Keeping Wonder Real in an Artificial World
September 17, 2026
Technology is changing the way all of us create and communicate. Generative AI is part of that change, offering exciting new possibilities for creativity.
At Zoologee, we believe the question isn't whether technology should be used. It's how we use it responsibly while staying true to who we are.
Our brand is inspired by something technology could never replace: the extraordinary animals and natural world around us.
Real Products. Real Stories. Real Wonder.
When you see a Zoologee plush, we want you to trust what you're seeing.
We believe real products, real wildlife, real places, and real experiences should be at the heart of our storytelling. Digital editing, animation, and other creative tools can help us bring those stories to life without replacing what makes them real.
We can photograph a real Zoologee Bigfoot, for example, place him into photographs from around Colorado, and animate his adventures. We're having fun with the story, but the product itself remains real.
Our Approach Is Evolving
Like many companies, we've experimented with generative AI as the technology has developed. We've created and shared AI-generated imagery and video, explored its creative possibilities, and learned along the way.
We've also learned more about the resources required to power generative AI and the growing environmental conversation surrounding the energy and water used by data centers.
That knowledge is influencing how we move forward.
It doesn't mean we'll never use generative AI. It means we want to be more intentional about when we use it.
If real photography, traditional design, animation, or editing can tell the story well, those will often be our first choice. When generative AI offers something creatively valuable that we couldn't reasonably accomplish another way, we can still choose to use it thoughtfully.
Making Thoughtful Choices
As a company inspired by animals and the natural world, we believe the environmental impact of emerging technology deserves our attention.
We don't pretend to have all the answers. But we can make thoughtful choices with the information we have.
If an existing photograph can be edited, perhaps we don't need to generate a new one.
If a real animal, landscape, product, or experience can tell the story, we'd rather start there.
And if we choose generative AI, we want there to be a reason for using it—not simply because we can.
Technology will continue to evolve, and so will we. But we want it to help us tell stories about the wonderful world around us—not replace the things that make those stories worth telling.
Because sometimes the most amazing thing we can show you isn't something generated at all.
It's already out there waiting to be discovered.
Real products. Real stories. Real wonder.
Zoologee — Where Wonders Await.
About Zoologee
For over 30 years, Zoologee has been a trusted leader in plush, creating high-quality products that celebrate wildlife, inspire curiosity, and connect people to the wonders of the natural world. Known for lifelike designs, innovative collections, and a commitment to more sustainable materials, Zoologee offers an extensive range of plush for all ages. Trusted by zoos, aquariums, museums, national parks, and specialty retailers, Zoologee continues to create products that bring animals closer, encourage discovery, and make a lasting connection with the people who love them.