Blizzard's taking on ebola with this year's World of Warcraft charity pet

Today during the opening of the annual BlizzCon convention president and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment Mike Morhaime announced that a charity pet will be put on sale inside World of Warcraft this December to benefit the Red Cross.

"100 percent of the proceeds made this year will be donated to support the Red cross in Ebola relief efforts," Morhaime told the 25,000 assembled BlizzCon attendees from the conference's main stage. "It has been really rewarding to partner with you to assist worthy causes in the past and we're honored to continue the tradition this year."

The Ebola virus has recently become an international concern since it left its point of origin in West Africa. Many nations, including the United States, have made it a point of policy to enact controls and mitigation efforts to slow its spread. More than 160 American Red Cross delegates are deployed in West Africa, actively fighting the disease there on the ground with the help of more than 5,000 volunteers. The sales of the WoW pet will contribute to educating more than 39 million Africans, and help those already stricken.

Last year's pet, an Alterac Brew Pop, helped Blizzard raise $1 million for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Polygon will follow up with this story to find out more information on the pet, and determine exactly when it will go on sale.

Update: This year's pet will go on sale Dec. 3 through Dec. 31. Her name is Argil.

"This impossibly cute little creature will jump into your heart and nibble at your Blue Woolen Socks," reads the announcement from Blizzard. "She’s ready to help guide you through the savage lands of Draenor, climbing, swimming, and running wherever you go. Argi will be ready for a home this December, right in time for Winter Veil—just don’t get too upset if she chomps through the wrapping paper."

The full price of the pet, $10, will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist in Ebola relief efforts.