CONTACT: Elaine Kollias

Folkmanis, Inc.

800-654-8922

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOLKMANIS CELEBRATES NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE

WITH NEW FINGER PUPPET COLLECTION

(EMERYVILLE, CA—August 1, 2003)  In celebration of the diverse animal wildlife that make their homes in North American parks and wilderness, FOLKMANIS^® PUPPETS—the world’s leading puppet maker—introduces nine new animal finger puppets as wild and entertaining as their real-life counterparts.  Debuting this season are the miniature BLACK BEAR, BALD EAGLE, FOX, MOUNTAIN GOAT, BARN OWL, PORCUPINE, RACCOON, SKUNK and SQUIRREL.

“Our National parks have been receiving visitors in record numbers,” says Judy Folkmanis, co-founder and creative director.  “By introducing these wildlife finger puppets, we’re responding to people’s renewed interest in our national wildlife.  With their super-low price point, they’re sure to fly out of the stores.  Plus, finger puppets are fun and easy to work for all age and skill levels.  Everybody can enjoy them.”

Not limited to National parks, three animals you might also see in a municipal park, or even your backyard, are represented by the mischievous MINI RACCOON, the dramatic MINI SKUNK, and the bushy-tailed, gray MINI SQUIRREL.  These finger puppets average 7” in length and have a suggested retail price of $6.

Go on a nature walk in the forest or the mountains and you might see real life versions of the MINI BLACK BEAR, prowling on all fours, the MINI MOUNTAIN GOAT, with white fur and black horns, the prickly-backed MINI PORCUPINE, or the slinky MINI FOX.  These finger puppets average 6” in length and have a suggested retail price of $6.

Bird watchers will especially appreciate these finger puppet versions of their favorite raptors:  perched majestically is the MINI EAGLE, and haunting the night is the heart-shaped face of the MINI BARN OWL.  These finger puppets average 4 ½ “ tall and have a suggested retail price of $6.

The wildlife finger puppet collection is recommended for ages 2 and up.  Most Folkmanis^® Puppets are recommended for ages 3 and up and are available at specialty toy and gift stores, including: FAO Schwarz, science/nature museums, zoo and aquarium gift shops, thousands of independent toy and gift stores, and specialty retailers nationwide and in over 15 countries around the world. BABY FOLKMANIS^® puppets are appropriate for all ages, birth and up.  You can also find Folkmanis^® Puppets online at Amazon.com.  For more information call Elaine Kollias at 800.654-8922 or go to www.folkmanis.com.