Wild animals in need around the world – from Antarctic penguins to sea turtles' hatchlings on Florida's beaches – will benefit from more than $1.2m in grants awarded this year by the non-profit SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Ninety-three wildlife research, habitat protection, animal rescue and conservation education projects will receive the grants.

These grants will support researchers studying migration movements of Antarctic penguin species, provide safer passage for turtle hatchlings making their way from the nest to the water, and help monitor the long-term health of dolphins in one of Florida's vital eco-systems.

Since its inception 10 years ago, the fund has given more than $10m in grants to protect wildlife and wild places.

Additionally, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens provide direct support to the fund by placing zoological staff into the field to work alongside researchers on projects supported by the fund.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment provides all administrative and development costs as well as staffing and infrastructure. Because of this, 100 per cent of donations go to on-the-ground wildlife conservation efforts.

Just a few of the wildlife projects and organisations the funds will help include: tracking penguin migrations, a sea turtle lighting project and the long-term monitoring of dolphins.

"No animal is immune to the threats that face wildlife today," said Brad Andrews, president and executive director of the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and chief zoological officer for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

"The on-the-ground work from researchers, animal rehabilitators and educators is vital to help our planet's animal inhabitants not only survive, but thrive."