Maggie Gyllenhaal stumps for Fisher-Price during the launch of their Precious Planet line held Tuesday at Central Park Zoo in NYC.
The animal-friendly line includes a high chair, gym, cradle swing, bouncer, Jumperoo, potty, tub and bedding featuring baby animals like monkeys, giraffes and polar bears.
The actress, 31, is on hand to make a $250,000 contribution to the Wildlife Conservation Society on behalf of the toy company.
“I had one of those portable Fisher-Price tape players, and I remember listening to Cyndi Lauper while I walked around the neighborhood, so I’m thrilled to join forces with them in presenting this generous donation to the Wildlife Conservation Society,” she says.
Being aware of the outdoors is something she encourages in her own family, which includes Ramona, 15 months, and fiancé of three years Peter Sarsgaard.
“I think especially in New York City, and Brooklyn, where I live, it’s very important to encourage children to learn about and be part of nature. It’s difficult to find that in the City.”
She continues, “I know from my own childhood that connecting with nature has changed the way I look at the world and what’s important to me, so I think it’s important to introduce kids to wildlife and animals, and show them how we can and must coexist. They are learning to respect the planet, which is incredibly important now.”
Giving daughter Ramona time to be a kid is a top priority for Maggie. She won’t allow her daughter to become a child actor.
“I don’t think children should be working,” she tells me. “It doesn’t make sense to me. But my child, when she grows up, can do whatever she wants. But not as a child, no. It’s fun to do it [say lines] once or twice, but then you have to do it ten more times and it’s work. I don’t think kids should be working.”
On the way out, I pick up the first gift bag my newborn niece will receive. It includes a Fisher-Price Stay-in-Place Sun Shade, Comfy Covers – cushioned seat belt covers, Bath Mirror and an adorable Precious Planet blanket. Aww!
Maggie Gyllenhaal swans into the New York Film Festival premiere of An Education held Monday at NYC’s Paris Theater wearing a strapless black pantsuit that shows off her toned shoulders. She greets two guests with kisses on the cheek, and gleefully strikes up conversations.
Many new moms would prefer an extended maternity leave to spend time with their children over going back to work, but not Maggie Gyllenhaal.
