Dawn® Expands 40-Year Commitment to Wildlife Rescue with $1 Million Donation and New Documentary Series Featuring Rob Lowe

Dawn Saves Wildlife premieres “The Big Picture” documentary series to spotlight everyday rescue efforts of long-standing wildlife partners and volunteers

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Procter & Gamble's Dawn dishwashing brand expands its more than 40-year commitment to help save and protect wildlife with a $1 million donation to its wildlife partners and the premiere of “The Big Picture” documentary series, narrated by Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominee, best-selling author and Dawn Saves Wildlife advocate Rob Lowe. The documentary series highlights Dawn's wildlife partners, International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center, offering inside looks at the difficult journeys of animal patients and how rescuers and volunteers advance wildlife conservation each day.

The 7-webisode documentary series spotlights stories of animal patients rescued by Dawn's wildlife partners, including a newborn seal pup abandoned by his family after unwanted human interaction, and an ailing pelican contaminated by boating oil. The first webisode of the series premieres today on www.DawnSavesWildlife.com, with subsequent webisodes to be released online through September.

“As an avid surfer, I am at home in the water, and the well-being of our marine wildlife and environment resonates very deeply with me,” said Lowe. “I am honored to be a part of Dawn Saves Wildlife and ‘The Big Picture' documentary series to tell the story that connects us all, from the selfless volunteers at the frontlines of the coastlines to the everyday wildlife champions helping with little changes in their own communities.”

Lowe's passion for wildlife began at a young age with a generous act. At 15, he won The $10,000 Pyramid game show, and then donated all of his winnings to the Cleveland Amory Fund for Animals.

More than 40 years ago, wildlife rescuers discovered Dawn was the only product tough enough to safely cut through grease while remaining delicate on animals' feathers and fur. Over the years, Dawn has worked with International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center to help rehabilitate thousands of animals every year through monetary and product donations.

“Not only do large-scale events and major oil spills affect the health of marine wildlife, our everyday actions also impact the bigger picture,” said Michelle Lohman, Dawn communications manager. “With this documentary, we aim to educate viewers and we're proud to underscore the amazing, everyday contributions of our wildlife partners, International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center.”

Following each webisode, viewers can become part of the bigger picture by sending e-thank you cards to the rescue volunteers who take on this wildlife mission everyday. For more information, join the movement of Dawn's Everyday Wildlife Champions at Facebook.com/DawnSavesWildlife and follow the series on Twitter at @DawnDish.