Toys have been made in the German town of Bad Kösen for more than 100 years.  The Kösen company was founded in 1912 as a doll-making factory and, in 1958, branched into plush animals which were an immediate success.

The outstanding feature of all Kösen Animals is their likeness to real animals.  The design process is complex and ensures the finished product is incredibly life-like.  Kösen designers begin by studying the animals in a zoo or in their natural habitat.  Many drawings are produced, which are then used to make a clay model.

From the model a pattern is produced, then refined with several revisions until just right.  Each animal can be made from up to 89 individual pieces of fabric and they are all sewn by hand.  The resulting cuddly animals are amazingly realistic and beautifully crafted.  Kösen also works with animal protection charities around the world to ensure the protection of environments and wildlife.