Ferny™, the New Zealand exclusive bear to be released by Ty New Zealand on the 22nd February, is set to send collectors into a frenzy of excitement. Already retailers around New Zealand have been inundated with calls and emails from collectors wanting to buy the $NZ17.95 bear.

Ferny™, aptly named, as the New Zealand national emblem the Silver Fern is featured on its left chest, will be released in limited numbers making it highly desirable by collectors around the world, all keen to add value to their collections. Ferny™ is being released as part of an Asia-Pacific Exclusive Flower Collection, which includes a set of six country exclusive bears. The other five countries being released include Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

It is estimated that Ferny™ could reach an asking price of hundreds of dollars by the time a collector walks out the door. Already Internet auction site www.ebay.com.au has bids for Ferny™ $US 50 and bids for the set of six $US 305.

Celebrating its birthday on 6 February, Ferny™ is a must have for all New Zealanders eager to express a sense of national pride.

To make it easier for the collectors in each of the countries involved to collect the entire Asia-Pacific Flower Collection, Ty will make available very limited numbers of the other exclusive bears in the initial release so they can buy in sets.

Ferny™ is available from selected toy and gift stores nationally.

For more information on the country exclusives being released, visit www.beaniebabies.co.nz