Spark Their Love for Wildlife, Symbolically Adopt an Animal
Whether the child in your life is already head over heels for animals or you are hoping to spark their interest in wildlife, symbolically adopting one of Defenders of Wildlife’s animal adoption kits is a great way to go beyond just purchasing a stuffed animal and onto making a real difference for wildlife. The proceeds from your symbolic adoption supports wildlife conservation throughout America and will help fund Defenders’ wildlife and habitat protection efforts including education, coexistence resources and grassroots advocacy efforts.
Not sure which animal will be a best friend to you and your family? Look at our 12 animal toys you can adopt today, learn about the real animals they’re based on and what’s included with your adoption kit.
Wolf Size Love
Meet Tala the Wolf
The size of a gray wolf is 26 to 32 inches from paws to shoulder, which is about the same height as a full-grown Great Pyrenees. Don’t worry, Tala the wolf plush only measures about 9 inches from paws to ear tips!
Tala is a gray wolf from the Northern Rocky Mountains. Wolves are loyal pack animals and long-distance travelers, making Tala a reliable addition to your family at home and on the road.
Frosty Polar Bear Hugs
Meet Percy the Polar Bear
Polar bears live exclusively in the Arctic. A polar bear's thick fur keeps them warm in the frozen wilderness. You don’t have to invite the cold, wintry air into your home, however, when you adopt Percy the polar bear plush, but he will be sure to keep your little cub warm and happy.
Along with the cuddly Percy stuffed animal (or any animal you adopt through Defenders), you will also receive a Defenders of Wildlife activity that is sure to keep you and your child entertained during the coldest winter days.
Juvenile Bald Eagle for Your Chick
Meet Ellie the Eagle
Juvenile bald eagles, called eaglets, leave the nest at 6 months old and sport dark brown plumage and dark beaks. They will molt (or shed and regrow their feathers) every year until they reach adulthood around 5 years old and look like the majestic birds we know and love.
Ellie the plush bald eagle already has her adult colors, so you don’t have to fret about her shedding a feather. She is ready to soar and grow with the chick in your life.
You Otter Try New Things
Meet Sydney the Sea Otter
Sea otters are the last living otter in the genus Enhydra. They are part of this group because of their teeth which are adapted for eating hard-shelled marine creatures like mussels and snails.
Sydney the Sea Otter stuffed animal won’t bite but her love for seafood may encourage your kid to try new foods and learn about her ocean home.
Florida Panthers Score with Cat Lovers
Meet Cory the Florida Panther
Florida panthers are the only puma established east of the Mississippi. Pumas, also known as cougars and mountain lions, are native to the Americas.
For any child excited about cats, Cory the Florida Panther plush will make a great addition to your family – and no litterbox needed!
A Sea Turtle Bubbles Up the Excitement
Meet Georgie the Green Sea Turtle
Six types of sea turtles are found in North American waters. Sea turtles are found in all warm and temperate waters throughout the world and migrate hundreds of miles between nesting and feeding grounds.
If your little swimmer loves to play in the waves, you’ll want to bring Georgie the Green Sea Turtle stuffed animal home with you and learn all about the journey she made to her nesting grounds before becoming a member of your family.
Playtime is Best with a Black Footed Ferret
Meet Finley the Black-footed Ferret
Juvenile black footed ferrets, called kits, are very playful. They will arch their backs and then hop backward with their mouths open in a motion known as a “ferret dance.”
Finley the Black-footed Ferret plush is ready to dance, play and go on adventures with the spirited child in your life.
American Black Bear Cub for Your Cub
Meet Benny the Black Bear
Black bears are only found in North America. Black bear cubs remain with their mother for a year and a half or more.
Benny the Black Bear stuffed animal can remain and grow with your cub — er, child — for their lifetime when you symbolically adopt him. You’ll even get a Certificate of Adoption for Benny, or any animal you adopt through Defenders.
Bison vs Buffalo, a Great Plush by Any Name
Meet Bodie the Bison
The three most common animals that are referred to as “buffalo” are Cape buffalo who live in Africa, water buffalo found in South Asia and the American bison or buffalo who live in North America. While the term buffalo is used by Native Nations for the American bison, most biologists and naturalists use the scientific term bison.
No matter what you call him, Bodie the Bison stuffed toy will be a special edition to your family and is sure to plow his way into your kid’s heart.
Hungry for a Toy Like No Otter
Meet Ollie the Otter
Otters have varying diets depending on where they live. River otters eat crayfishes, crabs, fish and frogs from the rivers and lakes they live by in Canada and the United States.
You don’t have to worry about your home smelling like fish when you symbolically adopt Ollie the plush toy otter. If your child is hungry for more animal facts, Ollie and all of Defenders’ adoption kits come with a fact sheet on the animal you adopted.
A Unique Animal Toy: The Hellbender
Meet Holston the Eastern Hellbender
Their names – Hellbender, snot otter or devil dog - may illicit a fearful or disgusting reaction, but these slimy giant salamanders are harmless. Hellbenders are the largest salamander in North America and secrete mucus through their skin when threatened.
Families looking for a unique addition to their family will love Holston the Eastern Hellbender stuffed animal. Best yet, he is perfect for hugs with his soft, plushy and not-so-slimy body!
Snuggle with a Snowy Owl
Meet Skylar the Snowy Owl
Snowy owls have dense, white feathering to help keep them warm through the Arctic’s year-round icy cold. Skylar the Snowy Owl stuffed animal is sure to keep your child warm and fly them to new, imaginative heights.
Like all of our adoptable animals, snowy owls and their home is in trouble. Your symbolic adoption of any one of these animals helps Defenders lead efforts to protect wildlife at risk of extinction right here in America and ensure they thrive for all kids and future generations to enjoy.
