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Monday, October 28, 2013

Lion and Dino - Upside and Downside


One of the benefits of working at Tapir and Friends is that my office gets to look like this. Unfortunately we don't carry these products, though. The cardboard cutout lion was found at a garage sale, and the inflatable T-rex was on my list of things to order for the store when I discovered that the manufacturer was selling them to my potential customers online for the same price I would have to pay for them. It's all part of our changing world. The lines between wholesale and retail have become permanently skewed. Navigating between the Scylla and Charybdis of China and a diminished customer base has become part of any online retailer's daily routine. I'm glad I get a chance to live with such endearing office-mates, though. It helps.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Three Plastic Realistic Tapir Replicas

Three plastic tapir replicas available online at

One of our customers asked for a size comparison of our three very realistic tapir replicas. Although they look like a happy family with mom, dad, and baby, there are two different species here. The baby and the tapir on the left are Baird's tapirs from Central America and the tapir on the right is an Asian (Malayan) tapir. The Baird's tapirs are made by CollectA, and the Asian tapir is by Safari, Ltd. The saize ratios of the adults are fairly accurate as well, with the Malayan tapir being larger than the Baird's. You can find all three in our online store.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Malayan Tapir Plastic Replica

Malayan Tapir Plastic Replica
Made by Safari, Ltd. and found online at:

Back in our store today and lookin' good!


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Mammoth Bones Fly to the Rescue!

Woolly Mammoth Fossil Skeleton Model
Available at Tapir and Friends Animal Store

We try to run a perfect business, but we're all human, and it just doesn't happen. When Susan received her plastic models of extinct animal bones in the mail, something was missing. One half of the mammoth's rib cage was gone! She kindly offered to ship it back, but as usual, we told her to keep it. Instead, we sent a whole new mammoth the same day and Susan wrote us this nice email:

I received the new one and it's all there!! Thank you for everything, and the super fast shipping.

Thanks again, 
Susan

We love getting your happy e-mails. Thanks, Susan!

For more customer comments click here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

Plastic Striped Hyena Replica

Purchase this beautiful striped hyena replica online at
Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

We have carried spotted hyenas in our store before, but this is the first STRIPED hyena. We now have a replica of each type.

Come visit our store to see our beautiful hyena replicas and hand-made hyena jewelry!


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

New Realistic Plastic Sheep



Our Plastic Suffolk Sheep


This lifelike hard plastic Suffolk sheep toy is well-made and quite realistic in its mottled grey-brown color and detailed wool. Well proportioned, 3 1/2 inches long, 2 1/2 inches tall, our Suffolk sheep ewe will fit nicely into a farm animal diorama or nativity scene. Give our little fellow a name. This is certainly a proud-looking animal! This realistic sheep may be useful for a school project or as a party favor or novelty item. Many people love using our plastic animals as cake decorations for extra fun birthday cakes, wedding cakes, or other festive occasions. Check out our other sheep and hoofed animal toys and gifts.

Come visit our store and find out more about this magnificent plastic sheep!



This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Endangered Oryx Replica

This lifelike replica of the elegant scimitar-horned oryx
is now available online at


Come visit or store to learn more about this beautiful antelope replica!


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Beautiful Realistic Mom and Baby Baird's Tapir Plastic Replicas


Mom and baby tapir figurines now available online at

Come visit our store to learn more about these beautiful, lifelike replicas and about Baird's tapirs!


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Realistic Bearded Dragon Plastic Replica

You can buy this amazing plastic bearded dragon replica at
We ship anywhere!


Isn't he beautiful? He looks so real!

Our Plastic Bearded Dragon Lizard


This slightly flexible plastic bearded dragon lizard replica has a rough scaly appearance and is so realistic in its sand tan color. Wonderfully proportioned, it is 5 inches long and 1 1/2 inches tall. It will fit nicely into dioramas about places with warm climates such as those found in Australia, South Sea Islands, deserts, semi-deserts, and savannas Our bearded dragon may be useful for a school project, as part of an educational display or as a novelty item. Check out our other lizard and reptile or amphibian toys and gifts, as well as our elaborate collection of Australian animals.


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Lonesome George Replica Comes to Our Store

You can purchase this beautiful Galapagos tortoise replica

We are very excited! Tomorrow we will receive about a dozen brand new beautiful plastic animals from CollectA. They are some of the industry's very finest realistic animal replicas ever! Lonesome George (pictured above) is one of them. Check him out below and stay tuned for more!

Our Realistic Galapagos Tortoise


This realistic Galapagos tortoise toy looks like it has just pulled its head out of his shell and is sniffing the air. The shell (carapace and plastron) is only slightly flexible but still firm. It is wonderfully proportioned, 3 1/4 inches long and 2 1/4. The head and neck do not move nor do its legs or tail. Our beautiful plastic Galapagos tortoise will fit nicely into reports about the Galapagos Island or about endangered and extinct species. Our Galapagos tortoise model may be useful for many other school projects, as part of an educational display, or as a novelty item. Check out our other tortoise and reptile or amphibian toys and gifts, as well as our excellent collection of other Galapagos Island animals.

Come visit our web site to read the story of Lonesome George and learn more about Galapagos tortoises.


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Who needs a pink dinosaur puzzle?

Buy this Styracosaurus dinosaur 3-D interlocking 
plastic puzzle at
 Tapir and Friends Animal Store


Who needs a pink dinosaur puzzle? Maybe you or maybe me. Or maybe you know someone who just loves PINK and also loves dinosaurs! Could this pink dinosaur be the perfect gift?

Our Styracosaurus 3D Puzzle


The details on this 3-D puzzle animal toy add another dimension, so you could say it is 4-D (3-D + details)! It is certainly one of the more detailed we have seen, making it an interesting replica as well as a fun toy for adults and children above the age of 3. This delightful dinosaur model measures 4 inches from nose to tail and 2 inches tall. It comes assembled. The pieces are cleverly fitted, flexible, and not too difficult to assemble. When complete, this highly-detailed dinosaur stands nicely on its own for display on your shelf, TV, computer monitor, etc. Check out our other 3-D Puzzle Animals, as well as our other dinosaur toys.

About Styracosaurus


Dinosaurs represent the dominant terrestrial lifeforms on planet Earth for 135 million years, from the beginning of the Jurassic period through the end of the Cretaceous period approximately 65 million years ago. While no human ever lived during the age of dinosaurs, modern palentologists have learned much studying the fossilized remains of these magnificent creatures.

Not to be confused with its famous cousin the triceratops, Styracosaurus was a herbivorous dinosaur that lived approximately 75 - 76 million years ago. Styracosaurus was around 18 feet long and weighed as much as 5,000 pounds. Its most distinctive feature is a head-frill of bone laces with long horns, as well as horns protruding from its large head.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Giant Stuffed Octopus Back in Stock



Olive's one of our most sought-after items!!

About Olive the Octopus


Olive was an extremely friendly Giant Pacific octopus who lived in Elliot Bay in the Puget Sound of Washington state where she touched the lives of many divers. "Olive united the northwest diving community in a way that nothing else ever has. . . ." - Chris Jacobsen, a northwest diver. This sentiment is echoed by divers from all over the world. Our thanks to James "Sparky" Cutchall for suggesting this memorial.

This stuffed giant octopus is so lifelike and huggable, you'll love it at first sight! The length of 36 inches is measured from back of the body to the end of its curled tentacles. The soft plush tentacles are stitched in such a way that they bend and curl, making this octopus one of the most life-like stuffed octopi we've ever seen. Note that it even has "ears." The octopus is stuffed in a soft and yet sturdy manner that makes it extremely huggable for both grown-ups and kids.

One of this octopus's most outstanding features is its bright orange eyes! The center of the plastic eye is black, and the "whites" of the eye are orange. We included a photo (above) showing the face with the bright eye, defined eyelids, and the perky little ears. See a real octopus's eyes here. You'll have to scroll down the page to find the octopus, as the page starts with insect eyes.

Your plush giant octopus comes with a tag that says, "Octopus: The 'eight-armed' creature of the deep, the octopus is considered one of the smarter members of the undersea world. The body of the octopus is remarkable in the way it can change color and pattern to camouflage itself or threaten enemies. [Note: The tag refers to living octopi, not the stuffed ones!] The shape of the body is amazing as well in that octopi can alter their body shapes so they look like long thin sea fish. Eight arms are not used for movement since the octopus uses a water fueled jet system to propel itself through the briny sea depths."

What a fascinating creature! This one has been carefully designed to imitate the real thing and yet be a cuddly friend for you or someone you love. To see a list of our entire inventory of stuffed animals, beanies and puppets, check out our Stuffed Animals Page. Also come see our wonderful assortment of octopus toys and gifts.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Unusual Hand-cast, Hand-painted Parrot Lapel Pin

Yellow-headed Amazon parrot pin 
available from Tapir and Friends - $27.99

I can't believe the detail. Don't those green feathers almost look real? This parrot pin was hand-cast in pewter and painted with great care in Washington, USA. We carry other colors and more parrot species, too.

We sell animal-themed gifts to raise funds for TAPIR conservation.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Hand-carved Bloodwood Turtle from Colombia

Hand-carved palo de sangre turtle from Colombia
See our whole selection at Tapir and Friends Animal Store
Around $30-$35

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.

We sell animal-themed gifts to raise funds for TAPIR conservation.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Elegant Lariat Necklace: Greens with Bronze

Bronze aceite lariat necklace from Tapir and Friends - $59.99

You will look elegant while showing off your love of nature this hand-made cascade of with light green, dark green and bronze "aceite" leaves. Perfect for Spring & Summer. Czech glass seed beads and green crystals. Draped necklace, no closure; very easy to wear and never falls off. Comes in many color combinations!

Visit AtitlanArts.com and Tapir and Friends Animal Store

We sell animal-themed gifts to raise funds for TAPIR conservation.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Red Plastic Octopus


Another red thing is back in stock after being AWOL for quite some time. It's our cute little RED OCTOPUS, and you can visit him/her here, scuttling around with its long-lost friends.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

He's Baaaaaaaaack!


After a brief hiatus (doing what, we aren't sure) our popular red and black plastic crayfish is back on the job, ready to entertain your friends at a crawdad bake, or whatever you have planned.


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, February 15, 2013

This Spider Went to Sweden


Eric sent a photo of our super-realistic redknee tarantula in its new home in Sweden. He said:

"Thanks for the spider! Here she is in her natural habitat :) Greetings from Sweden /E"

Yikes! Is a human skull part of the spider's natural habitat? It certainly could be, and it looks pretty cool here in its terrarium habitat. Below is a close-up of our beautiful plastic toy tarantula! She looks real, and she makes a very easy-to-care-for pet, as you can see above. Can you think of interesting ways to use this spider?


The Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is a large terrestrial spider located along the western faces of the Mexican mountain ranges Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur. They live in self-dug burrows where they can avoid predators and ambush prey. Like most tarantulas, the Mexican redknee with kick course, irritating hairs off its abdomen and rear legs if frightened or surprised, rather than biting. The Mexican redknee is only slightly venomous to humans.

If you'd like, you can buy this spider replica in our store.

Eric sent another photo (thank you!). This time Lady Tarantula is emerging from her cave. I can't believe how real she looks! Can you see her?


This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Plastic Cane Toad



Cute little bugger...just don't EAT him!!

Our Plastic Cane Toad Replica


This beautifully-detailed and hand-painted plastic cane toad is a remarkable animal replica. Look at the real-life features. The eyes are shiny, just like you see in the photo, and the plastic skin is bumpy just like on the real toad. Wouldn't our cane toad be perfect in a diorama for a school project about Australian animals? The toad also makes a superb educational toy with its durability and its amazing likeness to a living animal. Our plastic toad is somewhat flexible to minimize scratches to humans. This figurine can be used to enhance reports at school, used by therapists for sand trays, or hey . . . just carry this little toad around in your pocket to entertain your friends. The fingers are flexible, and on a hard surface the toad props up on the ends of its front toes. Check out our other frog and toad toys and gifts.

About Cane Toads


According to Safari LTD, the cane toad (Bufo marinus) is "native to Central and South America, and can reach up to 15 inches long. It is deadly to both animals and humans that ingest it. Their skin glands secrete a toxin that can be used for various pharmaceutical applications."

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

King Tut of Egypt Plastic Funeral Mask



King Tut took power at age 10...the same age as my youngest child!!

Our Plastic King Tut Funeral Mask


This detailed plastic funeral mask of King Tut is well-made and realistic in both color and appearance. It is 1 5/8 inches tall. This funeral mask showing the Egyptian King Tutankhamen, the ruler of ancient Egypt in 1300 BC, fits well in a diorama for a school project about ancient Egypt or is a nice keepsake for a collector of religious symbols. Check out our other ancient Egyptian Kings and Queens and Ancient Egyptian toys and gifts.

About King Tut


Ruling Egypt as Pharoah from 1333 to 1323 BC, Tutankhamen was known as the "boy Pharoah". He took reign at the age of nine or ten, and lived only another ten years. It is widely belived that Tutankhamen died as a result of an infected broken leg. Tutankhamen gain modern fame and notoriety by being one of very few unplundered tombs of the ancient pharoahs of Egypt.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Silver Calla Lilies Beaded Necklace



We now have beautiful beaded bling from Guatemala!

Our Beaded Calla Lily Necklace


Our beaded "silver calla lilies with leaves" lariat necklace has a dark green shiny lariat stem with light and dark green leaves and silver calla lilies. Everything is made of securely hand-stitched beads. It is made from Czech glass seed beads and green crystals. One strand of this exotic-looking necklace drapes over the other and is held comfortably in place by the leaves so the necklace requires no fastener for closure. The beading on our beautiful beaded necklaces is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. These necklaces are durable and with normal wear and handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our pages of beaded animals, beaded keychains, and beaded ornaments and suncatchers, all made in Guatemala. When you purchase any of these outstanding beaded items 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 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.

About Calla Lilies


Also know as the Arum lily and the varkoor, the calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a species of perennial flower native to southern Africa. It is evergreen where conditions permit. Cultivated around the world as an ornamental plant, calla lilies contain calcium oxalate (which produces severe burning sensations in the mouth, stomach pain, and diarrhea if ingested raw) and is not currently used for any agricultural or medicinal use.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Anubis Plastic Replica



Come see our new collection of ancient Egyptian replicas!

Our NEW Anubis Statue Replica


This detailed plastic Egyptian God of the Dead toy is well-made and realistic in both color and appearance. It is 2 1/2 inches tall. This little icon showing the Egyptian God of the Dead, fits well in a diorama for a school project about ancient Egypt or is a nice keepsake for a collector of religious symbols. Check out our other ancient Egyptian Gods and Ancient Egyptian toys and gifts.

About Anubis


The ancient Egyptian panthenon provides many different Gods and Goddesses for different purposes. The God Anubis is the God of the Dead, and therefore was also the patron of mummification. With a jackal's head on a human body, Anubis drew the departed's soul into the afterlife and watched over them for eternity.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Stuffed Cheetah Cub



Don't let this little guy run away from you!!

Our Stuffed Cheetah Cub


We think this plush stuffed cheetah is exceptional. It is so lifelike and compelling, you almost won't believe its a stuffed toy and not the real thing. Although its made of synthetic materials, it looks real. Note the tufts of fur on the back of the neck and on the head, as well as the delicate curly whiskers made of fine, clear filament. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched. The height (12 1/2 inches) is measured to the top of the head.

Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our interesting 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.

Cactus Beaded Keychain



This beautiful keychain has no spines!

Our Beaded Floral Keychains


The beading on these flower, plant, and tree 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 plant keychains are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our other cactus items as well as our page of beaded keychains from Guatemala. When you purchase one of these unique items 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 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.

About Cactus


The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is the most distinctive plant of the Arizona and Sonoron desert. It is also the state flower of Arizona. It grows very slowly, about 1 inch a year, to a height of 15-50 feet and may live for 200 years or more. It has a columnar stem of about 24 inches and several curved arms. The saguaro cactus develops bright white flowers with yellow centers which open in the evening and develop into brilliant red fruit in late Spring and early Summer. The saguaro cactus is home to and provides nutrition and shade for a myriad of animal species, especially woodpeckers and owls that burow inside the stem. The name saguaro is a Spanish adaptation of the Native American word. The saguaro cactus played an important role in Native art and housing construction. It is a delight to see this cactus throughout the desert landscape.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Frog Pins ~ Made in USA



Come see our line of painted pewter wildlife pins!

Our Painted Pewter Frog Pins


These gorgeous and unusual frog pins are made in Washington and Idaho by a team of U.S. artists. The high-quality lapel pins or oversized tie tacks are unique. They are exquisitely detailed; the quality of the painting elevates each pin to an item of wearable art. Each one is cast in pewter and painted by hand. You will be delighted with the professional quality and artistic details of your piece of frog jewelry. The finish is extremely smooth and shiny, as you can see by the highlight from the scanner. It is also extremely durable. The pin is secured by two sturdy tacks on the back so it stays upright, and the finished product is not only gorgeous, but satisfyingly substantial in weight. It can be used as a lapel pin, hat pin, tie tack, and more. This collectible animal pin is 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.

About Frogs and Toads


Frogs and Toads are common inhabitants of many of the world's swamps and forests, from tropical to subarctic regions. Some frogs rely on camouflage and speed for protection, while others secrete poisons to drive off predators.

The red-eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) is an amphibian native to the Central American rainforests. Its dominantly-green coloration allows the red-eyed treefrog to blend in with the leaves and other foliage of its arboreal home. They are fantastic jumpers and have sticky pads on their toes for gripping to trees and leaves.

Red-eyed treefrogs are carnivorous, feeding mostly on insects and occasionally smaller frogs. They are not poisonous, depending on their coloration to hide from predators. As with many species of the rainforests, the red-eyed treefrog’s primary threat is deforestation throughout its habitat range for agricultural purposes.

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.

Mermaid Beaded Keychain



This delightful lady will happily watch over your keys!

Our Beaded Mermaid Keychain


Our hand-made mermaid keychain is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded keychains I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these mermaid keychains are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. The bright, shiny beads will delight you when they sparkle in the light. Check out our other beaded keychains as well as our pages of beaded animals, beaded jewelry, and beaded ornaments and suncatchers from Guatemala. When you purchase one of these unique beaded items 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 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.

About Mermaids


Mermaids are creatures reported to be a melding of a human female from the waist up and a fish from the waist down. The first stories of mermaids appeared in the literature of ancient Assyria (present-day Iraq) over 3000 years ago. Sightings of mermaids have continued throughout time, the most recent being made in Canada, Isreal, and Zimbabwe in the 20th - 21st centuries. Christopher Colombus reported seeing mermaids during his exploration of the Caribbean.

Mermaids have been depicted as both malevolent and benevolent creatures, sometimes luring sailors to their deaths on unseen rocks and reefs, other times betowing helpful gifts and information to humans to protect them. The order sirenia includes manatees and dugongs, who's body shape could be mistaken for human forms with aquatic tails when seen at distance or through water. These animals are believed by much of the scientific community to be what ancient sailors may have seen in eyewitness accounts of mermaids.

According to a 2012 report by the U.S. National Ocean Service, "no evidence of mermaids have ever been found". It is interesting, however, that the United States made an investigation so recently...isn't it?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Plastic Caterpillar



A wonderful miniature for your science diorama!

Our Plastic Caterpillar


This engaging, realistic plastic caterpillar is made of hard durable plastic. It is 2 3/8 inches long including feelers. Our caterpillar resembles the larva stage of the luna moth. 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 caterpillar toys and gifts.

About Caterpillars


A caterpillar is the larval form of a member of the order Lepidoptera, the insect order comprising butterflies and moths. Like other insects, the caterpillar consists of three body parts, the head thorax and abdomen. The thorax and abdoment are segmented. They have three pairs of true legs on the three thoracic segments, up to four pairs of prolegs on the middle segments of the abdomen, and often a single pair of prolegs on the last abdominal segment. There are ten abdominal segments. Caterpillars breathe through slits in their thorax and abodmen which are called spirales, and move along by flexing a series of approximately 4000 muscles. They also have remarkably good eyesight, since they have six small eyes on each side of their head. Of course, they are voracious plant eaters and are viewed as a pest to crop growers. Caterpillars have developed all kinds of defense mechanisms against predators. Some have spiny, stinging hair, others put off a noxious odor. In any case, caterpillars are amazing creatures, especially in the way they transform into butterflies or moths.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Red Maple Tree




Who doesn't like a red-head?

Our Plastic Red Maple


Our plastic red maple tree will add a bit of brilliant red foliage to your diorama or school project. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic red maple tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Red Maple" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Maple Trees


In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

Maple is the common name given to members of the Acer genus of trees. There are approximately 128 species, most of which are native to Asia. There is only one species, Acer laurinum, native to the Southern Hemisphere. 54 species of maple are considered under threat of extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Large Plastic Brown Beetle



Believe me when I say beetles are EVERYWHERE!

Our Plastic Brown Beetle


This large and detailed plastic brown beetle is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica is robust and durable, ready for hours of play! While it does not float, this beetle replica makes for a great toy, gift, or centerpiece for a school project. It is 5 1/4 inches long with a realistic textured surface. An impressive figurine in size and detail! Check out our other beetle and insect toys and gifts.

About Beetles


The name Beetle refers to any of the 400,000 known species of insect belonging to the order Coleoptera (taken from the Greek words for "sheathed wing"). Virtually all beetles have two sets of wings, front and back. The rear set of wings are commonly used to fly, while the forward set is thick and hard, forming a protective shell or "sheath" over the flying wings and the rear of the beetle's body. Beetles represent nearly 40% of all insect species in the world, and new species are being discovered all the time. In fact, the order Coleoptera includes more species than any other order, and represents nearly a quarter of all life-forms on the planet. Scientists believe the total number of beetle species, discovered and undiscovered, to be between 1 and 100 million species. Beetles are widely diverse in size, weight, and coloration, and exist in every habitat on Earth except marine and polar.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Juniper Tree



My favorite character from Dies The Fire was named for this tree!

Our Plastic Juniper


Our plastic juniper tree will add a bit of green to your diorama or school project. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic juniper tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Juniper" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Juniper Trees


In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

A coniferous plant of the cypress family Cupressaceae, Junipers are widely distributed from the Arctic south to tropical sections of the southern hemisphere. There are 50 - 67 species of juniper, and can range in size and shape from shrubs to trees over 100 feet tall.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Andrewsarchus Plastic Toy



That's right...this bad boy had HOOVES!!

Our Plastic Andrewsarchus


Our small plastic Andrewsarchus toy is just the right size replica for your prehistoric life shoebox diorama. This little Andrewsarchus model will fit in a shoe box along with other examples of extinct animals from the Earth's past. Add a few rocks, plants, grass, make a river or stream from anything that strikes your imagination, and there you go - a scene of life on our planet as it might have been millions of years ago. Our plastic toy Eocene mammal is painted to look the way paleontologists imagine the animal looked in real life, although of course nobody really knows. That's part of the fun and mystery – you can imagine Andrewsarchus any way you like! It is made of solid plastic and is quite durable. The name "Andrewsarchus" is molded onto the bottom of the animal. Be sure to take a look at our other prehistoric figurines.

About Andrewsarchus


To date the only fossil remains found of this amazing Eocene (55-37 MYA) 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 commentary on Andrewsarchus on the Laelaps blog. For additional information, check out the Andrewsarchus page and the "What are Mesonychids?" page.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Aspen Tree



Avoid these while skiing!

Our Plastic Aspen


Our plastic aspen tree will add a bit of green to your diorama or school project. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic aspen tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Aspen" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Aspen Trees


In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

Aspen is the common name given to a species of medium-sized deciduous tree from the far northern hemisphere. Aspens prefer colder climates, and extend south only along mountain ranges where the annual temperature remains cool. Aspens can reach almost 100 feet tall, and typically live 40 - 150 years.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Large Plastic Blue Beetle



With so many different species, there's a beetle to go with any outfit!

Our Large Plastic Blue Beetle


This large and detailed plastic blue beetle is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica is robust and durable, ready for hours of play! While it does not float, this beetle replica makes for a great toy, gift, or centerpiece for a school project. It is 5 1/4 inches long with a realistic textured surface. An impressive figurine in size and detail! Check out our other beetle and insect toys and gifts.

About Beetles


The name Beetle refers to any of the 400,000 known species of insect belonging to the order Coleoptera (taken from the Greek words for "sheathed wing"). Virtually all beetles have two sets of wings, front and back. The rear set of wings are commonly used to fly, while the forward set is thick and hard, forming a protective shell or "sheath" over the flying wings and the rear of the beetle's body. Beetles represent nearly 40% of all insect species in the world, and new species are being discovered all the time. In fact, the order Coleoptera includes more species than any other order, and represents nearly a quarter of all life-forms on the planet. Scientists believe the total number of beetle species, discovered and undiscovered, to be between 1 and 100 million species. Beetles are widely diverse in size, weight, and coloration, and exist in every habitat on Earth except marine and polar.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Topiary Tree



Who says you can't teach an old tree new tricks?

Our Plastic Topiary Tree


Our plastic topiary tree will add a bit of green faux foliage to your diorama or school project. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic topiary tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Topiary" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Topiary Trees


In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

Topiary is the practice of training plants to grow into specific shapes and patterns. This practice is common in many commercial horticultural industries, including landscaping and Christmas tree farms. The practice involves lightly clipping a plant's foliage in such a way that the natural growth of the plant allows it to assume specific artificial shapes, such as the perfect cones of Christmas trees.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Donkey Plastic Replica



You've heard of Jackass: The Movie...now see Jackass: The Replica!

Our Plastic Donkey


Our plastic toy donkey looks a little surprised! It adds character to this little figuine, and could help him look more animated in a diorama or in a toy farm setting. Our plastic donkey is 2 1/2 inches long when measured from its nose to the end of its tail. It stands up nicely to a height of 1 7/8 inches to the tips of its ears, and about 1 3/8 inches from the ground to its rump. This donkey would be perfectly happy to be used in a farm diorama, as a toy, a collectible animal, in a Christmas manger scene, or as a pack animal. In that case, you can use your own imagination to create the pack and supplies. Our plastic donkey has met all of the new U.S. child safety standards for children's toys in both the plastic and paint categories. Check out our other donkey toys and gifts.

About Donkeys


The donkey (Equus africanus asinus) is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family, and an odd-toed ungulate. Originally donkeys derived from their wild cousins in Africa. In the western United States, a small donkey is sometimes called by its Spanish name: "burro." While different species of the Equidae family can interbreed, offspring are almost always sterile. Nonetheless, horse/donkey hybrids are popular for their durability and vigor. A mule is the offspring of a jack (male donkey) and a mare (female horse). The much rarer successful mating of a male horse and a female donkey produces a hinny. The domesticated donkey was first seen about 3,000 BC, approximately the same time as the horse, and they have spread around the world. Donkeys have been used for centuries as beasts of burden to carry people as well as supplies, as well as companion animals. Donkeys are rugged and sure-footed in difficult terrain and on narrow trails, which has added to humans' dependence on these animals. Think of the miner and his donkey, or the people of Asia traveling long distances. Donkeys were commonly used in Europe in Medieval times. They continue to fill important roles in many places today and domesticated species are increasing in numbers. However, some of their wild relatives such as the onager, are endangered.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Monkey Puzzle Tree



Another replica of a living fossil from Tapir & Friends!

Our Plastic Monkey Puzzle Tree


Our plastic monkey puzzle tree will add a bit of interesting faux foliage to your diorama or school project. The tree is very dark green, almost black. The branches at the bottom grow downwards, almost like a short skirt around the tree. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic monkey puzzle tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Monkey Puzzle" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Monkey Puzzle Trees


In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

Growing to 130 feet tall, the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) is native to Chile and Argentina. An evergreen tree capable of living to extraordinary age, this tree is sometimes described as a "living fossil". the monkey puzzle tree can have a trunk up to 7 feet in diameter...that 14 feet across!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, January 28, 2013

New Plastic Timber Wolf


Today we received a new plastic timberwolf along with the rest our order from CollectA. I love their lifelike animal figures, and hope to get them all someday. Meanwhile, I kinda splurged on this wolf. We're still trying to get Christmas bills paid, but I thought we needed another wolf howling. We had this small plastic howling wolf already, and we had this slinking, stalking, larger wolf who I think looks like he could illustrate the bad wolf in a fairy tale. I thought a larger realistic howling wolf would be just the thing for us. What do you think?

My favorite thing about our new wolf figurine? I love how realistic his muzzle and white teeth look . . . and feel!

We sell animal-themed gifts to raise funds for TAPIR conservation.
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