Wild Republic, a leader in nature-inspired toys and education for over 40 years, has announced that its founder, G.B. Pillai, has been nominated for a prestigious TOTY Sustainability Award.
This honour highlights Pillai’s inspirational leadership and the steadfast dedication of a business that has upheld its “Promise to the Planet” for decades. It also demonstrates that sustainable developments in the zoo and aquarium sector encourage the larger $104.7 billion toy sector to follow suit.
Toy Association members will be able to vote from 21 August to 8 September. Wild Republic invites members to vote in recognition of Pillai’s long-standing dedication to environmental sustainability and protection. This unique nomination, which also coincides with the week of his 90th birthday, illustrates not just his unwavering commitment but also the important role that the zoo and aquarium sector plays in capturing young people’s attention and introducing them to the wonders of nature.
Core values
The core values of Wild Republic include a commitment to conservation, cultivating a human-animal bond, and maintaining ethical responsibilities. This conviction, which was inspired by Pillai’s own experience over 40 years ago, when he was looking for a souvenir for his child to remember a special day at the Cleveland Aquarium in Ohio, has driven the company to switch to using 80% recycled cardboard, ban single-use plastics, and incorporate recycled plastic beans in their plush toys.
After more than 40 years of consistent expansion and innovation, Wild Republic now leads the industry in reducing deforestation, cutting waste, and implementing sustainable sourcing.
Pillai says: “The animals and their connection to humanity shape our vision, mission, and every creation. It’s through fostering an understanding of these animals that we ignite the spark of curiosity, a flame powerful enough to change the world.”
Pillai co-founded the firm with his wife Kamala, who served as COO and CFO. Talking about Wild Republic’s broader initiatives, she says: “Opening an orphanage over 20 years ago for girls with mentally ill parents and establishing sanctuaries for animals have only strengthened our belief in human sustainability. It’s essential to care for not only our natural world but also the communities we live in.”
Sparking imagination and a lifelong love of nature
The company believes that stuffed animals are more than just toys. For kids, they become a friend, a gateway to imagination, and an introduction to the wonders of nature. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy watching their children forming a bond with their “wild” friends and learning to respect the environment.
Vishnu Chandran, Pillai’s grandson, says:
“While this nomination is an individual accolade, it represents so much more. It underscores our resolute dedication to sustainability, the environment, and inspiring generations to come. The global journeys of my grandparents, G.B. and Kamala, who jointly expanded this brand’s reach while reinvesting all profits into safeguarding animal habitats and supporting communities, inspire me every day.
“When I learned of this nomination, my immediate thought was, ‘This isn’t about me, but rather my incredible team.’ Working alongside industry pioneers like my grandfather, the original category disruptor of the zoo industry, instills a commitment in me to protect and further his legacy.”
Wild Republic was established in 1979 by G.B. and Kamala Pillai, who moved to the United States in the middle of the 1960s. They constructed a facility in India in 1999, placing it within neighbourhoods for economic development rather than close to ports. This philosophy, which will soon extend to Africa, demonstrates how Wild Republic combines innovation with corporate compassion by generously providing plush toys to various nonprofit organisations and making sure that its products continue to inspire and inform.
Chandran adds: “Our promise to protect our planet is embodied in every product we create, from utilizing soy ink and recycled cardboard to spearheading initiatives that minimize non-biodegradable materials.”
In order to show their appreciation for zoos and aquariums throughout the world, Wild Republic is getting ready to introduce even more first-to-market sustainable innovations as the TOTY awards evening draws near.. G.B. Pillai concludes, “These institutions amplify our mission. Our upcoming collection this fall is a testament to our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.”
