Toy, penguin

Toy Penguin

This toy penguin was made by New Zealand textile artist Claire Falla who produced a range of New Zealand native animals between 1960 - 1980. The toys were early examples of their type. They were made and sold in New Zealand in response to the large number of Australian koalas and kangaroos available and the lack of New Zealand wildlife.

Claire was the daughter of the Dominion Museum's former director Dr Robert Falla who was an ornithologist and Molly Falla, the author of several books on birds. Claire was concerned about the welfare of New Zealand native animals and made the toys as replicas in the hope that children would gain knowledge, understanding and affection for them. Claire was actively involved in the welfare of animals as well; the Falla household regularly nursed sick penguins, kiwi and on one occasion a kea.