Reston, Va. – The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation and education non-profit organization, today officially unveiled the new design for its iconic and beloved wildlife ambassador, Ranger Rick. The new look comes as Ranger Rick® magazine prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.

“Like millions of Americans, I grew up with Ranger Rick as a trusted friend who introduced us to the outdoors, educating us and instilling in us a lifelong appreciation for the wonders of wildlife all around us,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “As Ranger Rick magazine’s 50th anniversary approaches, the National Wildlife Federation’s team is working tirelessly to introduce millions of children to nature through Ranger Rick--work that's just as vital for today’s children as it was for our parents and grandparents.”

This is the first design change for Ranger Rick and friends since 2009 and sixth makeover since he was first introduced to the masses as “Rick Raccoon” in the 1959 storybook, The Adventures of Rick Raccoon, followed by the launch of Ranger Rick magazine in January 1967. Since then, Ranger Rick has been a part of the lives of millions of Americans spanning multiple generations via Ranger Rick magazine (targeting kids 7+) and Ranger Rick, Jr. magazine (kids 4-7), and is a consistent winner of awards from the Association of American Publishers and the Parent’s Choice Foundation.

“Ranger Rick remains a core component of the National Wildlife Federation’s mission by educating and inspiring generations to care for, protect, and explore first-hand the wonders of wildlife all around starting at an early age,” said Maureen Smith, vice president of marketing for the National Wildlife Federation.

Subscribers to Ranger Rick magazine received an exclusive set of Ranger Rick and friends trading cards featuring the all-new designs and character descriptions in the June/July 2016 issue, which arrived in-home mid-May.

This summer, Ranger Rick will launch an all-new book series from Harper Collins Publishers and Globe Pequot Publishers, as well as other licensed consumer products and a just-completed promotion with Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores.

“We’re excited to launch the new Ranger Rick art and logo and our Publishing and Licensing Division is very enthusiastic about the future generation of Ranger Rick enthusiasts,” said Deana Duffek, head of brand licensing for the National Wildlife Federation. “Collaborating with our kids’ magazine team and Parker Jacobs on the creation of all-new Ranger Rick characters and the new logo has been an honor and a privilege. Not only is Parker a top-notch designer and a creative master-mind, but he is a wildlife advocate and genuinely cares about the future generations of conservationists.”

The new designs were created by five-time Emmy nominee Parker Jacobs, art director for the smash hit children’s television series Yo Gabba Gabba!, which was co-created by his brother Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. Parker and Christian are currently developing two Ranger Rick television series concepts, one for pre-schoolers and one for older kids, as part of a production development agreement between the National Wildlife Federation and Bunim-Murray Kids. 

“What a thrill it is to be a part of the Ranger Rick legacy,” said Parker Jacobs. “This iconic raccoon and his wildlife friends have done so much good for the past 50 years. I’m honored to assist Ranger Rick on his way to the next 50!”

Images of the new Ranger Rick design can be downloaded HERE and HERE, reprintable with attribution to the National Wildlife Federation/NWF.org.