Polar Bears International honors the life of Wallis Annenberg, whose extraordinary generosity shaped the work of PBI and strengthened countless organizations. Ms. Annenberg passed away at the age of 86 on July 28, 2025.
With a lifelong career in media, she understood the power of storytelling to educate and inspire future conservationists. Through the Annenberg Foundation, she championed journalism, the arts and public outreach, investing in efforts that connect people to wildlife and the natural world. Her bold imagination also supported landmark conservation projects such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
Since 2011, the Annenberg Foundation has donated nearly $3 million to Polar Bears International — enabling us to inspire millions of people through our live polar bear cams, Tundra Connections webcasts for schools and other communications that help bring the polar bear story to life.
We are profoundly grateful for Ms. Annenberg’s leadership and partnership. Her legacy of creative philanthropy will continue to inspire our mission and the work we do every day.
