FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Lora LaMarca
Office phone: 415.753.7081
Paul Garcia
Office Phone 415.753.7174
Cell Phone: 415.488.7581
(San Francisco, California/April 3, 2007)
- Today the San Francisco Zoo and Ty Inc. (Ty) have announced
the launch of an exclusive edition Ty Beanie Baby® of the
Bay Area’s first-ever captive California grizzly bear - Monarch.
The Zoo’s inaugural Ty Beanie Baby® celebrates the male
grizzly bear who served as the foundation for the San Francisco
Zoo in the early 1900s, despite never setting a paw in the Zoo’s
current location.
Monarch Beanie Babies, which go on pre-sale beginning April 6,
can be purchased only through the San Francisco Zoo’s Web
site at www.sfzoo.org for $7.99 (does not include sales tax or
shipping and handling). The famous Ty Beanie Baby® hang tag
will feature Monarch’s birth date, a replica of the California
state flag and the San Francisco Zoo’s logo, as well as the
signature Beanie Baby poem. Monarch Beanie Babies will be available
for purchase at the Zoo’s Wildlife Connection gift shop in
May.
Known to be California’s last living grizzly, Monarch became
an important symbol of the state’s evolving relationship
with vanishing wildlife. Monarch, named after the old San Francisco
Examiner, the "Monarch of the Dailies," lived more than
20 years in captivity – first in Woodward’s Garden in
the Mission District, then in the city’s first official zoo
at Golden Gate Park. His presence inspired Herbert Fleishhacker
to pursue the dream of a San Francisco Zoo. Tipping the scales
at more than 1,000 pounds, Monarch became a figure of strength
and rejuvenation when he survived the great 1906 earthquake and
fire.
Though he died in 1911, Monarch delighted thousands of visitors,
sired two cubs and his mount was sketched as the modern-day emblem
on the California state flag, so his spirit goes on to represent
the city’s commitment to sharing space with vanishing wildlife.
Monarch TY Beanie Baby/2-2-2
"The San Francisco Zoo is excited about the opportunity to
connect families with one of the most famous grizzly bears and
California’s prominent symbol through our alliance with Ty,"
said Manuel Mollinedo, executive director at the San Francisco
Zoo. "We look forward to sharing the tale of Monarch and
how his legacy continues on at the Zoo through our female grizzly
bears Kachina and Kiona and the opening of our newest exhibit
Grizzly Gulch on June 14."
Recognized as the California state mammal, the grizzly bear is
now extinct in the state. Between 1800 and 1975, the grizzly bear
population in the lower 48 states decreased from 50,000 to less
than 1,000. The decline can be attributed to human development,
livestock depredation control, commercial trapping and unregulated
hunting. The life span of a grizzly bear ranges from 20 –
30 years.
About TY
Founded in 1986 by Ty Warner, creator of the wildly popular Beanie
Babies®, Ty is the leader in plush toys. In addition to Beanie
Babies®, the company’s product line includes Ty Girlz™,
Bow Wow Beanies™, Pinkys™, Pluffies®, Ty Classic®,
Beanie Buddies® and Baby Ty®. The red Ty Heart Logo®,
recognized around the world, can be found on all Ty products available
at finer specialty gift retailers. Visit Ty online at http://www.ty.com
About San Francisco Zoo
Encompassing 100 acres, the historic San Francisco Zoo is Northern
California’s largest zoological park. In June, visitors will
journey to the rugged regions of North America to view the Zoo’s
female grizzly bears in a new expansive habitat -- Grizzly Gulch.
The 1-acre exhibit features a sunny meadow, pool, mountain stream
waterfall and underwater-viewing. Located on the Great Highway
between Skyline and Sloat Boulevards, across from the Pacific
Ocean, the Zoo is open daily, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For general
Zoo information visit the Web site at http://www.sfzoo.org
or call 415.753.7080.
