Little Tikes Joins Forces with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to Raise Awareness about Worldwide Threats to Sea Turtles

Date: April 4, 2011
Contacts: Susan Hale, MGA Entertainment, (818) 221-4326 , shale@mgae.com
David Godfrey, Sea Turtle Conservancy, (352) 373-6441, david@conserveturtles.org

The Sea Turtle Conservancy was founded fifty years ago to save sea turtles from imminent extinction through rigorous science-based conservation. The organization carries out worldwide programs to conserve and recover sea turtle populations through research, education, advocacy and protection of the natural habitats upon which they depend.

“Sea turtles are very important ecologically because they’re one of the few species that utilizes every aspect of the marine world,” said David Godfrey, Executive Director of The Sea Turtle Conservancy. “How turtles are doing tells us a lot about the general health of our planet, and especially the oceans. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the partnership with Little Tikes. They represent families and kids everywhere and are home to the most iconic sea turtle toy ever made!”

Little Tikes will work with The Sea Turtle Conservancy to shine light on imminent threats to sea turtles including climate change, marine pollution, marine debris, oil spills, and artificial beach lighting. Little Tikes will sponsor a turtle in the yearly “Tour de Turtles” race and will donate a portion of the proceeds from co-branded turtle merchandise to the Sea Turtle Conservancy .

“Little Tikes makes products that are safe and durable for kids, and we believe in making this a safe planet for Sea Turtles as well, said Rosanne Kubitsy, Senior Director of Marketing, Little Tikes. “We want to make sure that turtles grow to their adulthood age of 33 years — so celebrating our product’s 33rd anniversary gives parents the opportunity to educate their kids about sea turtles in a fun way!”

“Sea Turtles have had a hard time over the last few years and they need our help,” said Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment. “This partnership is a great way for Little Tikes to get involved and teach people about the marine environment and what they can do to help out. We are excited to have the opportunity to make a difference!”

For more information about Little Tikes partnership with The Sea Turtle Conservancy, visit: www.facebook.com/littletikes.

Watch a 2-minute ad announcing our partnership:

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About Little Tikes
The Little Tikes Company, founded in 1970, is a Hudson, Ohio-based multi-national manufacturer and marketer of durable, high quality and engaging children’s products. Since becoming a part of the MGA Entertainment family in November 2006, Little Tikes® has been taken to new heights through exciting product innovation and strategic marketing.

About The Sea Turtle Conservancy
The Sea Turtle Conservancy, formerly known as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization based in Florida with offices and projects in several other locations. The Sea Turtle Conservancy is the oldest and most accomplished sea turtle organization in the world. Since its founding in 1959, the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s work has greatly improved the survival outlook for several species of sea turtles. The Sea Turtle Conservancy has as its mission the protection of sea turtles and the habitats upon which they depend. To achieve its mission, the Sea Turtle Conservancy uses research, habitat protection, public education, community outreach, networking and advocacy as its basic tools. These tools are applied in both international and domestic programs focusing on geographic areas that are globally important to sea turtle survival. For more information, visit the STC website at www.conserveturtles.org or call (800) 678-7853.