Wild Republic plans Steve Irwin toy launch
By Staff
Playthings -- 12/21/2006 9:38:00 AM

NEW YORK—Wild Republic, the nature toy brand of Twinsburg, Ohio-based K&M International, has partnered with the Australia Zoo and the family of Steve Irwin, also know as the Crocodile Hunter, to create a special line of toys and collector items that will debut in the U.S. at February's American International Toy Fair in New York.

Irwin, an Australian conservationist and popular television personality, was killed suddenly on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray spine while snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.

"The world was deeply saddened by Steve’s passing, but in his brief 44 years he was able to bring so much awareness and excitement to wildlife conservation and environmental causes," says Kim Hammeren, director of marketing and sales for K&M. "With the Irwin family, the Australia Zoo, and Steve’s personal friends, 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."

Part of the Wild Republic product line will be centered on Bindi Irwin, 8, the eldest daughter in the family. Bindi has completed a new children’s exercise and fitness DVD and began filming a new series for Discovery Channel this summer before her father’s death. The new series is slated to begin broadcast in March on Animal Planet.

"Steve’s beliefs and goals have inspired us to create an amazing line of products in museum quality collectables yet practical designs that capture and embody the essence of Steve Irwin’s world and vision," Hammeren adds. "Our line will feature approximately 39 different products, including various sized plush, action figures and playsets. You will even hear the actual voice of Steve Irwin on some of the product, recorded exclusively for the collectable line." Wild Republic has already been marketing Steve Irwin products in Australia and a few other international markets for several years.

Throughout the week at Toy Fair, the Wild Republic exhibit booth in the Javits Center will feature several events, including photo opportunities and guest appearances by Brian and Kate Coulter. Kate and Briano, as he is known to fans of The Crocodile Hunter documentaries, are key members of Steve Irwin’s 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 Queensland, Vanuatu, Mexico, the U.S., East Timor and Singapore.