Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced Wildlife Refuge, a new game playable on Facebook that immerses players in the heart of Africa as they set out on a mission to help build a refuge and care for exotic animals. In the game, players customize their own refuge as they discover new breeds and protect this habitat from poachers and other dangers that threaten their existence. Wildlife Refuge also offers players the opportunity to make a difference in real life as SOE will donate a percentage of the proceeds generated from the sale of select virtual items to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Cheetah Kids. SOE will contribute half of the proceeds spent by players on Station Cash to purchase a Cheetah Statue to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and half of the proceeds from Station Cash used by players to purchase a Baby Cheetah to Cheetah Kids.

"Wildlife Refuge has so much to offer by way of educating players about endangered animals, and we’re pleased to be able to translate that into real-life action by contributing to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Cheetah Kids," said John Smedley, president of SOE. "The Cheetah Conservation Fund is one of the world’s resources for protecting and ensuring a future for the cheetah, and Cheetah Kids helps educate and engage young people in understanding endangered species and their ecosystems using the cheetah as the educational ambassador. With these collaborations, we’re proud to contribute to causes while providing an engaging gaming experience."

Playable now on Facebook (http://apps.facebook.com/wildliferefuge), Wildlife Refuge takes players on exciting adventures as they complete quests to earn special rewards. From exploring new territory and building their refuge, to sharing their animal offspring with friends, Wildlife Refuge brings all the fun of operating one’s own wildlife sanctuary to Facebook.

Wildlife Refuge is a casual, social game based on a player’s need to increase their Ecosystem Rating. Ecosystem Ratings are based on building, decorating and securing the refuge, exploring the safari, interacting with neighboring refuges and tending to the animals. Players can compile collections, buy supplies and share achievements with friends in the game.