Conservation International entered into a three-year partnership with Kango on the TALES 4 TOMORROW (T4T) brand, which combines animal conservation with games for kids in an online virtual world.
The T4T toy line will be exclusively distributed by Fiesta to specialty and gift channels, and will include eco-friendly plush toys, trading cards and the interactive website www.tales4tomorrow.com. While online, kids will be able to help choose CI projects to save endangered species.As a key component to the T4T brand, each plush (MSRP: $19.99) and Fun Pack (MSRP: $4.99) comes with access to the T4T web site -- an online world that educates children about endangered animals, and what they need to thrive and survive. The web site uses games, videos, and virtual animal habitats to entertain, educate and empower children to help save endangered animals around the world.
The web site allows kids to select one of four Conservation International Endangered Species Programs to which 5% of the proceeds of their sale will be donated. Updates on each CI program will be posted on the website throughout the year so kids can see the impact they are making. Additionally, T4T strives to make the products in an environmentally conscious manner, with the outer coat of the plush toys made from soy and cotton, and product tags made from recycled paper.
The four projects that kids will choose to support through CI include:
The Big-Eyed Tree Frog One of the cutest, most prolific frog species, the big-eyed tree frog is a dynamic animal that will help raise the awareness of the conservation importance of this group and its habitat within the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.
Maintaining and Restoring Tiger and Rhino Habitat India's North Bank landscape is a vast area peppered with protected parks that harbor a host of animals and plants, including tigers and rhinos. The small size of some reserves means that animals must move between the protected areas, in search of food and water. This project will help maintain and restore important habitat linkages and promote practices that favor conservation.
International Tiger Coalition The International Tiger Coalition (ITC) is an alliance of 39 non-governmental organizations (millions of people) united under the common aim of stopping trade in tiger parts and products from all sources in order to secure a long-term future for wild tigers.
Panda Guardians The epicenter of the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake was in Wenchuan County, China, located at the eastern edge of the mountains in a biodiversity hotspot -- a region where many endangered animals such as the giant panda and golden monkey live. CI is working with local partners and scientists to jumpstart a long-term project designed to help the local communities, wildlife, and natural ecosystems recover from this natural disaster.
Aside from the four projects, CI will advise the T4T team to ensure the animals and content represented in the product line are scientifically accurate, including the various activities included in the T4T website. The activities include games, videos, sending Tale Mail to friendsand creating lush habitats where animal friends can live.
T4T Plush and Fun Packs will be available in the first quarter of 2009 at toy and gift retailers as well as zoos, aquariums, and gift stores through Fiesta.
