Working to raise money for animal conservation efforts, Ty Inc. has created a "Cecil the Lion" Beanie Baby, according to the Associated Press. The new Beanie Baby was created after an American dentist was accused of killing the beloved lion, Cecil, in Zimbabwe. The incident ignited controversy as it was allegedly an illegal hunt, according to the AP.
In a statement given on Monday by the CEO of Ty Inc., Ty Warner, the company hopes that the new plush toy will, "give comfort to all saddened by the loss of Cecil." Their goal is to raise awareness for animal rights and animal conservation, according to the AP.
This isn't the first plush toy created in the hopes of raising awareness for animal and wildlife conservation. Ty Inc. launched Beanie Babies in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund in 2004, according to USA Today.
In the wake of the death of Cecil, other major corporations have taken a stance on the controversy. Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have all said that they would no longer allow certain big-game trophies on board, according to USA Today.
All profits for the "Cecil the Lion" plush toys will go to the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit of the Oxford University in England. The toy will sell for $5.99 starting at the end of September, according to the Chicago Tribune.
