Monkey Plush Appraisal

Bongo the Monkey Beanie Baby

This item is a TY Beanie Baby known as 'Bongo the Monkey.' The plush toy measures approximately 8 inches in length and is constructed from a soft, rust-colored or ginger-brown polyester plush fabric with contrasting tan/beige fabric on the face, ears, paws, and feet. It features two small black plastic bead eyes and a stitched-definition snout. This specific version appears to be the standard iteration of Bongo, which was released in the mid-1990s (specifically 1995/1996) as part of the massive Beanie Baby collectible craze. The construction is characterized by 'bean' filling—small PVC or PE pellets—which allows the figure to be posed in a seated position. The item is missing its heart-shaped 'swing tag,' which significantly impacts its collectible value, though it may still retain its white 'tush tag' under the tail (not visible in the photo). Condition-wise, the plush displays signs of gentle handling and display; the fur appears slightly matted, consistent with its age, and there is a mild loss of structural firmness. The stitching appears intact without visible repairs. Bongo is a classic example of Ty Inc.'s minimalist design philosophy from the 1990s boom period, emphasizing cuddle-ability and simple geometric shapes over realistic anatomy.