Toys 'R' Us Geoffrey the Giraffe Might Have New Job Thanks to Texas Zoo
The recent closing of Toys “R” Us has left many once-children in a slump. They remember the excitement and anticipation of going to the store to pick out toys.
Rows and rows of choices — the possibilities seemed endless! But due to a multitude of factors, the chain had to close its doors for good.
Sad photos of Geoffrey the Giraffe with a packed suitcase have made the rounds on social media, pulling at the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever had a Toys “R” Us kid experience.
But one group is trying to bring him back, keep him from being forgotten and put him to good use.
The San Antonio Zoo has made a bid for the long-necked character. The home of Cosmo, Alan, and Brayden (all giraffes), the zoo has suggested that Geoffrey now become a wildlife ambassador.
“This is a chance for Geoffrey and the great people at Toys ‘R’ Us to leave a legacy gift that has the potential to change the world and bring smiles to children for generations to come,” Tim Morrow, CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, said.
They’re so serious they even created a GoFundMe to try to convince both the public and Toys “R” Us to at least consider the possibility.
“For over 50 years, Toys ‘R’ Us mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, has put smiles on kids‘ faces,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Now that Toys ‘R’ Us stores are closing, Geoffrey may be going extinct!”
“San Antonio Zoo is passionate about securing a future for wildlife and would like to secure a future for Geoffrey so that he can be a symbol for giraffe conservation.”
Since Geoffrey is so recognizable, and because, well, he’s a giraffe, the switch from business mascot to conservation ambassador shouldn’t be too difficult to swing.
And the need is there. Geoffrey could use his resume to highlight critical concerns for wild giraffe populations.
“With only 100,000 giraffes remaining in the wild, San Antonio Zoo hopes to generate more than $100,000 in support to persuade the owners at Toys ‘R’ Us to join the effort to save giraffes by donating the use of their most recognizable intellectual property,” the fundraising page continued.
While there’s no word yet on whether or not Geoffrey’s “handlers” will allow him to live on in this new role, it certainly is a compelling idea!
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