Wild Republic Launches Australia Zoo Steve Irwin Wildlife Adventure Series

New York, NY - Wild Republic, the nature toy brand of K&M International, today announced that the company will present a special line of toys and collector item series based on Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, at The 2007 International Toy Fair held in New York, February 11-14.

As a preeminent brand of action-driven, nature-themed toys designed to educate children about the wonders of the wild through creative play, Wild Republic feels suited to a partnership with Australia Zoo. This toy range has been 18 months in the making and all royalties received by Australia Zoo will go directly to it’s endangered species programs.

Wild Republic, a global brand, has been successfully marketing Australia Zoo product in Australia and a few other markets internationally for the past 18 months. Steve Irwin is remembered as a Wildlife Warrior, who dedicated his life to bringing a love of wildlife and enthusiasm for conservation to people throughout the world. Wild Republic will assist Australia Zoo, to continue Irwin’s passion and noble pursuit for nature conservation and education.

Wes Mannion, Director of Australia Zoo said, “We’re really excited about the launch of the new Australia Zoo product line, which will compliment our existing range of Australia Zoo Steve action figures and plush toy range. Steve had a gift and an amazing ability to inspire and educate children about conservation and wildlife. Through this range we hope to continue Steve’s mission by engaging and exciting children’s passion for wildlife and the environment. We’ve been working with Wild Republic for the past 18 months to develop this Australia Zoo product range and we’re proud to announce that all royalties received will go directly towards our endangered species programs”.

Kim Hammeren, Director of Marketing and Sales for K&M, said, “Steve was able to bring so much awareness and excitement to wildlife conservation and environmental causes. Wild Republic has always been about education through nature. With Australia Zoo, we are working to represent the excitement and passion that Steve brought to children’s education and environmental awareness through products that reflect that same fun and excitement.” Steve once said he considered conservation to be the most important part of his work: “I consider myself a wildlife warrior. My mission is to save the world’s endangered species.”

Throughout the week at Toy Fair, the Wild Republic exhibit booth in the Jacob Javits Convention Center will feature several events, including photo opportunities as well as guest appearances by Briano and Kate Coulter. Kate and Briano are key members of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide charity, and veterans of the Australia Zoo crew. Briano brings eleven years of experience as head of the Zoo’s Crocodile Department to his new dual roles as Divemaster on Croc One, Steve’s marine research vessel, and Animal Wrangler and Rescuer for the Australian Wildlife Hospital. His work with Steve over the last decade has included crocodile rescues and research in places as diverse as far north Queensland, Vanuatu, Mexico, the United States, East Timor and Singapore.

Hammeren said, “Our line will feature approximately 39 different products, including various sized plush, action figures and playsets, some of which have been sold in Australia Zoo’s retail outlets for the past year. You will even hear the actual voice of Steve Irwin on some of the product, recorded exclusively for the collectable line “
The products will be part of Wild Republic’s full display of other unique and successful toy lines, which include the famous Hanging Plush Monkeys, MagnaMorphs, Stretcheez, Cuddlekins, Blanket Pillow Buddies, Audubon Birds, Paws & Claws Domestic Animal toys, Know & Grow Development toys, Adventure Box Sets, wooden puzzles, wind-ups, wall walkers, and puppets, among other items.

Wild Republic, the nature toy brand of K&M International, Inc., is a preeminent brand of action-driven, nature-themed toys designed to spark a child's imagination and educate about the wonders of the wild through creative play. K&M International, Inc., headquartered in Twinsburg, Ohio, near Cleveland, is the leading provider of nature-themed toys to the specialty toy and gift markets. The brands' consumer Web site is located at www.wildrepublic.com
###