Series: The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
Company: Mattel
Release date: 1998
Size: +/- 25 cm
Made in: China
Main distribution: Europe / United States of America
These are a duo of purring plush made for the release of the Lion King II: Simba’s Pride by Mattel.
Two plush got made with this mechanic; Kiara and Kovu.
Purring Kiara
Kiara is in a laying position with her head turned to the left. She is a dark pinkbrownorange with a pinkbrown inner ear and brown tail tip, and cream muzzle, chest and toes. She has longer, fluffy hair as a tail tip. Her eyes are plastic buttons, layered to give a dimensional effect.
Inside her stomach is the purring mechanism. If you squeeze her belly she will purr. It is a mechanical soundbox that requires batteries, which can be accessed through a velcro opening on her belly, which hides pretty well. She has tush tags on her left back paw. It shows The Lion King Simba’s Pride logo, as well as a second one with all the legal informations. She used to have a hang tag in her right ear saying “HUG ME! I really purr!” and sit on top of a jungle themed box, with the Lion King Simba’s Pride logo on the front.
Purring Kovu
Kovu is in a laying position with his head turned to the right. He is a redbrownchestnut with a darker redbrown inner ear, hair and tail tip, and cream muzzle, chest and toes. He has longer, fluffy hair on his head and as a tail tip. His eyes are plastic buttons, layered to give a dimensional effect.
Inside his stomach is the purring mechanism. If you squeeze his belly he will purr. It is a mechanical soundbox that requires batteries, which can be accessed through a velcro opening on his belly, which hides pretty well. He has tush tags on his left back paw. It shows The Lion King Simba’s Pride logo, as well as a second one with all the legal informations. He used to have a hang tag in his left ear saying “HUG ME! I really purr!” and sit on top of a jungle themed box, with the Lion King Simba’s Pride logo on the front.
The Lion King Mattel plush has got to be my favourites! Although when it comes to Disney I usually prefer the Disney World / Disney Land / Disney Store plush, Mattel is the exception to the rule. There is something nostalgic about them.
As far as Disney sequels go, I loved the Lion King 2, although it doesn’t top the original. But Kiara was a cool female lead and Kovu is awesome. And although I don’t care much for the purring gimmick, they look like Mattel’s Baby Simba, which is my favourite. So I love these 2 plush of the cubs very much.
I didn’t get them at the time as a kid, but found them later second hand online. I was hunting for these though and I’m so glad I found them both in working condition. I will probably keep them forever.
I’m sure many Disney / Lion King / Kiara / Kovu collectors would love these plush. They may be hard to find though not only due to age but they are also fan favourites.
Got any more details / information you think I should add? Or did I get something wrong? Do you own the same plush? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Let me know in the comments below!