Animal Lovers
How much for that animal in the window? Anthropologie auction supports WorldWildlife Fund
More than 50 Anthropologie stores are auctioning off handmade papier-mâchéanimals — like this ram at the Rockefeller Center store in New York — to supportthe World Wildlife Foundation.Photo courtesy of Annie McElwain
At Highland Park village, animals like this rabbit are on display in the storeand in the windows.Photo by Rachael Abrams
The animals are made by the art coordinators in each store.Photo by Rachael Abrams
A winter-themed window display in New York.Photo courtesy of Annie McElwain
In addition to a mix of funky yet feminine vintage-inspired fashions, Anthropologie carries an adorable assortment of animals — a recently acquired owl cookie jar springs to mind — as part of its collection of shabby chic home décor.
We were not surprised, then to see papier-mâché rabbits, owls, polar bears and the like dotting the store and window displays at the Highland Park Village and NorthPark locations. Turns out, though, these creatures serve a higher purpose: to help put some coin in the coffers of the World Wildlife Fund.
More than 50 Anthropologie boutiques around the United States are involved with the project, in which these papier-mâché creations will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes to WWF.
A spokesperson from the Highland Park Village store told CultureMap that every store's art coordinator was tasked with making the crafts using a wire base, papier-mâché and paint. The animals up for auction in Highland Park Village include the following:
- Small bunny, starting at $20
- Small penguin, starting at $20
- Medium penguin, starting at $35
- Large polar bear, starting at $60
Any of these little guys would make an original and thoughtful gift — especially for that friend who just had a baby and needs a few more touches for the nursery. If you want to place a bid, just give a sales associate your offer and email address this weekend, January 5-6.
If you win, the corporate office will contact you for a PayPal or credit card number. Winners will be announced January 8 and have until January 11 to pick up their prizes.

The Weir's store in Plano.Photo courtesy of Weir's