Russ Berrie hsa announced that it will introduce its new Applause brand plush toy line, SeaPals, on July 2 with "SeaPals Day" events at Ripley's Aquariums in Myrtle Beach, SC and Gatlinburn, TN, according to a report from public relations sites PRWeek.com.

As with Russ Berrie's Shining Stars toy line and accompanying site (and similar to Webkinz), kids can log into a virtual world with their SeaPals plush toy and register an online version to play with. The toy line includes plush reef sharks, manta rays, blue lobsters, and more. The SeaPals site will offer educational games and opportunities for children to interact with other players.

Said Litzky PR's management supervisor for Russ Berrie, Melissa Fogarty Winston, "The 'SeaPals Day' at each of the aquariums was created to reflect these different dimensions of the product through an experiential event. Children attending the Ripley's Aquariums functions will receive maps, passports, stickers, and educational materials.