UK toy maker Pelham Puppets released two Muppet marionettes of Kermit and Animal. This is the only official Kermit marionette ever produced. Bob Pelham's original puppet design for Kermit was as a hand puppet. The design was rejected, however, as it looked too similar to another company's Kermit plush. So, a marionette Kermit was produced. Bob did not like the marionette, which is why it went into limited production after Bob's death in 1980. Pelham also created prototypes for Rowlf and Miss Piggy, although the latter were never released.