Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Ty Beanie Babies



Sooo many to choose from!

About Our Beanie Babies


These Beanie Babies are made by Ty. They are previously owned, all clean and in excellent like-new condition with tags in place unless noted in the description. A few of the tags are slightly bent, but none are seriously damaged. If a slight bend matters to you, please ask. Write to us if you need a description or photo of an individual beanie, we'll be happy to help. These plush Beanie Babies are a very special kind of stuffed animal! So cute! There are even a few Teenie Beanie Babies, Ty Attic Treasures and Beanie Buddies at the end of the list. For a look at our entire inventory of stuffed animals, stuffed beanies and plush hand puppets, check out our Stuffed Beanies and Plush Puppets Page and Stuffed Animals Page.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Bighorn Sheep



This guy was rock-climbing long before it was a sport!

Our Plastic Bighorn Sheep Replica


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic bighorn sheep miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose. This bighorn sheep replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 3 1/4 inches long, with a white pelt. A necessity for any high-mountain school project! Check out our other sheep toys and gifts.

About Bighorn Sheep


The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is one of the most magnificent native animals found in North America. The bighorn sheep is named for the large dark brown curved horn borne by males. Females have horns also, but much smaller, less curved ones. Both sexes have dark brown bodies with a white rump. The bighorn sheep ranges in the Rocky Mountains, the West, Northern Mexico and parts of Canada. It once roamed freely, played an integral part in native lore, and was a staple in native diet. Today, due to overhunting and loss of habitat, the bighorn sheep is rarely seen.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Plastic Stegosaurus Skeleton Model



These were as long as the bus you rode to school in!

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 the 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 Mosquito



They buzz...they suck blood...they carry disease...what's not to like?!?

Our Plush Mosquito Replica


This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed mosquito is soft and floppy. The wings are securely sewn onto the back and are made of a shimmery fabric which reflects the light in rainbow colors. The legs are long and gangly and are made of soft plush fabric allowing for a myriad of postions. The feet have soft plastic tips. Check out our other mosquito toys and gifts.

About Mosquitos


The word "mosquito" means "small fly" in Spanish (the word for "fly" is "mosca"). Mosquitoes (the plural can be spelled "mosquitos" or "mosquitoes") are any of a number of two-winged insects of the family Culicidae. The females suck the blood of mammals (inlcuding humans) and some mosquitoes transmit yellow fever and malaria.Usually, the "bite" results only in a small bump that becomes red and itchy for a few days. Mosquitoes feed on nectar, and neither the males nor the females need blood to survive. The blood provides protein for the development and laying of eggs. This is why only the females seek blood. The "bite" is not actually a bite. The mosquito injects a tiny feeding tube into the skin of the animal or human in order to withdraw blood. Mosquitos are believed to have evolved in the Jurassic Period (the age of large dinosaurs), but the first known fossils are from the Cretaceous Period (the last of the dinosaurs and an age when many new species began to proliferate), between 144 and 65 million years ago. There are currently about 3,500 species of mosquito worldwide. Some of their past ancestors were about three times the size of the mosquitos that live in the world today. Mosquitos usually shelter in shaded areas during the day and feed at dawn and dusk. They can also be active at night, and sometimes fly up to about 5 miles in a night.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Plastic Pteranodon Skeleton Model



Can you imagine being buzzed by one of these?

Our Pteranodon Skeleton Model


This realistic-looking pteranodon skeleton model is made of strong plastic and is sturdy when assembled. It is 9 1/4 inches long and 9 inches wide. There are about 11 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 pteranodon 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 Pteranodons


"Pteranodon" means "winged and toothless." These flying reptiles were closely related to dinosaurs, but were technically not included in the same group. They lived during the late Cretaceous Period - one of the great ages of dinosaurs. Pteranodon stood about 6 feet tall (and some scientists believe they did stand upright), and had a wingspan of 25 to 33 feet - longer than any known bird. They had short tails, as you can see on our plastic pteranodon skeleton replica. Most pteranodon fossils have been found in Kansas and in England. Pteranodons fed primarily on fish, and may have scooped them out of the water the way a modern-day pelican feeds.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Billy Goat



He doesn't look Gruff, does he?

Our Plastic Billy Goat Replica


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic billy goat miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose. This billy goat replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 2 3/4 inches long with awhite pelt. A perfect addition to any barnyard scene! Check out our other goat toys and gifts.

About Goats


The domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), is the earliest animal to be domesticated by humans. A goat is very useful to humans both alive or dead. Alive, goats can be used as a renewable provider of milk and fiber. Dead they can be used for meat and hide. Intestines of a goat can be used for making strings for musical intruments. Young goats are referred to as kids. Meat from a young goat is either called kid or cabrito. Goats are known for being willing to eat almost anything. While they may not actually consume everything, they are very curious and will taste anything resembling plant matter in order to decide whether or not it is good to eat.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Plastic Great White Shark



Another new addition to TPF! Say 'CHEESE'!

Our Plastic Great White Shark


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic great white shark miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica has a dynamic, realistic pose. This great white shark replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 3 inches long, with realistic grey skin and white underside. Ready to prowl in your toybox or school project! Check out our other shark toys and gifts.

About Great White Sharks


The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) can be found near the surface in warmer waters of the Pacific, the Caribbean, and along the coast of Africa. Great whites usually about 9 feet in length, but adults may be as much as 16 feet. They weigh around 2,000 pounds. Some sharks follow the migration of sea lions, which they find a most tasty prey. The great white has a large conical-shaped snout, a gray dorsal fin and a mottled white underside. Great white sharks, like many other sharks, have rows of teeth behind the main ones, allowing any that break off to be rapidly replaced. A great white shark's teeth are serrated and when the shark bites it will shake its head side to side and the teeth will act as a saw and tear off large chunks of flesh. Great whites often swallow their own broken off teeth along with chunks of their prey's flesh.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Woolly Mammoth Skeleton Model



The Japanese are working to bring these back!

Our Woolly Mammoth Skeleton Model


This realistic-looking woolly mammoth skeleton model is made of strong plastic and is sturdy when assembled. It is 10 inches long and 6 1/2 inches tall. There are about 16 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 woolly mammoth 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 Woolly Mammoths


The woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) first roamed the earth 150,000 years ago. The mammoth migrated from Africa northward into Europe, east through the Steppes of Asia, and then into the Arctic. During the Pleistocene Era (Ice Age), when temperatures were so much colder, the woolly mammoth developed thick shaggy hair, special glands to secrete fat to insulate the skin from the cold, and smaller ears and special teeth to grind tundra. The woolly mammoth developed huge curved tusks up to 15 feet long to shovel snow in order to reach tundra and grass below. The woolly mammoth is the most common mammal fossil. Some have been found in Siberia almost completely intact including tissue remnants. It is breathtaking to see the mammoth's skeleton on display in the museum.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Plastic American Bald Eagle



An amazing miniature of a noble creature!

Our Plastic American Bald Eagle


Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic toy animals, this american bald eagle measures 3 1/4 inches from beak to tail and is 2 3/8 inches tall. It stands balanced on its feet and tail. The word "EAGLE" is molded on the bottom. This sturdy, durable raptor is also excellent for school projects, novelties, party favors or even as a children's toy. You can make a wonderful birds of prey 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 look through our entire collection of eagle toys and gifts.

About American Bald Eagles


Bald eagles are large predatory sea birds who follow waterways to reach inland areas. They are found only in North America. Bald eagles can fly up to 30 mph, and can dive up to 100 mph.This explains why they are so adept at snatching fish out of the water with their feet. Mature bald eagles generally weigh between 9-12 pounds, with a wing span of about 7 feet. Bald eagles mate for life. A female usually lays 2-3 eggs a year. By three months of age, her young are able to fly, and are often on their own a month later. Bald eagles reuse their nests, adding more nesting material each time it is reused. Because of this, some nests reach as much as 10 feet across, and can weigh as much as 2000 pounds. Strict conservation efforts have enabled the bald eagle's status to be upgraded from "endangered" to "threatened" in the lower 48 states.

In May 2004, we visited the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. One of the most interesting parts of our visit was the VERY GOOD animal presentation at their outdoor stage. One of the animals they presented was a beautiful bald eagle. We learned that when the eagle was named, the word "bald" didn't mean "hairless" as it does now; it meant someone with white hair. Now the eagle's name makes more sense! Below you can see a photo of the eagle I took that day at the presentation, where we were allowed to get close to the animals at the end of the talk. By the way, if you get a chance to visit, it's a really nice zoo in a marvelous natural setting. And be sure to see the animal presentation!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Leaf-tailed Gecko



Cute little dude, ain't he?

Our Plastic Leaf-tailed Gecko


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic leaf-tailed gecko miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic. This replica has detailed skin and is painted in two shades of brown with distinct eyes. This leaf-tailed gecko replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. Check out our other gecko toys and gifts.

About Leaf-tailed Geckos


The leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) is a species of gecko found only in Madacascar. It is sometimes called the satanic leaf-tailed gecko or eyelash leaf-tailed gecko. It lives entirely on the rainforest floor in the litter of leaves, where it is well camouflaged. It is suffering greatly due to loss of habitat and from illegal pet trade.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Plastic Dodo Bird



A facinating creature from Earth's past!

Our Plastic Dodo Bird


Our realistic-looking plastic dodo bird brings ths marvelous extinct animal "back to life" in your school project or collection. It looks like the real thing and is a wonderful educational toy, useful for shoebox dioramas and other school projects, a collector's item, a gift for your favorite dodo (or dodo fan), and more. Made of solid, rubbery plastic, it measures 2 3/4 inches tall. The body is moulded to look like feathers that almost make it seem real. Its name is moulded into the underside as it is on many of our plastic animals. Be sure to see our other bird and extinct animal toys and gifts.

About Dodo Birds


The dodo, a flightless bird about 3 feet (or 1 meter) tall, was found in only one place in the world - the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. It fed on fruit. The name of this bird is often equated with the condition of extinction - "extinct like the dodo," "dead as a dodo," "gone the way of the dodo bird." Within two hundred years of the arrival of Portuguese sailors on Mauritius in the 1500s, the dodo had become exterminated forever. The bird was last recorded alive in 1663. The starving sailors found the large dodo birds easy prey, as they were not afraid of humans and have been described as "clumsy." In fact, the name "dodo" comes from the word for "fool" in Portuguese. There is some disagreement over how much of the dodo's demise can be blamed directly on human consumption or whether it was the dogs, cats, rats, and pigs introduced to the island that destroyed their eggs. Both played a role. A number of dodos had been brought to Europe before their extinction, where they were variously drawn, painted, and stuffed. Like the bird itself, the dodo's remains, it seems, had also "gone missing," as no complete skeleton had been found for hundreds of years until the discovery by Dutch scientists of a dodo "mass grave" in 2005. Even a complete taxidermied dodo can no longer be seen, as the last surviving one in Oxford was seriously damaged. However, in recent years a slimmer replica has been made based on new data about the proportions of the bird. The dodo gained its place as the most famous extinct animal partly because of its appearance in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The dodo was a favorite of the author, "Lewis Carroll," whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. It is said that he stuttered, and often pronounced his name "Do-Do-Dodgson."

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Bloodwood Turtles from Colombia



Come see our new line of hand-carved Palo de Sangre turtles!

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.

Turtles of Colombia


Colombia is a South American country rich in ecological diversity. Unfortunately, it is also a relatively unstable country, both geographically and politically. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Colombia is home to 15 active volcanoes and numerous fault lines that contribute to numerous eruptions and earthquakes, many resulting in substantial damage and loss of human life. The political upheaval between the current government and political dissidents creates an environment of violence and pollution that is difficult to overcome. Even with all these factors, however, numerous conservation and scientific missions are currently at work in Colombia seeking to preserve the environment and species of this amazing country.

Colombia is listed fourth in the world for its levels of fresh water, supplied by both rainfall and enormous river systems. Amongst other animals that benefit from its huge freshwater environments, Colombia is home to numerous turtle species, including the Colombian wood turtle (Rhinoclemmys melanostema), Dunn's mud turtle (Kinosternon dunni), the Colombian slider (Trachemys callirostris), and the Rio Magdalena river turtle (Podocnemis lewyana).

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Plastic Great White Shark



Equally great as a toy or project piece!

Our Plastic Great White Shark


Our great white shark is made of hard plastic and measures 3 inches. Its name is moulded into the underside. This plastic shark is great for school projects, toys, novelties, animal collections, party favors and more. You can make a splendid ocean predators diorama using this and other plastic sharks, fish, and aquatic creatures and mammals from our gift shop.

About Great White Sharks


The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) can be found near the surface in warmer waters of the Pacific, the Caribbean, and along the coast of Africa. Great whites usually about 9 feet in length, but adults may be as much as 16 feet. They weigh around 2,000 pounds. Some sharks follow the migration of sea lions, which they find a most tasty prey. The great white has a large conical-shaped snout, a gray dorsal fin and a mottled white underside. Great white sharks, like many other sharks, have rows of teeth behind the main ones, allowing any that break off to be rapidly replaced. A great white shark's teeth are serrated and when the shark bites it will shake its head side to side and the teeth will act as a saw and tear off large chunks of flesh. Great whites often swallow their own broken off teeth along with chunks of their prey's flesh.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Plastic Orange Siberian Tiger



Meet Shere Khan's big brother from up north!

Our Plastic Orange Siberian Tiger


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic orange Siberian tiger replica is made of somewhat flexible plastic. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose. This Siberian tiger miniature makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 10 inches long and 4 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder, with orange and black fur. All the majesty and power of the real thing without the food costs! Check out our other tiger toys and gifts.

About Siberian tigers


Also known as the Amur tiger, the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is a subspecies of tiger found in the Russian far east. This subspecies represents one of the largest cats to have ever lived on Earth, with an average male body length of over six feet and a typical male weight of 475 pounds. Siberian tigers are distinquished from other large felids by an unusually large and heavily-reinforced skull. Primary prey for the Siberian tiger include deer, wild pigs, and a small proportion of moose.

In 2005, there was a breeding population of about 250 Amur tigers in the Russian far east, with an overall population of less than 400 and declining. Intense conservation efforts to preserve the Siberian tiger have been underway for more than 15 years.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Guinea Pigs



Another unique and delightful addition to Tapir & Friends!

Our Guinea Pigs


These adorable little stuffed guinea pigs are both realistic and extremly soft. Our guinea pigs are 8 inches long and have been well crafted by Hansa. They have light-brown and white, grey-brown and white, or black and white fluffy fur covering their bodies. You'll enjoy talking to your new found friend and stroking him to sleep. Be sure to see our other rodent toys and gifts.

About Guinea Pigs


Guinea pigs are small rodents that are neither from Guinea nor are pigs. They originally came from the grasslands of the Andes, but are no longer found in the wild. They were introduced to Europeans in the 16th century and became household pets. They have a docile nature and are easy to keep around the home. They weigh 1 -2 pounds and are 8-10 inches long and are usually kept in cages lined with wood shavings. Guinea pigs breed year around with about 5 litters a year consisting of an average of 3 pups. They can learn complex paths to food and were often used, prior to rats and mice, in scientific experiments, hence the term "guinea pig" for a person who is being tested.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Black-tip Reef Shark Plush Toy



Just when you thought it was safwe to snuggle up with a stuffed animal...

Our Plush Black-tip Reef Shark


This somewhat realistic-looking plush Black-tip Reef Shark toy is made by Wild Republic - a name so many have come to know and trust as a leading manufacturer of stuffed animals and other toys for kids. Thoroughly tested, these toys are very safe, although the tag always says "For Ages 3+." As part of the Cuddlekins line, this shark has realistic colors and a shape that is realistic within the "kinda cute" look of this line. It's a good size for children to cuddle, but it's big enough to be fun for any age. Our shark has soft teeth made of felt and pink fabric inside its mouth. The gills and nostrils are made with stitching and the irises of the plastic eyes are a very pretty, shiny silver with little black lines in them. Tips of the fins and tail are prominent black. The shark comes with an informational tag printed in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and German. Come see our other shark toys and gifts.

About Black-tip Reef Sharks


Easily identified by the black fin-tips that give it its name, the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is among the most abundant species of shark in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Most of the time, blacktips prefer shallow waters near coral reefs and sandy flats, but have been known to enter brackish and even freshwater environments. Blacktips are typically less than six feet long. Skittish and shy, blacktips seldom pose a threat to humans unless provoked to frenzy by food in the water. Blacktips feed primarily on bony fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, sea snakes, and occasionally water birds.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic White Siberian Tiger



THIS 'white Russian' don't abide!

Our Plastic White Siberian Tiger


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic white Siberian tiger replica is made of somewhat flexible plastic. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose. This Siberian tiger miniature makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 10 inches long and 4 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder, with white and black fur. All the majesty and power of the real thing without the food costs! Check out our other tiger toys and gifts.

About Siberian tigers


Also known as the Amur tiger, the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is a subspecies of tiger found in the Russian far east. This subspecies represents one of the largest cats to have ever lived on Earth, with an average male body length of over six feet and a typical male weight of 475 pounds. Siberian tigers are distinquished from other large felids by an unusually large and heavily-reinforced skull. Primary prey for the Siberian tiger include deer, wild pigs, and a small proportion of moose.

The commonly-held belief that the Siberian tiger exists with a white coat, rather than orange or rusty colored fur, is false. Tigers with white coats are not a species or subspecies on their own...the white coloration is a mutation of the tiger's natural coloration. While white-coated tigers are bred in captivity in large numbers for sale to zoos and circus-style shows, the white coloration is extremely rare in wild tigers.

In 2005, there was a breeding population of about 250 Amur tigers in the Russian far east, with an overall population of less than 400 and declining. Intense conservation efforts to preserve the Siberian tiger have been underway for more than 15 years.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Plush Camel Finger Puppet



This adorable puppet makes a great gift!

Our Stuffed Camel Finger Puppet


This playful stuffed camel finger puppet is made of extremely soft plush material. This replica has a detailed face and body with a loving expression. It is 7 inches long and 7 inches tall. Your finger goes inside but doesn't move any parts. You basically march it along. This plush camel finger puppet stands up on its own and could work as a Christmas decoration or be placed around a manger. It makes for a nice pet, fits into a stuffed animal collection or serves as a great cuddly friend and is fun for all kinds of games. Check out our other camel toys and gifts.

About Camels


The Bactrian (two-humped) camel lives in the cold, mountain and hight desert climates of Central Asia. It was domesticated over 4,500 years ago in an area called Bactria, near present-day Iran. The Bactrian's humps are filled with fat, not water, which is used to nourish the camel when there is little food or water. The Bactrian camel can go without water for long periods, drinking and storing up to 18 gallons (68 liters) at a time. The Bactrian camel can grow up to 11 feet long and 7 feet tall (at the shoulder) and weight up to 2,000 pounds. Although there are over 2 million domesticated Bactrian camels, the wild Bactrian camel is one of the world's rarest mammals. It is considered critically endangered with less that 1,000 remaining in the wild.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Cricket



Know that crickets are considered lucky when you "wish upon a star"!

Our Plastic Cricket


This engaging, realistic-looking, plastic Cricket is made of hard durable plastic. It is 2 inches long including flexible back legs. It makes a good replica in a shoe box diorama or for any school project. It is also an excellent party gag. Check out our other insect toys and gifts.

About Crickets


Crickets are a group of 900 species of insects of the family Gryllidae,and are related closely to katydids. Often mistaken for grasshoppers due to similarities in body and leg shape, crickets are primarily nocturnal and are most widely known for their common "chirping". The chirp, emitted only by male crickets, is created by the cricket rubbing his wings (NOT his hind legs) together. There are four types of cricket "chirp": the calling song (attracts females and repels males), the courting song (when females are near), the aggresive song (when males are near), and the copulatory song (after a successful mating). Rate and pitch of the songs are determined by species and by temperature of the environment. Crickets are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on dead and decaying material as they find it. Equipped with relatively strong jaws for their size, crickets have been known to attack other injured crickets for food, and have occasionally been known to bite humans in self-defence.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Plastic Nile Crocodile



A splendid replica for your toy collection or school diorama!

Our Plastic Toy Nile Crocodile


This engaging, somewhat realistic-looking plastic Nile crocodile miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic. This replica has a detailed face and body and is painted dark green,and yellow ochre. It has detailed scales and is 4 inches long. This plastic crocodile makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama for school projects or serves as a great collectible. Check out our other crocodile toys and gifts.

About Nile Crocodiles


The Nile Crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus) live throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Basin, and Madagascar in rivers, freshwater marshes, and mangrove swamps. It can grow to 20 feet long and weigh as much as 1600 pounds. It is known as a man-eater, but attacks on humans are infrequent. It eats mainly fish, but will grab generally anything that comes across its path. It will also eat carrion. The Nile crocodile is a caring parent. It guards the eggs carefully and will stay near the nest until the babies hatch. The Nile crocodile carries the young gently in its jaws to the water. The Nile crocodile is threatened by poachers and is coveted for its meat and skin.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Stretchable Earthworm



Now that's just flat-out nasty...

Our Earthworm


This, realistic-looking stretchable earthworm is an amazing replica. It stretches to 36 inches in length, retracts and can be bent in any direction. It feels like Jello, and is also sticky to the touch. If you aren't an earthworm lover, this earthworm replica is truely disgusting. It is red-brown with detailed segments and a well defined ring. Our earthworm replica may want to crawl under your pet rock. This stretchable plastic earthworm makes a nice pet, a gift, toy or gag for teenagers or immature adults and could work well for a school play or show-and-tell as a school science project. Check out our other earthworm toys and gifts.

Please Note: The package says, "May rip if overstretched. May stain rubber surfaces, painted walls, fabrics, wallpaper, or wood surfaces." We at Tapir and Friends make no guarantees, but my experience is that I have stretched the earthworm over 36 inches and it didn't break, and I found that a plastic leech made of similar material left an oily stain on cardboard only after I washed it and set it out to dry. Your results may differ.

About Earthworms


Earthworms are annelids like leeches. The body consists of a long slimy outer tube and an inner tube which is its digestive system. The body is annular, formed of segments that are most specialized in the anterior. Earthworms are hermaphrodites. They go through stages where they are male and female. Earthworms have the facility to regenerate lost segments, but this ability varies between species and depends on the extent of the damage. Earthworms are seen on the surface after heavy rains because they need to avoid drowning in saturated soil and also they come to the surface to mate. The rest of the time they crawl through the earth by a means of waves of muscular contractions which alternately shorten and lengthen the body. The shortened part is anchored to the surrounding soil by tiny claw-like bristles (setae) set along its segmented length. Earthworms are great for the soil because they convert organic material into humus.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Stuffed Meerkat



A unique addition to your stuffed animal collection!

Our Plush Meerkat


These plush meerkat stuffed animals are exceptional. They're as realistic as they are cute. Although they're made of synthetic materials, they look real. This one sits up surveying his territory.
Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our selection.

About Meerkats


The civet family (Viverridae) includes binturongs, civet cats, falanoucs, fossas, genet cats, linsangs, mongooses and meerkats (which are actually a type of mongoose). They are related to the cat family but are not actually cats. They do have a cat-like body, but with shorter legs and a longer tail. Their face resembles that of a weasel. These mostly nocturnal (active at night) mammals are native to Asia (including Indonesia and the Philippines), Africa (including Madagascar) and southern Europe. Some species are terrestrial (ground dwellers), but most are arboreal (tree dwellers); some are carnivores (eat only meat) and others are omnivores (eat fruits and vegetables as well as meat). Civet cats have scent-producing glands that secrete a musky-smelling substance which is used as a perfume fixative.

Meerkats are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. They have an average life span of 12-14 years. Meerkat populations move whenever their food supply becomes depleted. Being omnivores, meerkats eat both plants and animals. Meerkats can even eat scorpions because they are immune to their venom. However, the most significant characteristic of meerkats is their altruistic behavior. They are one of the few mammal species that significantly cooperates and coordinates acivities with each other. Meerkat mothers are given an opportunity to go out to feed themselves while their young are watched by other meerkats. In fact, some meerkats spend all or part of their lives helping others raise their young rather than breeding themselves.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Cockroach



They're gonna be here long after we're gone!

Our Plastic Cockroach


This engaging, realistic, plastic cockroach is made of hard durable plastic. It is 3 inches long including feelers. It makes a good replica in a shoe box diorama or for any school project. It is also an excellent party favor. Check out our other cockroach toys and gifts.

About Cockroaches


A cockroach is a general term for a number of species from the order Blattodea. The American species is omnivorous and can be found most anywhere in garbage or around rotting food in the kitchen. Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal and will run away when exposed to light. They are incredibly resilient insects with some species capable of remaining active for a month without food, or being able to survive on limited resources like the glue from the back of postage stamps. Some cockroaches can go without air for 45 minutes and can live without a head for a long time. The lifespan of a cockroach is about a year (assuming it has its head).

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Stuffed Aardvark



Yup, he's actually a little cousin to the elephant!

Our Plush Aardvark


Our wonderfully realistic-looking stuffed aardvark by Hansa is a toy that looks amazingly like a real animal. The plush aardvark is 12 1/2 inches from nose to rump. Its tail adds another 10 inches to its length, and the pink fabric-covered tongue is posable and holds its position when you move it. The tongue is about 1 1/2 inches long. It is sewn with soft plush fabric with extra-soft white tufts around the eyes, ears, and chin. There are four toes on each front foot and five toes on each back foot. This is a good thing, because aardvarks are known for digging! It has gentle hard plastic eyes (black pupils with a ring of gold for the iris) pinkish brown inside the ears. Our stuffed aardvark replica has a kindly expression and promises to snuggle next to you. This aardvark makes a wonderful gift for stuffed animal lovers and complements nicely any stuffed animal collection. The fabric is produced in small batches and is chosen especially for this animal. Each piece is hand-stictched in the Philippines by crafters willing to produce a unique item each and every time. Check out our other aardvark toys and gifts.

Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our selection.

About Aardvarks


Aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) are African mammals of a medium size that are most active at night and are good at burrowing into the earth. Their name, "aardvark," comes from the Afrikaans/Dutch language and means "earth pig." This unusual-looking animal has many names locally, including "antbear" or "anteater," although it is not a close relative of the anteaters of South America. Neither is it closely related to a pig, but is somewhat isolated taxonomically and is the only member of the order Tubulidentata. It is not a true edetate, although we've listed it with our edentates on the web site so that people could find it. As odd as it sounds, the aardvark is most closely related to elephant shrews, hyraxes, tenrecs and elephants. If we had put the aardvark in our elephant category, would you have found it? It's a strange thought!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Trapdoor Spider



Parlor? This dude has a CELLAR!

Our Plastic Trap-Door Spider


This engaging, idealized plastic spider is made of hard durable plastic. It is 2 inches long and 1 3/8 inches wide. Our spider resembles the trapdoor spider, due to its shape, hard shelled thorax, and distinct boxing glove-shaped palps, that is, the two "sensory feelers" at front of its head. I found an Asian variety which has yellow, green and dark purple coloration, like our example. Our trapdoor spider makes a good replica in a shoe box diorama or for any school project. It is also an excellent party favor. Check out our other spider toys and gifts.

About Trap-Door Spiders


The trapdoor spider belongs to the family Ctenizidae. These are spiders that burrow and construct a trapdoor of silk, vegetable matter and soil. These relatively harmless spiders are found in numerous places in the world, especially in rainforests and warmer climates. The trapdoor is difficult to see. The spider holds it partially open, especially at night, and waits for unsuspecting prey to pass near its burrow. The trapdoor spider has an uncanny sense of movement. When movement is sensed, the spider then captures the prey in its tarsi or claws, which are at the ends of its fangs.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Plastic Diamondback Rattlesnake



That ain't no baby rattle!

Our Plastic Diamondback Rattlesnake


This large flexible, realistic-looking diamondback rattlesnake replica is made of hollow plastic with distinctive rattles.Our rattlesnake is a flexible brown snake with black stripes. Our rattlesnake would make a splash in the bath, and is sure to be among your child's favorites. It is approximately 12 inches long (measured from the nose to the curve at the far side of the body; it would be much longer if you could stretch it out, but it will spring back to this same pose, so we don't measure it from nose to tail as if it were lying straight out). In addition, it has a forked tongue protruding from the front of it's head. This rattlesnake can be used as a gift, for a science project, for decorations, as a gag, party favor or as a collectible. Check out our other snake toys and gifts.

About Diamondback Rattlesnakes


The diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is a common desert reptile found throughout the United States. Rattlesnakes are found in the southern parts of the United States, from the deserts to the mountains and grow between 3 and 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 m) long. There are 16 different types of rattlers such as the eastern diamondback, western diamondback, sidewinder and the speckled, just to name a few. All of them have rattles, are venomous and are pit vipers. Their rattles are located at the end of their tails and are used as a warning device when they are threatened, taking the place of a loud hiss as with other snakes. The rattle is composed of a series of nested, hollow beads which are actually modified scales from the tip of their tail. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new rattle segment is added. They tend to shed their skins several times a year depending on food supply and growth rates. Rattlesnakes feed on rodents, squirrels, rabbits and other small critters. They stun their prey with their venomous bite and swallow them whole! They hibernate through the winter and come out in the spring to eat and then mate. Rattlesnake eggs will stay inside their mother until they hatch. Most of the time there are 8-10 babies born at once and are about 10 inches long. Babies are born venomous but cannot rattle and are often more aggressive than the adults.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Centipede



Do you think he'd even notice if he stubbed his toe?

Our Plastic Centipede


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic centipede is made of hard, flexible plastic. It is 3 1/4 inches long from feeler to feeler. It works well for a shoe box diorama or other school projects. It also makes for an interesting gag or party favor. Check out our other centipede toys and gifts.

About Centipedes


Centipedes are terrestial arthropods. The word "centipede" is a general term for a many-legged insect with a pair of legs for each body segment. There are an estimated 8,000 species of centipedes ranging from the Arctic Circle to the the rainforests of South America. Centipedes have dangerous claws at the first appendage and can give a nasty sting. They tend to be nocturnal. They are usually found under rocks or in thick mulch. Most centipedes are small, but some reach 8 inches in length. The world's record is held by a centipede found in the Amazon River area, which reached over 12 inches in length.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Madagascar Day Gecko



He won't try to sell you car insurance!

Our Plastic Madagascar Day Gecko


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic Madagascar day gecko miniature is made of somewhat flexible hard plastic. This replica has detailed skin and is painted green with a white belly. This gecko replica has red-brown spots with distinct eyes. This Madagascar day gecko miniature makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama for a school project, or serves as a great collectible. Check out our other gecko toys and gifts.

About Madagascar Day Geckos


The Madagascar day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis) is a species of gecko found only in Madacascar. It is a large omnivorous gecko. It feeds on insects and spiders and on fruit. It can be found on tree trunks, branches and on the forest floor. Madgascar day geckos have been heavily collected in the pet trade and seem to do well in captivity. It is an attractive gecko due to the bright brick red spots its back and its distinctive splayed feet.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Toy Butterfly



Gorgeous and useful as a toy, decoration, party favor, or prop!

Our Plastic Red Butterfly


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic butterfly is made of soft, flexible plastic. It is 2 1/4 inches long from front wingtip to rear wingtip. Our red butterfly may represent a true tropical butterfly, but we are not sure enough to call it one. If you can identify it, please e-mail us. It works well for a shoe box diorama or other school projects. It also makes for an interesting party favor. Check out our other butterfly toys and gifts.

About Butterflies


Butterflies are from the order Lepidoptera. They represent the adult stage of the insect with the caterpillar being the larval stage. This represents an amazing metamorphisis in nature. Some species can fly long distances and are important in the pollination of many plants. It has been suggested that butterflies are bitter in taste so birds tend to leave them alone. Without many predators, some butterflies can overpopulate an area and be a lovely pest to agriculture.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Set Of Four Plastic Alligators



NOT what you want to see pacing your rowboat!

Our Plastic Alligators


This realistic-looking set of plastic model of juvenile alligators is made of somewhat flexible hard plastic. These replicas have detailed faces and bodies and consists of four alligators. One has its mouth open, the second is crouched in the grass, the third has a lifted head and the fourth is in a resting position.The alligator set is curved and is 2 1/2 inches long. These alligators make for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. Check out our other alligator toys and gifts.

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.


In the Cretaceous, they were three feet long!

Our Plastic Dragonfly


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic dragonfly is made of hard, flexible plastic. It is 2 1/2 inches long and 2 1/4 inches across from wing-tip to wing-tip. Our plastic dragonfly has clear plastic, detailed wings and a red and yellow segmented body. We don't know what kind of dragonfly our plastic dragonfly replicates, but if you do, please e-mail us. It works well for a shoe box diorama or other school projects. It also makes for an interesting party favor or for a gag. Check out our other dragonfly toys and gifts.

About Dragonflies


A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata. It is has large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies eat mosquitoes, midges, and other small insects like flies, bees, and butterflies. They are valuable predators, since they help control populations of harmful insects. Dragonflies are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Dragonflies do not normally bite or sting humans, though they will bite in order to escape, if grasped by the abdomen. Dragonflies hover above the water, but then can rapidly accelerate. They capture their prey by clasping them in legs studded by spikes. We are most familiar with the adult stage of the dragonfly, but most of their life is spent as a nymph below the water.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Stuffed Skunk



Nothing this cute could be named "le Pew"!

Our Plush Striped Skunk


Our 10-inch stuffed skunk is completely odor free and totally adorable. It has a wonderfully fluffy tail, soft felt claws that can't scratch, a soft felt nose, and shiny plastic eyes. To find more stuffed animals in the Fiesta line, or see a list of our entire inventory of stuffed animals, beanies and puppets, check out our Stuffed Animal Page.

About Striped Skunks


Contrary to what a popular french-accented cartoon skunk may have us believe, striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are found only in North America from the northern parts of Mexico up into Canada. Then again, it is possible that cartoon skunk is from the french speaking parts of Canada. Deserts, woodlands, grassy plains and suburbs within a 2 mile radius of a water source are the prefered habitat of these small cat-sized creatures. Their black coats with the white stripes running down either side of the back give them a very distinctive look. When threatened skunks prefer to run rather than fight. However, when cornered they turn their backs, click their teeth, stomp their feet and raise their long bushy tails. If this does not deter the attacker, as an absolutely last resort they will spray a noxious, oily, yellowish musk.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Butterfly Replica



A beautiful, functional addition to any project!

Our Plastic Blue Butterfly


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic butterfly is made of soft, flexible plastic. It is 2 inches long from wingtip to wingtip. Our blue butterfly may represent a true tropical butterfly, but we are not sure enough to call it one. If you can identify it, please e-mail us. It works well for a shoe box diorama or other school projects. It also makes for an interesting party favor. Check out our other butterfly toys and gifts.

About Butterflies


Butterflies are from the order Lepidoptera. They represent the adult stage of the insect with the caterpillar being the larval stage. This represents an amazing metamorphisis in nature. Some species can fly long distances and are important in the pollination of many plants. It has been suggested that butterflies are bitter in taste so birds tend to leave them alone. Without many predators, some butterflies can overpopulate an area and be a lovely pest to agriculture.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Plastic Genet Cat



Not your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill feline!

Our Plastic Spotted Genet Cat


Our realistic-looking small-spotted genet cat is made of hollow plastic and measures 4 3/4 inches from head to tail and is 2 7/8 inches to the ear tips. The body is moulded with a fur-like pattern and details that almost make it seem real. The scientific name is moulded into the underside. This sturdy, light-weight plastic genet is great for school projects, toys, novelties, animal collections, party favors and more. Our plastic small-spotted genet is for decoration or play only. You can make a creative African forest or grassland 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 :) Be sure to look over our other genet toys.

About Genet Cats


The civet family (Viverridae) includes binturongs, civet cats, falanoucs, fossas, genet cats, linsangs, mongooses and meerkats (which are actually a type of mongoose). They are related to the cat family but are not actually cats. They do have a cat-like body, but with shorter legs and a longer tail. Their face resembles that of a weasel. These mostly nocturnal (active at night) mammals are native to Asia (including Indonesia and the Philippines), Africa (including Madagascar) and southern Europe. Some species are terrestrial (ground dwellers), but most are arboreal (tree dwellers); some are carnivores (eat only meat) and others are omnivores (eat fruits and vegetables as well as meat). Civet cats have scent-producing glands that secrete a musky-smelling substance which is used as a perfume fixative.

This species of genet cat is found throughout most of Southern Africa. For an excellent resource on these small mammals, take a look at Kruger National Park's small-spotted genet page.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Grasshopper



After a long absence, look who's back at Tapir & Friends!

Our Plastic Grasshopper


This engaging, realistic-looking, plastic grasshopper is made of hard durable plastic. It is 3 inches long including flexible antennae. It makes a good replica in a shoe box diorama or for any school project. It is also an excellent party gag. Check out our other grasshopper toys and gifts.

About Grasshoppers


Grasshoppers are herbivorous insects of the suborder Caelifera in the order Orthoptera. There are over 11,000 different species of grasshoppers and many more undistinguished varieties living in rainforests throughout the world. Grasshoppers make sound by rubbing their long hindlegs against their abdomen or by snapping their wings during flight. Grasshoppers are fun to catch and are a source of protein to many people in the world. Grasshoppers are low on the food chain and fall prey to other insects and birds. They are often used as bait for fishing.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Stuffed Snowy Owl



Ever pulled apart an owl pellet? Don't knock it until you've tried it!

Our Snowy Owl


Our stuffed snowy owl is from the Cuddlekins series by Wild Republic. As with all of Wild Republic's toys, this plush toy owl meets the most stringent current standards of safety for children's toys. All parts are non-toxic and surface washable. The owl sits nicely on any surface and is 11 inches tall in a sitting position. It's very soft and has big, friendly yellow and black eyes. The wings can be spread out from the body and also have a very soft pettable surface. Stitching on the tops of the wings (not visible in the photo) make it appear as though they have flight feathers. Although this is not a Harry Potter official owl, it is the same type of owl as Hedwig and will charm anyone who loves the Harry Potter stories as well as anyone who simply likes owls, birds, or animals! Check out our other owl toys and gifts.

About Snowy Owls


The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is found in the north in polar regions but migrates South in the Winter. It feeds primarily on lemmings and other small rodents and needs to eat 7-10 of them during the day to survive. Snowy Owls, like many other birds, swallow their small prey whole. Strong stomach juices digest the flesh and the indigestible bones, teeth, fur, and feathers are compacted into oval pellets that the bird regurgitates 18 to 24 hours after feeding. Regurgitation often takes place at regular perches, where dozens of pellets may be found. Biologists frequently examine these pellets to determine the quantity and types of prey the birds have eaten.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

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