 |
 New
Plush Lines Ape the Color and Sounds of Wildlife
By Tish
Monaco
May 1, 2003
Wild
Republic Keeps It Real
Barn
Owl |
Over 25
years ago, Wild Republic was started by GB Billai out of a desire
to work with nature and education. He started by selling toys from
Asia out of the trunk of his car. Today, Wild Republic’s popular
Audubon Birds have achieved international success.
Using authentic field recordings from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology,
the company has created a science lesson in sounds—its plush
birds mimic their wild counterparts with uncanny perfection. The Barn
Owl has large brown wings and a face so realistic you’ll expect
the eyes to blink, and his “whoo-whoo” call is as eerie
as the real thing.
Birds
of State Plush |
Hitting
the shelves last fall, the Birds of Prey and Tropical
Birds lines have been steady sellers, with a tag on each
toy containing facts about the bird’s habitat and origins. "We
want to promote an awareness and respect and love for nature through
our toys," explained Manjit Dhillon, Marketing Manager for Wild
Republic. The company’s focus is on specialty and gift stores,
with prices ranging from $6.99 to $11.99 for the larger 11”
birds.
Bald
Eagle Plush |
Storeowners
report that the new birds are not roosting for long on their shelves
because consumers are eager to purchase stuffed animals with more
features. "Adults buy them, kids buy them,” said Debbie
Berman, owner of Debbie's Hallmark in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
“There's a lot of plush out there, but these are the most innovative
things since Beanies. They sit on a tree with leaves, and the display
is what attracts people. People come in and say, ‘What is this?’"
JellyFish |
"Kids
like stuffed animals that make noise these days," said Leisa
Shindoll, owner of Sunshine Toys and Hobbies of Jupiter, Florida."
Most of the ones that do are a smaller size, so it's good to be
able to offer that variety. "
The new breed of stuffed animals has even attracted a new audience
of collectors who have avidly welcomed the striking plush creations.
"It started out as a kids toy for education," said Dhillon,
"but it's adults who are collecting them, even calling to suggest
what they want next. Our new state bird line is expected to spur
even more collecting."
BACK
Writer's
Bio: Letitia Adrienne Monaco is a freelance writer and
producer based in Jupiter, Florida. Writing for national print and
television productions, her repertoire delves a range of subjects,
from travel, pets and healthcare to educational programming and
children's stories. Her independent series, Travel with Heritage,
aired nationally on the History Channel.
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