Launches "Orcas Live in Oceans" Campaign with Whale and Dolphin Conservation
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Munchkin, Inc., the award-winning, global baby product company, today announced a kick-start pledge of $1 million to help build a coastal ocean sanctuary in the United States for captive orcas if SeaWorld agrees to free its infamous orca, Tilikum, to be its first occupant. Along with that pledge, Munchkin is launching the “Orcas Live in Oceans” campaign in collaboration with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) organization, the leading global charity dedicated to conservation and protection of whales and dolphins. The campaign includes multiple levels of commitment by Munchkin as well as opportunities for people worldwide to support the cause.
Steven Dunn, CEO and founder of Munchkin, personally reached out to SeaWorld requesting the release of Tilikum (the Orca made famous in the documentary “Blackfish”) to become the first inhabitant of the ocean sanctuary that would be built with funds kick-started by Munchkin’s $1 million donation.
“Munchkin is proposing an alternative solution for the current marine park model,” said Dunn. “We are pledging $1 million to build an ocean sanctuary in the U.S. if SeaWorld agrees to free Tilikum upon completion.”
In addition, Munchkin is removing its orca from the company’s top-selling Sea Squirt Bath Toy Collection.
“Here at Munchkin, we’re putting our principles before profits to help raise awareness for this cause,” said Dunn. “After 10 years of including a toy orca as part of our top-selling Sea Squirt Bath Toy collection, Munchkin will no longer include an orca in the set because a bathtub just isn’t big enough for an orca.”
Additionally, from November 9th through November 16th, 2015, 100% of all proceeds from sales at www.munchkin.com will be donated to the WDC, with Munchkin offering free shipping on all orders for that week.
Call to Action
To kick-start the “Orcas Live in Oceans” campaign, Munchkin has produced a video that is now live at Orcas Live In Oceans. The moving video ignites a call to action to cease the commercialization of these majestic mammals and allow them to live the rest of their lives happily and safely in natural coastal ocean sanctuaries. Munchkin encourages all to help support their efforts by visiting www.munchkin.com/OrcasLiveInOceans for additional information on how to donate to the cause. Concerned supporters can also follow the #OrcasLiveinOceans conversation on Facebook.com/Munchkin, on Twitter @Munchkin_Inc, and on Instagram @munchkininc.
“As a father of two and business owner, I’ve always felt a responsibility to lead by example,” said Dunn. “The entire Munchkin team believes that with success comes an obligation to contribute to a better world for future generations. It is time for us to take action and return these beautiful creatures to their rightful home – the ocean.”
About Munchkin, Inc.
Founded in 1991, Munchkin, Inc. is a privately held, global company headquartered in Van Nuys, California. Munchkin seeks to rid the world of the mundane by developing clever, innovative solutions that make family life safer, easier, and more fun. From feeding to potty, Munchkin creates innovative products and challenges industry standards in every facet of family life. A strategic partnership with Church and Dwight resulted in a line of diapering products that work with pure, natural baking soda, including the award-winning ARM & HAMMER™ Diaper Pail by Munchkin. The company continues to grow at a rapid rate, including two recent acquisitions of Lindam Ltd., the U.K.’s top baby safety brand in January 2010, and the January 2014 acquisition of BRICA, Inc., a leading travel accessories brand for babies and toddlers. Munchkin’s commitment to product excellence and keen awareness that the littlest things make the biggest difference have earned the company worldwide recognition from consumers and retail partners alike. Munchkin, Inc. has won more than 40 industry awards, including multiple wins of the coveted Target® Corporation Partner Award of Excellence and the Toys “R” Us 2012 Vendor of the Year award. For more information, visit www.munchkin.com.
