US attractions SeaWorld and Busch Gardens has awarded more than US$1m (£620,000) towards the conservation of endangered animal species around the world.

Funding will be distributed by the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which was established eight years ago and has already granted more than US$8m (£5m). The latest round of grants are to be shared by more than 100 projects across the world, such as a programme to reintroduce endangered cheetahs back to the African wild.

Brad Andrews, president and executive director of the fund, said: "From big cats to penguins, these species are in dire need of help. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens work to educate and inspire guests to care about the plight of these animals." Andrews is also chief zoological officer for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.