ST. LOUIS,MO. - August 20, 2008 - With its distinctive black and white stripes, no animal is quite as renowned as the zebra. Unfortunately, two species of these fauna fashionistas are currently at risk of becoming endangered due to habitat loss. That's why Build-A-Bear Workshop(r) is teaming up with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to announce the debut of the newest member of the WWF Collectibear(R) plush animal collection: Zebra.

The Collectibear collection is a series of co-branded stuffed animals developed by Build-A-Bear Workshop and WWF. Beginning August 22, the Zebra plush will be sold at all Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States and Canada and at www.buildabear.com.

To help protect endangered animals, like the Zebra, and their habitats, Build-A-Bear Workshop donates one dollar to WWF to support its global conservation efforts for each Collectibear plush animal sold. Since the first animal was introduced eight years ago, Build-A-Bear Workshop has given nearly $1.8 million to WWF through the sales of the stuffed animal series.

"We are a company with heart, and it is so important for us to be involved in our communities and to support organizations that help make our communities "“ and our world "“ a better place to live," said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Our Guests have a tremendous compassion for animals in need, and we believe our new Zebra will further help us raise money for WWF and their great work."

The Zebra will be available in the United States for $25 ($29 in Canada) and wears a collector's medallion. Each Zebra owner will also receive a numbered Certificate of Authenticity by mail, further enhancing its value to collectors.

"The WWF Collectibear(R) plush animal collection has provided a unique and valuable fundraising source for helping us protect wildlife and wild places," said Terry Macko, chief marketing officer for the World Wildlife Fund. "The Grevy's Zebra and Mountain Zebra are on the endangered list and both are threatened by habitat loss. We hope that the addition of the plush Zebra at Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) stores will help raise awareness of the Zebra and inspire people to help." Relatives of the horse, Zebras are hoofed mammals that live in family groups of up to 17 and graze on African grasslands. Each Zebra has a unique stripe pattern, which helps individual Zebras recognize one another.

About World Wildlife Fund
For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. For more information, visit worldwildlife.org.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The company currently operates more than 385 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include make-your-own Major League Baseball(R) mascot in-stadium locations, Build-A-Dino(R) stores and friends 2B made(R) doll locations. In December 2007, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) extended its in-store interactive experience online with the launch of its virtual world at www.buildabearville.com. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $474 million in fiscal 2007. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2Bmade.com.

TRADEMARKS
We would like to thank you for your interest in covering our business. As you write your story, we would ask that you use our full name: Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) and that when referencing the process of making stuffed animals you use the word "make" not "build."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is our well-known trade name and our registered trademark of Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc. Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) should only be used in capital letters to refer to our products and services and should not be used as a verb.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The company currently operates more than 370 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include make-your-own Major League Baseball(R) mascot in-stadium locations, Build-A-Dino(R) stores and friends 2B made(R) doll locations. In December 2007, Build-A-Bear Workshop extended its in-store interactive experience online with the launch of its virtual world at www.buildabearville.com. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $437 million in fiscal 2006. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2bmade.com.

More from Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.