Rio Mascots Represent Brazil's Animal, Plant Life

Rio de Janeiro has chosen the animal and plant life of Brazil as the inspiration for the mascots of the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Olympic mascot is a bright yellow cat-like figure representing the animal life of South America's biggest country. Its partner for the Paralympics is a mopped-headed doll with leafy hair, meant to represent the vast diversity of the flora in Brazil.

The mascots made their first official appearance on Monday. A public poll will be conducted to name the two from a shortlist of possibilities.

The cuddly, cartoon-like mascots are big business.

Organizers hope to raise 1 billion reals ($400 million) from branded merchandise.