About Us

The Petting Zoo is a plush toy company, founded in 1994 by the humble workings of brothers John and Joroy Lizewski.  Their mission was to create a plush toy company based on the idea that every customer is more than a client, but rather, a member of the family.
 
Starting with just a small line of bears, the Lizewski’s built TPZ to the unique toy business it is today. Over the years TPZ repeatedly introduced new an innovative lines of sea and wildlife plush to expand the size and variety of their customer base. Signature plush families such as The Bright Eyes, Sea Sparklez and the Slitherz, have lead the way to TPZ becoming a distinguished brand.

No product line would be complete without the sales & service back it up. The Petting Zoo strives to deliver world-class service both small town high schools as well as globally known theme parks. Their ability to do so, has allowed TPZ to carve out a niche by tailoring designs to regional interest and offering customization.

Never content to dwell on success, the TPZ’s creative department taps some of the top imaginative minds in the design field for the groundbreaking development that continues to propel the company forward. This is never more apparent than in our catalogs, or rather, our family photo albums. Each highlights the originality and innovation our family has come to know and expect. Thus, making TPZ the go-to plush company, not just in the United States, but Worldwide.