIEGO — Animals in need and endangered species around the world will benefit from more than $1 million in grants recently awarded by the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Since its creation seven years ago, the fund has granted more than $7 million to protect wildlife and wild places.

The fund’s board of directors approved grants to 95 projects, including several projects in California, including the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. The organization is the only nonprofit organization in San Diego that rescues turtles and tortoises of any species. It also provides medical care, foster care and permanent home placements. The Fund’s support will help with medical care requirements of the California Desert Tortoise and education of the public concerning the proper care of the tortoise as well as how to help protect species native to California.

Other grants were awarded to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Ocean Connectors. For more information visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org.