Year: 2023

Five-year-old Frankie Padilla of Florida won the nationwide contest and enjoyed his one and only day on the “job” at the Walkabout Australia kangaroo habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Saturday, Oct. 21 where he also learned about kangaroo conservation. When ‘Doo’ty Calls: Five-year-old Frankie Padilla embarks on his first (and only) day on the “job” as a Kangaroo Cleanup Crewmember at the Walkabout Australia kangaroo habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Frankie’s affinity for kangaroos won him the top spot in a national contest hosted by Moose Games to mark the release of its newest family game, Doo Doo Kangaroo. 

It’s just a jump to the left… and a step to the right… to grab a copy of University Games’ new Rocky Horror Show Game (for 2-6 players, 12+). The experiential new party game hits store shelves this year in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the cult-classic show. Players choose a favorite character and try to escape the castle to win the game. Along the way, you will rock to song lyrics, hear familiar lines, and perform the Time Warp (again) as you build alliances and navigate the lab.

Just over two weeks after the conclusion of 2023’s New York toy Fair at the Javits Center, the Toy Association has released an open letter indicating that Toy Fair will no longer be moving to New Orleans in the future, and will instead remain in New York. Aaron Muderick and The Toy Association Board of Directors addressed the toy industry, expressing gratitude for both the positive feedback for the successful show this year, as well as the more critical reactions to the initial New Orleans relocation. Citing the adaptability of the industry post pandemic, the TA had looked toward the future to a potential change in time and date to reflect current needs and create a new tradition. However, once the feedback came through, it was clear that New York was the place to be. It is thanks to that same adaptability that this feedback can be acknowledged and addressed.

To celebrate their continued commitment to representation and inclusion, Miniland is once again partnering with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October. The brand previously supported NDSS through a fundraiser with independent retailers, sponsorship of NDSS’ annual NYC Buddy Walk in Central Park in 2022, and donations through the now defunct AmazonSmiles program. Throughout October, Miniland is sharing content and resources from the NDSS including information on the benefits of sensory and doll play among young children with Down syndrome, hosting giveaways, and encouraging consumers to learn more about Down syndrome. They are also spotlighting a child with Down syndrome every week on their Instagram page @MinilandUSA, sharing personal stories and motivational messages from these children’s families.

FilmRise, the New York City-based film and television studio and streaming network, has entered into an exclusive worldwide distribution deal (ex. Australia and New Zealand) with “The Wiggles,” the longest running and most beloved children’s entertainment group. The Wiggles are known for their infectious music and videos that have captivated, educated, and enchanted children aged 2-5 in territories across the globe for the past three decades. The announcement was made jointly today at the MIPCOM conference between Max Einhorn, SVP of Acquisitions and Co-Productions at FilmRise and Luke Field, General Manager of The Wiggles.

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), with support from VCA Animal Hospitals (VCA), announced the launch of an international marketing campaign to raise awareness of and support for the critical, life-saving role veterinary nurses and technicians play in veterinary practices and in the overall healthcare of animals. This first-of-its-kind campaign will deliver educational and engaging materials to veterinary practices worldwide reaching thousands of pet owners with the goal of changing perceptions of veterinary nurses and technicians and fully utilizing their skills and education. “Trust Your Vet Tech” kicks off the week of October 16 in support of National Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week and builds on the NAVC’s Veterinary Nurse/Technician Empowerment Campaign launched in 2021 to elevate and advance the role of veterinary nurses and technicians across the veterinary profession.