Wild Republic Links Launch of Irwin Product with Earth Day

Twinsburg, OH - Steve Irwin is remembered as a Wildlife Warrior, who dedicated his life to bringing a love of wildlife and enthusiasm for environmental conservation to people throughout the world. Now, as Wild Republic, the nature toy brand of K&M International, Inc. prepares to launch its Steve Irwin Wildlife Adventure Series of products, the company announced that most of its new line of products should be available just in time for Earth Day 2007.

Arriving in stores this month and throughout May, many U.S. retailers will have the Wild Republic product in time for the nation’s celebration and festivities for Earth Day on April 22nd. For a list of stores, Wild Republic offers access by clicking on the Steve Irwin link on the company website at www.wildrepublic.com

In February, Wild Republic presented its special line of play items based on Steve Irwin at the 2007 International Toy Fair. Wild Republic, a global brand which has been successfully marketing Australia Zoo product in Australia and other markets internationally for nearly two years, offers the new toys to the U.S. market as part of the international company’s agreement with Australia Zoo to continue Irwin’s passion and noble pursuit for nature conservation and education. As part of the agreement, royalties received will go directly to endangered species programs, including Wildlife Warriors, an organization founded by Steve Irwin (http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au) Wild Republic was the suitable partner for Australia Zoo and the Steve Irwin product line. The company is known as the preeminent brand of action-driven, nature-themed toys designed to educate children about the wonders of the wild through creative play, Wes Mannion, Director of Australia Zoo said, “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.”

Kim Hammeren, Director of Marketing, Special Projects for K&M, said, “Steve was able to bring so much awareness and excitement to wildlife conservation and environmental causes. It is great that we have been able to have the products ready for the market for Earth Day.”

Steve Irwin 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.”

The Steve Irwin Wildlife Adventure Series consists of 35 different items, including the interactive talking action figure, plush, and playsets. The product line join Wild Republic’s other 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 consumer website is located at www.wildrepublic.com

For more information about Earth Day 2007; ways to participate in activities; and events that may be taking place in your area, visit www.earthday.org
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