Plastic Kangaroo Mom and Baby

Be truthful...just once, wouldn't you like to be carried like that?

Our Plastic Kangaroo Mom and Joey

Our plastic mother kangaroo with a baby (or "Joey") in her pouch is a wonderful addition to your Australian or marsupial (pouched) animal collection, your school project or diorama, or your kid's play room. And, your purchase helps save endangered species. This plastic kangaroo stands 3 inches tall from its toes to its ear-tips, and measures 4 1/2 inches from nose to tail. It has excellent lifelike details and is made of sturdy plastic or resin. It's great as a collectible plastic animal or as a toy. The baby is nestled firmly in mother kangaroo's pouch and doesn't come out.

About Kangaroos

The kangaroo is the national symbol of Australia and can only be found there. Male kangaroos are called bucks, boomers, jacks, or old men; females are does, flyers, or jills, and the young ones are joeys. They are often referred to as roos. The kangaroo's form of movement is hopping which they do at 13-16 mph. Kangaroos are herbivores, but the type of diet varies among the species. They are not raised commercially, but are hunted for their meat. It is thought that kangaroos would be a more environmentally friendly animal than the cow, since kangaroos don't emit menthane. Kangaroos tend to be crepuscular or nocturnal and choose to rest or sleep in the heat of the day.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Andrewsarchus

Definitely not what'cha think of in a "hoofed" animal!

Our Plastic Andrewsarchus Replica

Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic toy animals, this Andrewsarchus's superior design and details make it a museum-quality replica or collector's item, and yet the price puts it in range for the average collector of plastic animals. It measures 4 1/2 inches from the pointy teeth to the curve of the tail and stands 1 7/8 inches tall. It comes with an informational tag in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English. This sturdy, durable prehistoric predator is also excellent for school projects, novelties, party favors or even as a children's toy. You can make a marvelous Ice Age shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Come see our other ice age predator toys and gifts.

About Andrewsarchus

To date the only fossil remains found of this amazing ice age hoofed predator are a skull and a few bone pieces. They were found in Mongolia in 1924 during an expedition led by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, for whom the creature is named. After extensive study of the skull, it was concluded that this creature was a member of the only known group of carnivorus hoofed mammals called Mesonychids, which looked somewhat like wolves with hoofed toes. Mesonyx obtusidens, a small North American relative, was the model for current depictions of this predator. From the size of the skull (3 feet long), it was determined that Andrewsarchus was approximately 6 foot tall at the shoulder and 13-18 feet long (over twice the size of today's brown bear), making it the largest carnivous mammal in the world. There is a video link and some very interesting discussion on Andrewsarchus on the Laelaps blog. For additional information, check out the Andrewsarchus page and the "What are Mesonychids?" page at Bluelion.org.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Great Horned Owl Stuffed Puppet

Whoooo's that?
Whoooo wants to know?

Our Great Horned Owl Plush Puppet

Our charming stuffed owl hand puppet stands 18 inches high and is very kid friendly. It's feathers are soft fake fur, the feet are soft vinyl, and the eyes and beak are hard plastic. The eyes, beak, feet, wings and tail are securely fastened making this a great toy for children of all ages. The hand pocket, located under the tail, fits up to a grown-up-size hand. Inside is a rod to turn the head and a lever to "blink" the eyes. An informational tag with owl facts and a Mohawk folktale about the owl's eyes, is also included. To find our other hand puppets in this line, or see our entire inventory of stuffed beanies, puppets and animals, check out our Stuffed Beanies and Plush Puppets Page and Stuffed Animals Page. Be sure to look over our other owl toys and gifts.

About Great Horned Owls

The most widely distributed true owl in the Americas, the great horned owl (Bubo viginianus) ranges in length from 18 to 25 inches long and has a wingspan of 40 to 60.5 inches. The distinctive “horns” from which this raptor gets its name are neither horns nor ears, but simply tufts of feathers. The vision and hearing of the great horned owl are excellent. Their eyes are almost as large as a human’s, but are immobile. Forced to turn its head to alter its sight direction, rather than just its eyes like a human does, the great horned owl is capable of turning its head nearly 270 degrees. With 200-300 pounds per square inch of crushing power in their talons (a typical man has a grip of about 60 psi), great horned owls prey on a wide variety of animals up to three times their own weight, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and even domestic dogs and cats.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Dust Mite

This cute little guy doesn't care about housecleaning!

Our Plush Dust mite

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed dust mite is soft, cuddly, and easy to hold. The legs are short, flexible, and are made of soft plush fabric. The body is light brown and the legs are gray-brown. Our dust mite has a kindly expression and promises not to make you sneeze. This dust mite makes a nice pet or gift. Check out our other dust mite toys and gifts.

About Dust Mites

The American dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) is about 250 microns in length and can only be seen with a magnifying glass. It is a disgusting-looking, hairy, eight-legged creature that feeds primarily on dead skin. It really does little harm. The dust mite is blamed for allergies and asthmatic reactions. It is best to wash sheets and pillows in hot water often since the dust mite thrives on skin particles especially from the scalp. The dust mite travels by air current from room to room. Most homes have them in some quantity. It is strange to think that the dust mite is a common household visitor.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Grizzly Bear

I wouldn't snuggle up to one of THESE teddy bears!

Our Plastic Grizzly Bear

Check out the realistic details of this hollow plastic bear. Come see our wonderful assortment of grizzly or brown bear toys and gifts.

About Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horriblis, which translated means horrible northern bear) are actually one of two subspecies of Brown bear (Ursus arctos); the other is the Kodiak (Ursus arctos middendorffi). Grizzlies get their name from the "grizzled" appearance of their coat that is created by the white tips of the long guard hairs on their back and shoulders. Their coat color can vary from light cream to black, but is generally darkish brown. Highly intelligent creatures, grizzlies find food by employing complex problem solving skills. Although mature grizzlies are very large - females are 200 to 450 pounds, males are 300 to 850 pounds - at birth the cubs are about the size of a rat, weighing only about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. Factors leading to their endangered status include: destruction of habitat, accidental killing by hunters who mistake them for black bears, illegal killing (poaching), etc.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Geoffory Tufted-ear Marmoset

Hello from the forests of Brazil!

Our Marmoset

This engaging-looking plastic Geoffory tufted-ear marmoset replica is made of solid plastic and stands on a branch. It is 2 inches tall. The color is somewhat imaginative since marmosets are generally gray with a ringed tail, but has distinctive highlights, especially the ears. Our marmoset miniature has a concerned expression but promises not to bite. This marmoset replica makes an interesting pet or gift and fits nicely into a shoebox diorama for a school project. Check out our other monkey toys and gifts.

About Marmosets

This Geoffory tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi) is an intelligent thick-furred monkey found in Brazil. Marmosets are highly active, living in the upper canopy of forest trees, and feeding on insects, fruit and leaves. They have long lower incisors, which allow them to chew holes in tree trunks and branches to harvest the gum inside. They also follow troops of army ants which force insects up tree trunks, making them easy prey. The Geoffrory tufted-ear marmoset is found often in zoos and breed there easily.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Skate

Little brother to the shark and manta ray!

Our Plastic Skate or Stingray

Our plastic stingray measure 6 inches from the tip of its nose to the tip of it's tail and is about 3 1/2 inches wide. It is gray plastic with dark gray hints on top and a yellow underside showing the mouth and gills. On the top side, you can see its two eyes painted with white and black. This stingray or skate would be a wonderful addition to a school project, aquatic diorama, or just to have as a toy or collectable. Check out our other skate and stringray toys and gifts.

About Skates and Stingrays

The stingrays are part of the Dasyatidae family. They are cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. They are common in coastal tropical and subtropical marine waters throughout the world. Stingrays get their name from the barbed stinger on their tail which is used for self-defense. Their stinger can reach a length of 35 cm and has two grooves with venom gland on the underside. The flat body of the stingray allows them camoflauge themselves in their environment by hiding beneath the sand. Stingrays use their sense of smell to locate their prey. They feed on molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. Stingrays are born into litters of five to thirteen. Parts of the stingray are edible. Mainly the wings and cheeks of the stingray are used as food the rest of it is considered too rubbery. The skin of stingrays can be used to make exotic shoes, belts, wallets and anything else leather is typically used for. People often ask how to tell the difference between a skate and a ray. Rays give birth to live young, while skates lay eggs. However, it is not usually possible to use this method when you are seeing one for a short period of time! Skates often have a more pronounce dorsalf in, but in truth, it is much easier to confuse them than to tell them apart, except for such unique-looking species ast the spotted eagle ray, the manta ray, and others you may become familiar with. Personally, I think this one is a skate, as skates often have a more pointed shape . . . but that's no guarantee! The manufacturer calls this one a "skatefish."

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Gazelle

Here's the reason a cheetah NEEDS all its speed!

Our Plastic Gazelle

The markings on the gazelle pictured above most closely resemble the Thompson's gazelle. This small toy gazelle is made of solid white plastic with the colors are painted on. It measures 2 1/8 inches long from nose to tail and stands 1 3/4 inches to the tip of its horns. Although parts of the toy are somewhat flexible, it is not posable. The word "GAZELLE" is embossed on the underside. NOTE: NOT suitable for children under 3 years of age. Be sure to look over our other antelope toys and gifts.

About Gazelle

A fairly small type of antelope (2 to 3 feet high at the shoulder), gazelles (Gazella) are swift, graceful animals able to maintain high speeds for extended periods of time. Their coat is usually fawn colored and some have striking black and white markings. The horns on most gazelles curve back and in and are heavily ringed. Three species of gazelle are extinct and the remaining species are endangered to varying degrees. The most widespread of all antelope, gazelles live in herds in the African grasslands and savannas. They are also found in southwest Asia.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Beaded Lizards from Guatemala

More exquisite Guatemalan artwork!

Our Beaded Lizards

It was another one of those very lucky days when Catherine Todd (same last name, no relation) contacted me about taking some of our plastic animals to Guatemala so the artisans could craft beaded animals with the plastic replicas as a realistically-shaped base. The subject at hand was camels for a special project, but it seems the artisans make a wide variety of unique animals covered with a woven beaded "skin." Imagine my delight when a package arrived including these delightful lizards! When you purchase one of these unique animals from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my new friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy. The beading on these lizards is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads that completely covers the lizard and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded animals I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these lizards are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our other frog items as well as our page of beaded animals from Guatemala.

About Green Anole Lizards

"Anole" lizards refer to members of the family Polychrotidae. The green or Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis) is the only anole native to North America, concentrated in he southeastern United States.

While the green anole has the ability to change the color of it's skin in reaction to mood or threat, it is not a true chameleon. The green anole can also self-amputate its tail in response to an attack, but again, it is not related to the gecko. The green anole spends most of its time in trees, hunting small insects. An influx of the Cuban brown anole into Florida and the deep south has begun to push the native green anole further north.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Capybara

Introducing a rodent bigger than many dogs!

Our Plastic Capybara Replica

This sturdy, light-weight plastic rodent is great for school projects, toys, novelties, animal collections, party favors and more. Our plastic capybara is for decoration or play only. You can make an outstanding South American shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Best of all, there is no mess, no feeding, and no tank or cage cleaning :) Come check out our other capybara toys and gifts.

About Capybara

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is related to guinea pigs and chinchillas. Capybara are the largest living rodents in the world, reaching lengths of over four feet long and weights of as much as 150 pounds. Their range is densely-forested parts of South America near bodies of water. While not native to lands outside of South America, capybara have been introduced to similar habitats around the world as escapees from captivity, including the marshes of Florida and the western coast of California.

Capybara are herbivores, feeding primarily on aquatic plants, tree bark, fruit, and grasses. They are themselves a favored prey of large cats and eagles, and are farm-raised for meat and pelts across South America. A Papal Bull (a document issued by the Pope in Rome) declared the capybara a fish, allowing capybara to eaten during the Catholic holiday of Lent. As a result, poaching of capybara increases during the period right before Easter.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Capuchin Monkey

Go out on a limb with this little guy!

Our Plastic Capuchin Monkey

This engaging-looking plastic capuchin monkey replica is made of solid plastic and stands on a base. It is 2 1/4 inches long. The thin parts including the branch are flexible. The color is somewhat imaginative, but has distinctive highlights.Our capuchin monkey miniature has a concerned expression but promises not to bite. This capuchin monkey replica makes an interesting pet,or gift and fits nicely into a shoebox diorama for a school project. Check out our other monkey toys and gifts.

About Capuchin Monkeys

Capuchin Monkeys are considered New World monkeys and are found in Central and South America. Capuchin monkeys were discovered by Spanish explorers in the15th century and, because of their hood-appearing face, reminded them of the hooded Capuchin Friars, an offshoot of Franciscian monks. New World monkeys like the capuchin have noses that are flatter than the narrow noses of the Old World monkeys, and have side-facing nostrils. They also have a prehensile tail.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Badger

Just look at those TEETH!!

Our American Badger Replica

Our realistic-looking American badger is made of hollow plastic and measures 3 1/4 inches from nose to tail. The body is moulded with a fur-like pattern and details that almost make it seem real. Its name is moulded into the underside. This sturdy, light-weight plastic badger is great for school projects, toys, novelties, animal collections, party favors and more. Our plastic American badger is for decoration or play only. You can make an awesome North American forest shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Best of all, there is no mess, no feeding, and no tank or cage cleaning :)

About American Badgers

The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is found primarily in the western and central United States, northern Mexico, and central Canada. They are similar to European badgers, being nocturnal, stocky and low-slung animals with powerful legs and large foreclaws. Males are larger than females, measuring up to 30 inches long and weighing almost 20 pounds. A carnivore, American badgers prey on mice, rats, groundhogs, squirrels, and ground-nesting birds. American badgers are known to attack ground-nests of bees, eating not only the insects but the honeycombs as well.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Baby Cheetah

This winter, snuggle up to this little guy!

Our Adorable Stuffed Cheetah Baby

Our wonderfully lifelike stuffed baby cheetah by Hansa is a toy that looks amazingly like a real animal. The plush cheetah baby is 7 inches tall sitting up as you see it in this photo. Its cute wrap-around tail is just peeking out from behind the cheetah. Our lifelike Hansa cheetah is sewn with soft plush fabric made especially to match the markings of this animal. It has longer fur around the head and down the back in a small mane like a real cheetah with shorter hair on the face and body. The spots on the head, body, tail and legs are realistic with the "signature" black markings below the cheetah's eyes and around its muzzle. Attention to detail is important with all Hansa stuffed animals, and this cheetah toy is no exception. The long, thin, whiskers and with extra-soft plastic nose help anyone bond with this cute toy. The ears have a soft light peach-colored fabric inside. Our baby cheetah has a slighly puzzled curious look, as though it is learning to explore its world. It promises to snuggle next to you and be your friend. Our baby cheetah complements nicely any stuffed animal collection. Hansa toys are modeled after animals in real life, and they tend to keep the feel of an individual animal. This is one reason Hansa stuffed animals are so collectible. Kids love them and bond with them for years to come. I've known adults that "just have to" cuddle these adorable animals, too! Each piece is hand-stictched in the Philippines by crafters willing to produce a unique item each and every time. Check out our other cheetah toys and gifts or broaden your search to all of our cats. You can also read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our selection.

About Cheetahs

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large feline predator native to Africa and the Middle East. Best known for being the fastest living animal on Earth, an adult cheetah can accelerate from zero to over 60 mph in three seconds, and can maintain a speed of 70-75 mph for bursts of just over 500 yards. A not so well-known fact is that cheetahs are the only felid with non-retractable claws and pads, and because of this, cheetahs cannot climb vertical tree trunks the way other cats can.

Cheetahs hunt during the day (usually in the early morning or early evening, when it's cooler), and hunt by sight rather than scent. The incredible speed of a cheetah means that a chase is over very quickly...either the cheetah succeeds, or it burns up its energy reserve and cannot continue the chase. The sacrifice of that speed is physical strength, which means cheetahs cannot defend their kills against larger predators. As such, a successful cheetah will consume as much of it's kill as it can immediately following the chase, then abandon the kill when other predators arrive.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Museum-Quality Alligator

Open up and say aaah...

Our Plastic Museum-Quality Alligator

Check out the details of this wonderful alligator. Its superior design and details make it a museum-quality replica or collector's item, and yet the price puts it in range for the average collector of plastic animals. It can also be be used for school reports and displays or as a toy. This animal is made of very sturdy solid plastic, and each one comes with an information card.

About Alligators

An Alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator. The name alligator comes from Spanish el lagarto (the lizard), the name by which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator. There are two living alligator species: the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator. It is an ancient animal and has survived for 200 million years. An average adult American alligator's weight and length is 800 pounds and 13 feet long. According to the Everglades National Park website, the largest alligator ever recorded in Florida was 17 feet 5 inches. The Chinese alligator is smaller, rarely exceeding 7 feet in length. Alligators have an average of 75 teeth.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Hand-Painted Beagle Pin

Not a WW1 Flying Ace, but dashing and stylish just the same!

About our Painted Wildlife Jewelry

Our individually-painted wild and domestic animal jewelry is very special and unique. Take a look at these beautiful creatures and fall in love! Each piece is about 1 1/2 inches at the longest dimension. The jewellry is also available in gold plate, silver plate, bronze plate, and pewter. Call for details on our regular line (503) 325-3179, use our new toll-free number (888) 325-3179, or order above.

If you don't see the animal you want, please ask! Made in Washington and Idaho by a team of three U.S. artists, these high-quality pins and tie tacks are unique. Each exquisitely detailed piece of animal jewelry is cast in pewter and painted by hand. The finish is extremely smooth and shiny, as you can see by the highlight from the scanner. Each pin is secured by two sturdy tacks on the back so it doesn't skew sideways or turn upside down, except for the head-only pins, which are secured by one tack near the top, which keeps the animal right-side up. The finished product is not only gorgeous, but satisfyingly substantial in weight. This collectible animal jewelry can be used as lapel pins, hat pins, tie tacks, and more. They are heirloom quality, and the details are so realistic, they are found in museum gift shops and bought by organizations in need of the perfect animal to represent their group. In fact, if you're interested in having the name of your organization put on an item, write to us for details.

 

About Snoopy, and "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

The first prime-time animated TV special taken from the comic strip "Peanuts" (created by Charles Schultz in 1950), A Charlie Brown Christmas first ran in 1965, and has run every December since. The special has been awarded both an Emmy and a Peabody award, and is arguably the most recognized and beloved animated Christmas show ever made.

Amongst the cast of characters is Snoopy, the beloved pet beagle of the strip's central character, Charlie Brown. The character of Snoopy began as a conventional dog in the comic strip, but evolved over time into the strip's most dynamic character, showing a level of sophistication, wit, charm, skill, and clarity to rival any animated character. In "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (as in every Peanuts special), Snoopy has no actual dialogue, yet manages to effortlessly communicate with both the audience and the characters through action and emotion. This sets Snoopy apart from most other animated characters, who communicate primarily through dialogue. As part of his character, Snoopy is a writer, a fashion and interior designer, a World War 1 flying ace, and a motorcycle enthusiast.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.



Plastic Reindeer

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen...

Our Plastic Reindeer

Lines of the hair are moulded into the plastic and details include moulded and painted foot pads! The length of 3 1/4 inches is measured from the nose to the right hind foot and the height of 3 1/2 inches is measured to the top of the antlers. It comes with an informational tag in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English. Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic animals, its superior design and details make it a museum-quality replica or collector's item, and yet the price puts it in range for the average collector of plastic animals. This sturdy, durable reindeer is also excellent for use in school projects, dioramas, or even as a children's toy. The word "REINDEER" is embossed on the underside. Check out our terrific selection of deer, elk and moose toys and gifts.

About Reindeer

Reindeer and Caribou are the same species (Rangifer tarandus) and are members of the deer family. They are found on Greenland and large northern islands as well as in North America and Eurasia in tundra and northern forest regions. In Europe they are called "Reindeer" and have been domesticated for 2000 years or more. In North America the wild animals are called "Caribou" and the domesticated are "Reindeer". Domesticated animals are slightly smaller than the wild animals and their coloring is different, but in all wild and domestic stock both males and females have distinctive antlers which they shed and regrow every year. Their large, concave hooves spread wide to support the animal in snow and soft tundra and work as paddles when swimming. Reindeer are protected from extremely cold temperatures by unique hairs that trap air. This also helps keep them afloat when swimming. Reindeer are very social herding animals and the domesticated ones are very friendly, likeable and curious and are easy to fence, feed and train to pull.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Hummingbird

He's kickin' it in Acapulco right now!

Our Stuffed Ruby-throated Hummingbird

This engaging, realistic-looking, plush, stuffed ruby-throated hummingbird replica is part of the Audubon Bird Series. This lovely hummingbird replica is 9 inches long from beak to to tail and sings an authentic hummingbird bird call. Check out our other hummingbird toys and gifts.

About Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

The Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a common hummingbird that can be found often in the Eastern portion of the United States. It frequently visits bird feeders, as it is inquisitive in nature.The ruby - throated hummingbird is metallic green in color with black wings and has a particularly slender beak. It migrates in the Winter long distances to Mexico and even as far South as South America. It tends to be agressive with other birds, especially other hummingbirds. It makes rapid squeaking chirp to warn off competitors.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Hyena Replica

This guy LOVES leftovers!

Our plastic museum-quality hyena

This realistic-looking educational, museum-quality hyena replica is made of hard plastic. It is 4 inches from nose to tail. It stands 2 1/2 inches off the ground in a typically agressive gesture. This miniature hyena has detailed fur and is colored in brown with black spots and a black nose. This toy hyena's mouth is agape, showing its tongue and teeth. It is so realistic which makes it an excellent way to teach people about this amazing African animal. It serves as a great example for a science project, a gift, or serves as a collectible. Check out our other hyena toys and gifts and our growing collection of mixed and miscellaneous realistic toy animals.

About Hyenas

The hyena is an African plains animal. It is a strange animal that is in many ways similar to both dogs and cats. Like wild dogs, they are rarely found in forests. The hyena hunts and runs like a dog and also like a dog it attacks using its teeth rather than its claws. Doglike, hyenas eat their food quickly and may store it. They run on their calloused feet, which have large, blunt, non-retractible nails. These attributes facilitate running and making sharp turns. Like cats, they groom incessantly, mark with scent, and have a similar parental and young-rearing behavior. According to Wikipedia, the spotted hyena is very vocal, producing a number of different sounds consisting of whoops, grunts, groans, lows, giggles, yells, growls, laughs and whines.The striped hyena is comparatively silent, its vocalizations being limited to a chattering laugh and howling. Hyenas are often called cowards because they steal and scavenge other animals' kill, but they also hunt in packs and bring down many weak or slower animals.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Carabiner Frog Flashlights Back In Stock!

They're back to brighten your world!

Our Carabiner Animal Flashlights

Our carabiner animal flashlights are the coolest way to make sure you always have a light nearby! Look at the tail, they simply open up to snap onto a key ring, backpack, belt, book bag, or anyplace else a person can hook something. The light is surprisingly bright for such a small item! Keep one next to your bed, by the back door, inside your car or on your bike. The light is bright enough to find things in the dark - such as finding the lock on your house or car door. Helps keep both kids and adults safe when unexpected scenarios come up. Just press the button on the critter's back, and you have light! Is there a better way to find the outhouse on a camping trip than to let our flashlight animals find the trail for you? Or what about lighting your way on Halloween? Fun for birthday parties, as stocking stuffers, or Hanukkah gifts for any age. Check out our other frog toys and gifts and our multi-style animal flashlights. The animal flashlights page also shows you what the lights look like when the light is on! If you have a teeeeeny little screwdriver, you can pop in a replacement battery. However, we've noticed that the lights last for quite a long time on the original battery.

About Strawberry Poison Dart Frogs

Poison dart frogs are amphibians of the family Dendrobatidae and are native to Central and South America. These frogs are brightly-colored and active during the day, protected by their universal toxicity. Poison dart frogs get their name from their famous contribution to native cultures, whose hunters used them to poison their blowdarts. Only three of the 175 species of poison dart frogs have been documented being used in this way, and while all poison dart frogs secrete toxins, the level of toxicity varies widely from one species to another.

Strawberry poison dart frogs (Oophaga pumilio) are common throughout its habitat of Central America. This amphibian is terrestrial, hunting and roaming the organic debris of both forested habitats and cultivated regions.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Black Scorpion

They have this animal near Bethlehem too!

Our Plastic Scorpion

This engaging, realistic-looking plastic scorpion replica is made of rubbery plastic with bendable appendages. This scorpion replica has elaborate detail and is painted entirely black. This toy scorpion is 7 inches long from tail to the tips of its claws.This rubber black scorpion makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible or a terrific gag or party favor. Our plastic scorpion is especially useful at Halloween. Check out our other scorpion toys and gifts.

About Scorpions

Scorpions are found in warm regions. They are arachnids, and therefore more closely related to spiders than to insects. They are found not only in the desert, but also in forests. They spend much of the day under logs and leaf litter, and feed mostly at night on spiders and insects. Most scorpions are only painful to humans and are not especially dangerous, although a few can deliver a fatal sting. Children and elderly people are more at risk from their venom than strong, healthy adults. The approximately 2,000 species of scorpion vary widely in size, from about 1/2 inch to 7 inches long. Our plastic scorpion is most likely an artistic version of the Arizona desert scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis pallidus), characterized by a dirty light brown/yellow color and a black to brown streak on its back. People have collected scorpions and made a commercial product out of them in the form of paperweights and keychains by placing them inside moulded plastic. Because of this, they have become over-collected and are now "a CITES-listed animal, meaning scorpions could be threatened with extinction if exportation and other threats, such as development, are not regulated." [Wikipedia]

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Blessed Yule To All!

One of the ORIGINAL Yuletide animals!

Our Plastic Nanny Goat or Doe

This engaging, realistic-looking plastic nanny goat miniature is made of flexible plastic with bendable appendages and is 2 3/4 inches long and about 2 1/2 inches tall. This replica has elaborate detail and is hand painted white, tan and pink. Our nanny goat has distinct dark eyes and pinkish hooves. It has hints of tan and yellow in the face, horns and tail. The udder on this milk goat or mother goat is visible, but can't be seen from the angle of the photo. The goat is an educational replica that fits nicely into a farm diorama, or serves as a miniature pet or a great farm animal collectible. Check out our other hoofed animal toys and gifts. Among them are quite a few other farm animals.

About Yule Goats

The Yule goat is one of the oldest Norse (Scandinavian) traditions in relation to the Winter Solstice holiday of Yule, celebrated by modern Pagans on December 20-21. The tradition has evolved much through the years. For centuries, the Yule goat was an invisible creature that walked the land, insuring that Yule/Christmas preparations were completed properly. This evolved into a mystical creature that delivered presents to children, a tradition that was eventually replaced by the Father Christmas idea (although, in modern Finland, the Finnish name for Father Christmas, "Joulupukki", means "Yule Goat"). Today through much of Scandinavia, Yule goats are straw or wooden ornaments used to prank neighbors. The victim has the Yule goat placed prominently, yet secretly, on their house or property, and the penalty is that they now must prank another neighbor with the same ornament.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Beaded Lizard Keychains from Guatemala

Let this little guy keep track of your car keys!

Our Beaded Lizard Keychains

The beading on these lizard animal keychains is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded animals I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these lizards are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. The lizards are very nice looking. It was hard to get adequate photos because of the interesting angles. The eyes are bright faceted crystal-like beads which always have an angle to the light, making it look like there is life in the lizard's eyes. Each beaded lizard keychain has a skin pouch under its throat and diamond shapes on its back. Check out our other lizard items as well as our page of beaded animals and beaded keychains from Guatemala.

When you purchase one of these unique animals from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my new friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Stegosaurus Skeleton Model Back Again!

Not quite extinct!

Our Stegosaurus Skeleton Model

This realistic-looking stegosaurus skeleton model is made of strong plastic and is sturdy when assembled. It is 9 1/4 inches long and 4 inches tall. There are about 10 separate pieces, some large, with easy to follow assembly instructions and a diagram. The bones look weathered and connect with one another through pegs or joint sockets. Although most pieces hold together well, it may help to use a little super glue. This miniature stegosaurus skeleton replica makes a nice display, a gift, or toy for children or adults and could work well for school show-and-tell or as a school science project. Check out our other dinosaur model toys and gifts.

About Stegosaurus

"Stegosaurus" meaning roof lizard, is an armour-plated dinosaur from the late Jurassic Period characterized by large spikes along its back. It was an herbivore that used its spikes for protection against predators. Stegosaurus had a distinctive and unusual posture, with a heavily arched back, short forelimbs, head held low to the ground and a stiffened tail held high in the air. It was thirty feet long and fourteen feet tall. Many skeletal remains have been found in Wyoming.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Parakeet or Budgie

A delightful addition to your aviary!

Our Stuffed Parakeets

We think this stuffed parakeet is exceptional. It is so lifelike and compelling, you almost won't believe it's a stuffed toy and not the real thing. Although it's made of synthetic materials, it looks real. The designer of the Hansa line of stuffed animals takes pride in the European heritage of his realistic animal design. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched.

This is not your ordinary stuffed animal. Our stuffed bird has the charm and quality you'll want to keep for a lifetime. It's the kind of toy your child will remember for years to come. It's the kind of "pet" a young child will want to name and create his or her own stories about.

About Parakeets

The word "parakeet" is a general term referring to any number of small to medium-sized seed-eating birds of the parrot species. The parakeet is a found throughout the world with many species living in tropical South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Other than in the United States, the parakeet, which means long-tailed, is known as a budgie or budgerigar. They make amazing pets and, although mistkenly called lovebirds, they seemingly show affection and the ability to mimic the language of humans. After overcoming initial fear, parakeets chirp when their owner is nearby and will cuddle, show contentment, and strut their proud feathers.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Bloodwood Tapirs from Colombia

Support conservation efforts with this unique, hand-carved collectible!

Our Bloodwood Animals

Palo de sangre is the Spanish name for this rich, red wood which is popular for making cultural handcrafts and art in South America. The English translation is "bloodwood." It is the heartwood of the trees Brosimum paraense and Brosimum rubescens. The sapwood is yellowish-white. According to Wikipedia, "Palo de sangre has a fine texture and takes a high polish. The wood is very hard and has a tendency to blunt tools. The wood is used in decorative woodworking and woodturning. The Nature Conservancy considers this tree secure within its native range." Other sources give additional names: muirapiranga, satiné rubane, cacique, and cardinalwood (due to its red color). It keeps its color, and does not turn brown with age like some highly colored woods. See our full selection of bloodwood ("palo de sangre") hand-carved animals from Colombia.

Palo de sangre is carved into wonderfully attractive and charming animal figures in Colombia and other regions of tropical America. The bright red color is a natural property of the wood, as is the highly finished shine on the surface (evidenced by the reflected light in the photo). These animals are not varnished, stained, or painted, but come to you in their spectacular natural finish. Fortunately, the artisans who carve them are not restricted by any means or conventions to a particular template, so you get the benefit of each individual's vision and creativity. The wood also varies somewhat from one carving to the next as far as natural color, grain, and markings. Although the individual item is different from all others, the motifs are repeated. For example, crocodiles and manatees are more common; and tapirs are less common. We may be able to get several tapirs this month and none next month, for example. Or we may be able to get small otters one month and only large otters the next. We decided to show you each and every animal we have available, and you can order by the number. You will receive the exact item you see on the web site. The only order option for quantity is one per item, as no two are alike. These carved wood animals are imported to the US by the Tapir Preservation Fund. Your purchase helps support conservation of tapirs and their habitat.

Tapirs of Colombia

Colombia is the only country that is home to more than two species of tapir. Three distinct species and one subspecies inhabit the country. Mountain tapirs live in one chain of the Andes mountains, lowland tapirs live in much of the jungle (eastern) area of Colombia, and a very few Baird's tapirs live in the far north near the Isthmus of Panama. There is also a subspecies of lowland tapir called the Colombian tapir living in an isolated area called Santa Marta. Colombia is still a frontier for tapir discoveries. The Colombian tapir, a subset of the lowland tapir, was believed by some to be a distinct subspecies, but it was only clearly distinguished as such in the past few years. Some people believe that Baird's tapir, which can be found in a small pocket in the north of Colombia also ranges down the dense, barely-accessible western coast. There have been reports of sightings or tracks of Baird's tapir in the west, but no definitive evidence has been brought to light. We hope that Baird's tapir will be someday be identified for certain as living along Colombia's west coast.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Custom-Made Mountain Tapir Aluminum Earrings, Pins, and Pendants

Make a fashion statement while you make a stand for tapir conservation!

Our Custom Aluminum Earrings, Pins, and Pendants

This animal jewelry is unique! Any item can be ordered in a variety of colors. This sturdy, light-weight mountain tapir aluminum jewelry is made by Corinna Bechko, who is not only an artist, but has worked at the Los Angeles Zoo in the research division. She attended the Jewelry Arts Academy in Manhattan. What a lucky day it was for us when she discovered our web site and suggested we might want to see the jewelry she makes!

Customers have a wide variety of choices. Pendants and earrings come with a bead. Corinna will try to find any color you want, so bead choices are almost endless. The tapir itself comes in a variety of colors as listed in the drop-down menu above. Each mountain tapir measures about 1 1/4 inches from nose to tail. The pendants hang on a 17-inch black silk cord (included). Your color choice can be made up quickly - probably in only a few days. You will find examples of the earrings, pins and pendants and some color combinations, as well as the other animal types we sell, on our page of Aluminum Jewelry. Make sure to come look through our entire collection of tapir jewelry.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Soft Play Latex Octopus Replica

C'mon...who wants a hug? Eight arms...no waiting!

Our Soft Play Latex Octopus

This realistic-looking plastic-coated soft play octopus is a terrific replica. It is 21 inches long, but will stretch out to 26 inches when you pull on the partially posable tentacles. It is also 6 inches tall. Our octopus replica has a hard latex coating and a soft inner body possibly made of foam. It is an excellent toy for children because it is light weight and durable. It serves as an educational toy for a science project or as a gag or unusual gift. Check out our other octopi toys and gifts.

About Octopi

Octopi are cephalopods that can be found in rocky areas especially among coral reefs in the oceans throughout the world. The octopus has 8 arms which trail behind it when it swims. It is considered to be the most intelligent animal of all invertabrates. It emits a cloud of inky substance as a defense against predators as well as possessing a venomous bite. Most octopuses have a short life span of no longer than six months.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Beaded Frogs from Guatemala

A beautiful, brilliant ornament!

Our Beaded Frogs

It was another one of those very lucky days when Catherine Todd (same last name, no relation) contacted me about taking some of our plastic animals to Guatemala so the artisans could craft beaded animals with the plastic replicas as a realistically-shaped base. The subject at hand was camels for a special project, but it seems the artisans make a wide variety of unique animals covered with a woven beaded "skin." Imagine my delight when a package arrived including these delightful frogs! When you purchase one of these unique animals from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my new friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy. The beading on these frogs is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads that completely covers the frog and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded animals I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these frogs are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our other frog items as well as our page of beaded animals from Guatemala.

About Frogs

Frogs are among the most diverse animals on the planet. They come in an astounding range of colors, sizes and shapes, and more than 5,000 species have been described worldwide. They are amphibians in the order Anura (meaning "tail-less", from Greek an-, without + oura, tail). Frogs are among the most commonly-known animals to most people, and yet we probably think of them in generic terms. Once you begin to read about frogs, you realize how different each species is from the next. Typically, they are exceptional jumpers, and many of the anatomical characteristics of frogs, particularly their long, powerful legs, are adaptations to improve jumping performance. Many frogs have an extremely loud call which is most often used during their mating season. Although the greatest number of frogs are found in the tropical rainforests of the world, they can be found in a wide range of climactic zones. Frogs may live in trees or on the ground, but they always live near water. Their skin becomes dry easily and this will inevitably lead to death. Some populations of frogs are declining significantly, and there are important organizations dedicated to their study and conservation. Frogs have long been a favorite subject in art, literature and legend, and many people collect images and replicas of frogs.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Chinchilla

Too cute to be made into a coat!

Our Plush Chinchilla

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed chinchilla is soft and cuddly. The chinchilla replica is sewn with soft plush mottled synthetic fur and is sturdy enough to stand on its feet and rump. It reflects the total quality of stuffed animal toys made by Hansa. The head is accentuated with large realistic looking eyes, a light muzzle with fine whiskers and large fur-lined pink ears. This plush chinchilla is about 11 inches long, including its beautifuly curled, gray tail. Our stuffed chinchilla has a kindly expression and promises not to bite. This chinchilla makes a wonderful gift for chinchilla pet lovers and nicely complements any stuffed animal collection. Check out our other chinchilla toys and gifts.

About Chinchillas

Our Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is the common long-tailed chinchilla. It is the size of a small rabbit, crepuscular, and is found in the Andes of South America. Its name, chinchilla, comes from the name of a tribe of Andean people, the Chincha, who adorned themselves with furs from this rodent. In their native habitat, chinchillas live in burrows or crevices in rocks. They are agile jumpers and can leap up to five feet. Predators in the wild include hawks, skunks, felines, and canines. Chinchillas have a variety of defense tactics including spraying urine and releasing fur if bitten. In the wild, chinchillas have been observed eating plants, fruits, seeds, and small insects. Chinchillas were brought to the United States in the 1920s and were domesticated and sold in pet stores. There are several chinchilla owner pet clubs and lots of information on how to care for a domesticated pet chinchilla. The native Chilean chinchillas have been hunted for human apparel since the early 1900s. Around 1900, an estimated 500,000 chinchilla skins were exported annually from Chile. Chinchilla pelt is considered by some to be the most valuable pelt in the world, and coats have sold as much as $100,000. This scale of hunting seriously depleted the number of wild chinchillas, and the international trade in wild chinchillas or their skins is now restricted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Beaded Dragonfly Keychains from Guatemala

Amazing artistry from Latin America!

Our Beaded Dragonfly Keychains

The beading on these dragonfly animal keychains is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded animals I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these dragonflies are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our other dragonfly items as well as our page of beaded animals and beaded keychains from Guatemala. When you purchase one of these unique animals from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my new friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Holstein Bull

Rounding out our Holstein family!

Our Plastic Holstein Bull

This realistic-looking plastic Holstein bull is made of hard plastic and is constructed with attention to detail. It is 5 1/2 inches long and 3 1/4 inches tall. This Holstein bull makes a nice pet, a gift, fits into a cow collection, or is useful for a diorama. Our plastic bull can be used in a number of ways including as a gift indicating a bride price among certain cultures, and as a part of a Christmas manger scene. Check out our other cow toys and gifts.

About Holstein Cows

The Holstein cow is a popular dairy cow which originated in what is today Holland. The Dutch breeders bred and oversaw the development of the breed with the aim of obtaining animals which would make best use of grass. The result was an efficient, high-producing black-and-white dairy cow. It is black and white due to artificial selection by the breeders. It is the most common dairy cow in America.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Fawn

A warm and snuggly companion!

Our Stuffed Fawn

We think this stuffed fawn toy is exceptional. It is so lifelike and compelling, you almost won't believe it's a stuffed toy and not the real thing. Although it is made of synthetic materials, it looks real. This wonderfully detailed baby deer measures 23 3/4 inches long, 9 1/2 inches wide and 13 inches high to the tips of the ears. The designer of this unique line of stuffed animals takes pride in the European heritage of his realistic animal design. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched.

This is not your ordinary stuffed animal. Our plush deer baby has the charm and quality you'll want to keep for a lifetime. It is the kind of toy your child will remember for years to come. It is the kind of "pet" a young child will want to name and create his or her own stories about.

To find our other Hansa stuffed toy animals, or see our entire inventory of stuffed animals, stuffed beanies and plush hand puppets, check out our Stuffed Animals Page and Stuffed Beanies and Plush Puppets Page. Check out our terrific selection of deer, elk and moose toys and gifts.

About Deer

Deer are herbivore mammals of the family Cervidae. Many species of deer exist on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, including the white-tailed, red, fallow, roe, chital, and Chinese water deer. Also included in the Family Cervidae are elk, moose, and reindeer. Deer typically weigh 70-600 pounds. They have slender frames and powerful legs, which make them exceptional runners, jumpers and swimmers. The earliest deer fossils date back to the Oligocene epoch, over 23 million years ago.

All male deer and female reindeer have antlers, bony forked appendages that grow from their heads. The only exception to this is the Chinese water deer, which has tusks. Antlers are shed and grow back annually. This makes them different from horns, which are permanent.

Deer have had a significant economic, cultural, and spiritual impact on humans throughout history. From the earliest European cave paintings to Walt Disney's movie "Bambi," Kate Seredy's book The White Stag, and Nintendo's Pokemon "Stantler," deer have captured our imagination. To this day, deer are pursued for sustenance, immortalized in heraldry and popular culture, and revered by belief systems old and new for their speed, strength, and nobility.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Lamb

Perfect for your manger diorama!

About Our Plastic Sheep

Made of hand-painted, solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic toy animals, this sheep family's superior design and details make them museum-quality replicas or collector's items, and yet the price puts them in range for the average collector of plastic animals. The ram measures 3 1/2 inches from nose to rump and stands 2 1/2 inches tall. The ewe measures 3 inches from nose to rump and stands 2 1/2 inches tall. The lamb measures 2 inches from nose to rump and stands 1 1/2 inches tall. Each sheep comes with an informational tag in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English. These sturdy, durable farm animals are also excellent for school projects, novelties, party favors or even as children's toys. You can make a superb farm scene or farm animal shoebox diorama using these and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Best of all, there is no mess, no feeding, and no stall or pen cleaning :) Come see our wonderful assortment of farm animals.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.