Discover Earth Keeperz:

Eco-Friendly Plush Animals That Spark Curiosity and Protect the Planet

January 30, 2025

The Petting Zoo, an American-owned leader in plush stuffed animals, proudly introduces Earth Keeperz, a captivating new line of eco-friendly plush animals. Designed to awaken a love for nature and inspire curiosity, Earth Keeperz combines realistic artistry, sustainable materials, and educational value—creating toys that are as meaningful as they are magical.

Crafted from recycled water bottles, each Earth Keeperz plush celebrates the beauty of wildlife while advancing a mission of sustainability. For retailers, Earth Keeperz offers a meaningful way to engage eco-conscious customers, showing that small, thoughtful choices can help protect the planet for generations to come

Eco-Friendly Inside and Out

Every Earth Keeperz plush is crafted with the planet in mind, using innovative materials and sustainable processes:

  • Soft, Silky Fabrics: Created from yarn spun from recycled water bottles, ensuring a smooth, huggable texture.
  • Huggable Fillings: Made with recycled fibers offering a comforting, eco-friendly touch.
  • Realistic Eyes: Custom-embroidered with recycled threads for lifelike precision.
  • Recycled Tags and Soy Ink: Even the packaging is designed to reduce environmental impact.
  • Eight Bottles per Plush: Each toy keeps eight plastic bottles out of landfills.

Sustainability is only part of the story—Earth Keeperz also sets a new standard for craftsmanship and lifelike artistry.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Artistic Detail

What sets Earth Keeperz apart is the extraordinary attention to detail that brings each animal to life. Our team of dedicated artists studied the eyes of real animals from multiple angles to capture their lifelike essence. This painstaking process involved not only replicating the natural colors and textures of the eyes but also perfecting their placement, ensuring each plush toy exudes the authenticity and spirit of its real-world counterpart.

“Eyes are the window to the soul, even in plush,” says JoRoy Lizewski, VP of Product Development, “We knew the eyes would be a key feature that connects children to the magic of wildlife. Every detail—from the elephant’s wise gaze to the red panda’s playful sparkle—was designed to inspire wonder.”

Each Earth Keeperz plush combines lifelike poses, ultra-soft textures, and naturalistic charm. The collection spans a wide range of habitats, including:

  • Ocean Marvels: Blue Spotted Stingrays, Sea Turtles, and Axolotls that bring the underwater world to life.
  • Wildlife Icons: Bobcats, White-Tailed Bucks, and Fawns with mesmerizing eyes and stunning realism.
  • Feathered Friends: Flamingos, Eagles, and Macaw Parrots that evoke grace, strength, and vibrant color.
  • Safari Favorites: Male and Female Orangutans, each with unique, lifelike expressions, and the strikingly patterned African Wild Dog.
  • Slithering Wonders: Rhino Vipers, Western Diamondbacks, and a variety of Boas and Pythons that highlight the striking beauty of these reptiles.

With over 130 animals to discover, Earth Keeperz invites retailers to explore a line as diverse and captivating as nature itself.

Available in two sizes, these plush animals invite exploration across habitats, from North American forests to tropical seas. Perfect for zoos, gift shops, aquariums, and specialty stores, Earth Keeperz toys inspire families to learn about and cherish the natural world.

A Mission of Sustainability and Connection

Behind every Earth Keeperz plush lies a story of craftsmanship and sustainability. The Petting Zoo saves over 15 million plastic bottles from landfills annually—one plush at a time. It takes eight bottles to create each Earth Keeper, and the innovative process transforms these bottles into ultra-soft yarns, proving that recycled doesn’t mean rough.

Discover the full Earth Keeperz collection and learn how it can elevate your product lineup at PettingZooPlush.com. Experience the magic firsthand at upcoming trade shows. For a full list of our show attendance, please visit PettingZooPlush.com.  

High-resolution images and product samples are available upon request.

About The Petting Zoo

For over 30 years, The Petting Zoo has been a trusted leader in plush innovation, creating high-quality toys that spark imagination, inspire learning, and connect families to the wonders of nature. Known for lifelike artistry, diverse designs, and a commitment to sustainability, The Petting Zoo offers plush collections that appeal to kids, collectors, and eco-conscious consumers alike. Beloved by families and trusted by zoos, aquariums, and specialty retailers worldwide, The Petting Zoo continues to deliver products that bring joy and meaning—while protecting the planet for future generations.