When Mr. Pillai could not be in the presence of wild animals in their natural habitats, he filled his need to be around animals by going to zoos and aquariums. There he watched children mesmerized by the animals they witnessed; knowing many would never have the opportunity, as he had, to see these animals in the wild. He knew to help preserve these animals in the wild, it was vital these children get to experience them in zoos and aquariums. He also knew that was not enough to keep them engaged with wildlife education and conservation. Mr. Pillai intuitively knew these children would enjoy taking home a memento from their experience that would help drive their curiosity and love of animals.

The first plush Mr. Pillai sold was a dolphin. From there his innovations and momentum continued to the first ever hanging monkey plush and beyond, way beyond! Mr. Pillai did the product development and sales while Mrs. Pillai did the buying, billing and packing. Together they were the perfect team.

Since 1979, Wild Republic’s leadership team has inspired toy innovation and environmental consciousness around the globe. Today, we not only offer dozens of leading toy brands and hundreds of wildlife stuffed animals designed to inspire learning and imaginative play, but we also lead the industry in ecofriendly products and processes.

Vish Chandran, inspires the Wild Republic team through his firm commitment to the company’s mission and core values as well as Wild Republic’s Promise to the Planet and Promise to the People initiatives.

“My personal mission is to help humans and animals in need to live in peace by supporting humanitarian programs and services as well as to leave this planet better than we found it by ensuring our company evolves as the leader in our industry for sustainable products and processes,” stated Mr. Chandran.

As Wild Republic business explodes beyond expected growth and success, our obligation remains to our customers and to our conservation and humanitarian efforts.