American Girl announces 2021 Girl of the Year is a conservationist in Austaralia

American Girl’s has announced that its 2021 Girl of the Year is a doll who loves animals and the environment — and spends a lot of time in Australia.

In a press release today, the brand said that that the new addition comes in response to Australian bushfires and wildfires in the western US.

Ten-year-old Kira, who likes to visit her great-aunts’ wildlife sanctuary in Australia, ‘confronts critical ecological issues, such as wildlife protection and the threat of climate change, that are more relevant to our planet than ever.’  

American Girl’s has announced that its 2021 Girl of the Year is a doll who loves animals and the environment — and spends a lot of time in Australia

Read More:  $2,000 reward on offer to find driver who deliberately hit koala in Adelaide Hills

Ten-year-old Kira, who likes to visit her great-aunts’ wildlife sanctuary in Australia, ‘confronts critical ecological issues’

Kira the doll is from Michigan, but in books by author Erin Teagan, she travels to Queensland, Australia where her great-aunts, Mamie and Lynette, have a wildlife sanctuary and veterinary clinic. 

While visiting the clinic, she learns how to care for injured animals. She also experiences the threat of a nearby bushfire that threatens the sanctuary. 

‘As American Girl kicks off its 35th year, Kira joins our lineup of diverse and purposeful characters who star in stories that reflect the realities of the times —whether it’s historical or modern-day,’ said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. 

‘As we all witnessed the bushfires rage in Australia last year and start up again this September, and the devastating wildfires in the western United States, we knew it was important to focus Kira’s story on the major conservation and climate challenges facing our planet today — causes that are extremely important to today’s youth. 

Kira the doll is from Michigan, but in books by author Erin Teagan, she travels to Queensland, Australia. Her accessories include this $225 tent

American Girl is also partnering with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, Inc. (WIRES), which rescues and cares for sick and injured animals

Customers can buy this outdoor set ($85), an animal exam table ($125), and a plush kangaroo ($30)

‘Through Kira, we hope our fans will learn that we all have a part to play in taking positive action for our planet.’

The doll’s accessories include an outdoor backpack with a koala keychain and a wide-brimmed hat ($30).

Parents can also buy Kira koala pajamas, plush animals like a kangaroo ($30) and a koala ($25), a tent ($225), a camping set ($85) and an animal exam table ($125).

American Girl is also partnering with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, Inc. (WIRES), which rescues and cares for sick and injured animals.

The toy company will match customer donations up to $25,000 through December 30, 2021.