It's like an aquatic Webkinz. Full story:Applause from Russ Launches New Line of Web-Interactive Plush, Adds a Splash to Fourth of July Weekend

SeaPals™ Lets Aspiring Jacques Cousteau’s Create a Virtual Aquarium at www.seapalsworld.com

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applause® from Russ®, a brand of Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (NYSE:RUS) and its subsidiary Russ Berrie U.S. Gift, Inc., today hosted 'SeaPals Day' at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tenn. RUSS kicked off the Fourth of July weekend by officially launching SeaPals, a new line of educational, marine-inspired, web-interactive plush that lets kids build their own virtual aquarium amid realistic ocean scenery. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., guests were introduced to SeaPals, the ultimate virtual underwater experience. Each guest received a SeaPals 'Passport' and visited ten SeaPals 'Stations,' where they learned fun facts about each SeaPals character. At the end of their visit, guests entered the SeaPals Raffle for the chance to win exciting SeaPals prizes.

As part of their continued commitment to help support ocean conservation, RUSS made a donation to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) on behalf of Ripley's Aquarium.

Each SeaPals character comes with a secret code that allows you to log on to www.seapalsworld.com where you can create your virtual aquarium. Personalize your tank with castles, sand, coral and treasure chests, and ensure your aquarium thrives by feeding and nurturing your fish and keeping your tank clean.

Once you’re settled in your new tank, you can choose to stay in your aquarium or jump out into the ocean, where you can play games, chat with other fish in the sea, explore reefs and shipwrecks, and learn about marine life.

Conquer deep-sea challenges and explore the ocean to discover hidden treasures and collect hard to find items that you can bring back to your tank or share with friends. Earn and collect ‘Pearl Points’ by playing games and engaging in fun activities.

To support the preservation of marine environments, RUSS will 'seas the day' by making donations to local aquariums to help raise awareness about the importance of oceanic conservation.

The first ten characters in the SeaPals school of fish include the Bannerfish, Blue Lobster, Clownfish, Sea Turtle, Shark and more. If you’re a land lover, your SeaPals character also doubles as a finger puppet, bringing it to life on land and in your virtual aquarium. Bring the beauty of your aquarium to your computer screen – the SeaPals virtual aquarium doubles as a screensaver when the sea is calm and you step away from your computer.

The first ten SeaPals are available now in stores nationwide for an approximate retail value of $11 each.