If you haven't heard of The Crocodile Hunter, then by crikey, you must be living under a rock with a yellow fat-tail scorpion!

This breakout show, broadcast weekly to over 50 million households onAnimal Planet, follows the wild and dangerous exploits of Steve Irwin and hiswife Terri as they travel the globe to rescue animals and educate people about the world's most exotic and misunderstood wildlife. The Crocodile Hunter has garnered such a cult following, that it has become a pop-culture phenomenon!

On February 13-17, Croc fever will devour the Big Apple when The Crocodile Hunter debuts an exciting new line of toys at Toy Fair 2000. And the Croc-mania doesn't stop there! An animated series is in the works and there may even be a Crocodile Hunter feature film one day soon.

All over America, thousands of men, women and children are paying homage to The Crocodile Hunter by spouting off "She's a little grumpy" or "What aripper" in a thick Aussie accent. It makes sense that the world's only real-life superhero is being immortalized as an action figure.

Kids and toy enthusiasts of all ages will love wrangling the plush replica of Steve's arch-nemesis, Agro, the giant crocodile, or driving the Steve andTerri action figures in their rugged off-road vehicle on a mission to rescue aKomodo dragon.

Consumers are set to pounce on a full line of Croc products, which also include dolls, role-play, board games, electronics, novelties and apparel. Some of the toys will reflect Steve's off-beat and daring personality, while others depict the incredible exotic animals he encounters each week on his show.

"People of all ages are devoted to The Crocodile Hunter," stated Robin Sayetta, Vice President of Merchandise & Promotion Licensing at Discovery Communications, Inc. "We've received thousands of E-mails from fans who adore Steve and aspire to be like him. These toys will enable kids to have fun playing with their real-life hero."

The Crocodile Hunter toys will be displayed throughout Toy Fair 2000 by master licensee, N2 Toys, as well as Fun 4 All, Hasbro Games/Milton Bradley,Tiger Electronics and DSI. Other official licensees include Creation Entertainment, Giant Merchandising, Bio-domes and American Marketing Enterprises.

The Crocodile Hunter airs on Animal Planet on Sunday and Wednesday nights from 9-10 p.m. (ET/PT). The Irwins' other series, Croc Files, airs on Animal Planet Monday through Friday from 4:30-5:00 p.m. (ET).

Be watching for Raving Toy Maniac's Toy Fair 2000 coverage.

Source: PR Newswire

[Updated 1-11-2000]