THE FIRST SAMPLE

Monday 3rd November 2025 is a date I’ll never forget. After more than a decade of dreaming, designing, testing, refining, and navigating countless hurdles, I finally held the very first sample of The Amazing Zoo Game in my hands.

The parcel arrived from Whatz Games — an award‑winning manufacturer trusted by over 1,000 creators worldwide. Opening that box was equal parts excitement and nerves. But the moment I lifted the lid, I felt pure relief. It looked and felt exactly how I’d hoped: bright, inviting, sturdy, and completely professional. I approved the sample on the spot so production could begin. I honestly can’t wait for families to experience the joy, laughter, and memories this game has already created in so many homes.

Getting to this point wasn’t something I did alone. One of the biggest contributors was Jorge Tarzia from Yolk Design. I chose Jorge because he’s not just a talented graphic designer — he’s also an illustrator. That meant he could create unique animal artwork that captured the playful, curious spirit of the game. His illustrations bring the animals to life in a way that kids instantly connect with.

Jorge also helped sharpen the branding and messaging. He’s the one who came up with the final tagline: A‑maze‑in fun for the whole family. A huge improvement on my earlier attempts!

He also created the Kids Activity Packs, which are available for free on the website. They’re full of puzzles, colouring pages, and fun animal facts — perfect for keeping kids entertained on rainy days, long car trips, or quiet afternoons at home.

Seeing the first sample reminded me why this journey has been worth every late night and every challenge. The game is real now — and it’s almost ready to make its way into family loungerooms across Australia.