Stuffed Tiger Cub

Awww! They're so CUTE at this age!!

Our Stuffed Tiger Cub

We think this plush stuffed tiger cub 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 at the ears, the beautiful piercing gaze, and the delicate curly whiskers made of fine, clear filament. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched. The height (12 1/4 inches) is measured to the top of the head. Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our interesting selection, and come look through our entire collection of 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.

Stuffed Hyena

A fantastic replica of a misunderstood animal!

Our Stuffed Hyena

Our stuffed hyena is lifelike and sturdy. Hansa prides itself on making lifelike animals of near-custom quality and design. The materials are made to order for small-run series of your favorite animals. Our stuffed spotted hyena measures 14 inches from nose to rump and stands 8 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder. Its nose is made of moulded hard plastic and looks very real. The eyelids are also made of plastic, giving a lifelike aspect to the face. See our other hyena toys and gifts as well as our collection of Hansa stuffed animals.

About Hyenas

One might think that hyenas are related to dogs, but they are actually in a separate biological family most closely related to meerkats and mongooses. Hyenas have among the strongest jaws in the animal world. According to Wikipedia, "The Spotted Hyena, or Laughing Hyena, (Crocuta crocuta) is a mammal of the order Carnivora. They are moderately large, terrestrial carnivores native to Africa. They are best known for a chirping, birdlike bark that resembles the sound of hysterical human laughter. Though often labeled incorrectly as a scavenger, the spotted hyena is actually a powerful hunter, the majority of its nourishment being derived from live prey. Spotted hyenas are the most common predator in sub-saharan Africa, living in savannah, dry woodland and desert habitats."

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Guinea Pig, Gray-Brown and White

Almost as cute as the real thing!

Our Plush Guinea Pig

This adorable little stuffed guinea pig is both realistic and extremly soft. Our guinea pig is 8 inches long and has been well crafted by Hansa. It has grayish-brown and white fluffy fur covering its body. 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.

Stuffed Skunk

One word that does NOT describe this fuzzy guy is "Stinky"!!!

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.

Pelican

A fantastic addition to any stuffed animal collection!

Our Stuffed Pelican

Our stuffed pelican is a sheer delight. It is 15 inches from its floppy brown and pink cloth beak to its wiggly fur tail. It is 7 inches from wing-tip to wing-tip. It has a cute tuft of hair on the crown of its head and its plastic eyes are surrounded by bright pink material. This stuffed pelican makes a perfect companion for a child or fits wonderfully into any stuffed animal collection.

About Pelicans

A pelican is any of several very large water birds belonging to the family Pelecanidae. Birds in this family have a distinctive pouch under the beak. They occur mostly in warm regions, but pelicans also frequent the cooler water off the Pacific Northwest (United States and Canada), especially in the summer months. They are large birds with an amazing pouched bill. Pelicans often fly as a flock. They have excellent eyesight. They dive well and can also swim. Fishermen watch for pelicans, since they locate bait fish with such ease. They often catch fish by expanding the throat pouch. Then they must drain the pouch above the surface before they can swallow. This operation takes up to a minute, during which time other seabirds are particularly likely to steal the fish. Large fish are caught with the bill-tip, then tossed up in the air to be caught and slid into the gullet head first.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1)

This fuzzy little guy may be the scariest creature we offer!

Our Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1) Plush Stuffed Toy

This imaginative-looking stuffed, plush swine flu (Influenza A virus H1N1) toy is soft and cuddly and is 5 1/2 inches long. It is adorned with red plastic eyes and embroidered nostrils. The surface is washable: Simply sponge with a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Allow to air dry, then brush to restore fabric to its original fullness. (SAFETY PRECAUTION: Remove plastic hangtags and ribbons before giving to a child under 3 years of age.) This stuffed plush swine flu virus replica is a great collectible or makes for a gag gift. Check out our other worm, leech, and virus toys and gifts.

About the Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1)

Swine flu is an influenza virus that usually affects pigs. However, just as the common, seasonal flu that affects humans is constantly mutating (as our immune systems and vaccines compromise weaker strains), swine flu is always trying to improve itself so that it can become more virulent, spread faster - and even associate with better company. Occasionally, a pig-headed virus such as Influenza A (H1 N1) actually succeeds and begins infecting other species - like humans. Naturally, this raises philosophical questions as to whether it is still a swine flu: since it's new, it isn't widespread in the porcine population - and anyway, once it's affecting other species, well. . . . Nevertheless, once a virus such as swine flu makes the jump to another species, the health risks in the new population are substantial. In the original host-population, some immunities generally exist against the original strain, and these immunities are often at least partially effective against new mutations. In a new host, however, there may be no natural immunity to the original strain and no partial immunity to the new strain - so the virus can spread rapidly. In addition, a virus that produces mild effects in one species may be life-threatening in another - so catastrophic health consequences can result. Fortunately, swine flu viruses are generally fragile, and in most cases basic health precautions (such as hand-washing and avoiding close contact with those who are ill) significantly reduce the chance of infection.

Nevertheless, the dangers of future mutations and infections will continue to abound until, well, pigs fly.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Lion

Grrrr!!!

Our Plastic Stuffed Lion

This stuffed lion sits 11 inches tall and has super-soft and long body fur. The luscious butterscotch color is very rich and very attractive. The lion's face has large, friendly eyes and it has a sweet look about it. This stuffed lion is in Wild Republic's "Rascals" line. All parts are non-toxic and surface washable. Check out our other lion toys and gifts.

About Lions

The hang tag that comes with our stuffed lion says: "Hi! I am a lion. I come from Asia, but you will find my cousins in Africa too. I can run very fast and climb trees swiftly. We lions like living in a group called a pride, and we hunt and do everything together. Our favorite pastime is hunting antelope, baby elephants or rhinos, but you are more likely to see me napping in a tree, or lying on my back, relaxing!"

Lions (Panthera leo) are members of the cat family whose size, power, and bearing have captured human imagination since earliest times, are also called the king of beasts. They once lived throughout Africa and from Europe to Iran and India. Today Eurasian wild lions are limited to the Gir Sanctuary in India. Lions also roam the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This drastic reduction in range came about as humans and domestic livestock spread into savanna lands. Because lions live in open areas, they are easily shot by hunters and herders.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sturgeon

Soft and cuddly...this fish will be the highlight of your collection!

Our Plush Sturgeon

Our adorable, realistic stuffed sturgeon plush toy is 17 inches long from nose to tail. It has a lovely gray brown head and back, yellow ochre sides, light gray fins and a soft white belly and barbels. It is filled with bean composite and sewn of soft fabric. Our sturgeon has a kind and gentle expression. It makes for a thoughtful child's toy or fits nicely in a fish or stuffed animal collection. See our other cool stuffed fish toys and gifts.

About Sturgeon

Sturgeon belong to the genus of fish Acipenser. It is found in both saltwater and freshwater throughout the Northern Hemisphere. A sturgeon loves to swim near the bottom looking for small fish and crustaceans to eat. It is one the oldest fish in the world and looks ancient with scutes along its side, a shovel-nose face, and toothless mouth. The sturgeon is coveted as a smoked delicacy, although when properly prepared, can be a tasty steak as well. Also its roe is packaged and sold as treasured caviar. Sturgeon can be as much as 12 feet long, but 4 feet is probably an average size. Sturgeon is a prized catch among fishermen with strictly regulated seasons at least here in America. It is a concern that over-fishing, and increased pressure from hungry sea lions, are taking a toll on this most unusual and remarkable fish.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sailfish

The perfect gift for the sport fisherman in your family!

Our Stuffed Sailfish

This soft and colorful plush sailfish toy is well-made and realistic in both color and appearance. Wonderfully detailed and 17 inches long, this isn't your typical stuffed animal! This sailfish is stuffed with both soft fiber-filler and beans, allowing it to sit upright on it's belly. A fantastic gift for the fisherman, conservationist, or collector, this plush sailfish would also make a wonderful addition to a school project, a theatre prop, a wildlife decoration, or simply to snuggle up to! Check out our other sailfish and fish toys and gifts.

About Sailfish

There are two species of sailfish, the Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) and the Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus). Two features of the sailfish are its distinctive sail, an erectile dorsal fin that usually extends the entire length of the sailfish's body, and an enlongated bill, similar to those found on a swordfish or marlin. Sailfish grow to as much as four feet long in a single year, and have the highest speed reported in a fish, having been reliably clocked at speeds of up to 68 mph. Sailfish feed primarily on squid and small fish.

Sailfish can change their colors through their nervous system, an action that can confuse prey and communicate with other sailfish. The range of colors sailfish can adopt are amazing, ranging from browns and grays to vibrant blues, purples, and silver. Sailfish are prized gamefish, best known for their spectacular jumps.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Algae Plush Replica

What a lovable and sweet band of little puffballs!

Our Blue-Green Algae

This strange-looking stuffed blue-green algae is an unusual replica. It is 7 1/2 inches long, is made of green and tan synthetic fur, has large eyes, and wears a sympathetic expression. If you aren't an algae lover, you will be after you own these adorable little fellas. I am not sure you'll want to put it in your tub though! This plush blue-green algae toy makes a nice pet, a gift, toy or gag and could work well for a school play or show-and-tell as a school science project. Or maybe you have a biologist friend or teacher who needs an unusual gift! Check out our other aquatic plant toys and gifts.

About Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae is a parasitic cyanobacteria, also known as anabaena. It appears as a blue-green scum on water but can also be found on moist ground. It is a significant component of the nitrogen cycle and obtains its energy through photosynthesis. Blue-green algae can be alone or form huge colonies. The association of toxicity with such blooms has frequently led to the closure of recreational waters when blooms are observed.

The Tag on Our Algae Says:

FACTS: Much of the muck you see in slimy green water is composed of blue-green algae! (Blue-green algae is the common name for cyanobacteria.)

Cyanobacteria are found worldwide and in many different habitats. They grow in fish tanks and swimming pools, as well as innumerable marine and freshwater environments. They are also found in soil, houseplants, and as symbiotes in animals and plant-life. They can be solitary or colonial and can form large mats and filaments visible to the human eye.

Cyanobacteria are not related to any of the other algal groups; they are actually bacteria that photosynthesize.

Anabaena is a type of blue-green algae that likes to form filamentous colonies of green slime. They smell bad, taste worse, and can cause nausea if ingested. (Prolonged exposure can also cause skin irritation.)

Blue-green algae like light and warm stagnant water, so improving water circulation helps to control their numbers. Live plants can also reduce algae populations by providing shade and competition for nutrients. Certain animals, such as tadpoles and algae-eating fish, can disrupt algal communities. And where ecological sensitivity is not required (e.g., in swimming pools) chlorine and algicides provide definitive and categorical results.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tiger Cub

Add this adorable plush tiger to your collection!

Our Plush Tiger Cub

We think this plush stuffed tiger cub 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 at the ears, the beautiful piercing gaze, and the delicate curly whiskers made of fine, clear filament. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched. The height (12 1/4 inches) is measured to the top of the head. Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our interesting selection, and come look through our entire collection of 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.

Stuffed Mosquito

Responsible for more human deaths per year than any other animal!

Our Plush Mosquito

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 Mosquitoes

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.

Tasmanian Devil

Sorry...this one doesn't spin away in a cyclone of dust!

Our Tasmanian Devil

Our Tasmanian devil toy stuffed animal is amazingly realistic, but without the bite! It is beautifully designed and made of quality materials from Hansa. It is extremely soft with lots of cuddly fur. It has a 12-1/2-inch body and a 6-inch tail. White patches are realistically placed on the chest and body. Its legs are posable. Our taz is loving and promises not to bite. Also check out our other Tasmanian devil toys and gifts.

About Tasmanian Devils

Although ours is rather sweet looking, real Tasmanian devils are the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupials. The body size varies greatly depending on the diet and habitat. Adult males may stand up to 30 centimeters (almost 9 inches) at the shoulder and are usually larger than the females. Tasmanian devils are widespread throughout their habitat and live from the seacoast to the mountains. They live in coastal heath, open dry forest, and mixed rainforest. They seek homes where they can hide and take shelter by day and find food at night. Mainly scavengers, they feed on whatever is available. Their powerful jaws and teeth allow them to completely eat their food, grinding up bones, fur, and all. The Tasmanian devil makes a variety of noises, from rough coughs and snarls to high-pitched screeches. A sharp sneeze is used as a challenge to other devils.

I was once fortunate enough to visit behind the scenes at the medical center of the San Diego Zoo. In the nursery they had a Tasmanian devil in an incubator, only a few days old. The tiny animal had pink skin and only a few very long black hairs. It was like nothing I'd ever seen. I guess you could say it was ugly, but then what baby animal isn't cute in its own weird way? I like them better with hair, but it was such a treat to get this unusual view of a baby Taz!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Tiger Cub

Yeah, he's cute now...but wait 'til he grows up!!

Our Plush Tiger Cub

We think this plush stuffed tiger cub 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 at the ears, the beautiful piercing gaze, and the delicate curly whiskers made of fine, clear filament. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched. The height (12 1/4 inches) is measured to the top of the head. Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our interesting selection, and come look through our entire collection of 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.

Black-tip Reef Shark Plush Toy

Anyone can have a teddy bear...but how about a teddy SHARK!?!

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.

Stuffed Field Mouse Finger Puppet

Perfect as both prop and toy!

Our Field Mouse

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed field mouse finger puppet is soft and sturdy. The fur and ears are of light brown soft plush fabric, and the body is especialy silky-feeling. The feet are made of a finely-textured, flexible felt. The tail is a soft cotton rope. All materials are of the quality and style that make Folkmanis products famous. Our field mouse replica has a kindly expression and promises not to scurry away. This miniature field mouse finger puppet makes a nice pet, a gift, or toy for children or adults and could work well for a school play or show-and-tell as a school science project. Check out our other mouse toys and gifts.

About Field Mice

Field mice can be any of a number of rodents, often voles. They are cousins to rats, but don't have the two sharp distinctive sharp front teeth of rats and have much smaller front claws. They also have long, hairless tails. Field mice are incredibly quick and are allegedly quite intelligent. Studies show that field mice often think out a strategy to get out of a complicated situation. Field mice are scavengers and will eat almost anything. They have a good sense of smell and find their way easily to any food source, especially one inside a building. Field mice are prey to a long list of animals, including, of course, cats, owls, snakes, and birds. That is why field mice tend to be nocturnal.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Guinea Pig

As sweet and cuddly as the real thing!

Our Guinea Pig

This adorable little stuffed guinea pig is both realistic and extremly soft. Our guinea pig is 8 inches long and has been well crafted by Hansa. It has light-brown and white fluffy fur covering its body. 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.

Plush Naked Mole Rat

Who WOULDN'T want to snuggle with this delightful little guy?!?

Our Stuffed Naked Mole Rat

This imaginative-looking stuffed naked mole rat is made of extremely soft plush material. This replica has a detailed face and body with realistic-looking ridges and cute buck teeth. The naked mole rat is 9 inches long. This plush naked mole rat makes for a nice pet, fits into a stuffed animal collection or serves as a great cuddly friend. Check out our other rat toys and gifts.

About Naked Mole Rats

The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is also known as the desert mole rat. It is found in East Africa, living underground in a harsh environment. It seems to lack sensations of pain and has a very low metabolism. It spends its time digging its way through tunnels using its large front teeth. Its lips are sealed behind behind the front teeth to keep dirt from getting into its throat. It sees poorly and has no hair to cover its pink-yellowish skin. It lives in colonies with tasks divided up similar to bee colonies.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plush Tiger Cub

An adorable and unique plush replica for your collection!

Our Plush Tiger Cub

We think this plush stuffed tiger cub 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 at the ears, the beautiful piercing gaze, and the delicate curly whiskers made of fine, clear filament. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched. The height (12 1/4 inches) is measured to the top of the head. Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our interesting selection, and come look through our entire collection of 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.

Stuffed Blue-Green Algae

Who would've thought slime was so CUTE?!?

Our Blue-Green Algae

This strange-looking stuffed blue-green algae is an unusual replica. It is 7 1/2 inches long, is made of green and tan synthetic fur, has large eyes, and wears a sympathetic expression. If you aren't an algae lover, you will be after you own these adorable little fellas. I am not sure you'll want to put it in your tub though! This plush blue-green algae toy makes a nice pet, a gift, toy or gag and could work well for a school play or show-and-tell as a school science project. Or maybe you have a biologist friend or teacher who needs an unusual gift! Check out our other aquatic plant toys and gifts.

About Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae is a parasitic cyanobacteria, also known as anabaena. It appears as a blue-green scum on water but can also be found on moist ground. It is a significant component of the nitrogen cycle and obtains its energy through photosynthesis. Blue-green algae can be alone or form huge colonies. The association of toxicity with such blooms has frequently led to the closure of recreational waters when blooms are observed.

The tag on our Algae says:

FACTS: Much of the muck you see in slimy green water is composed of blue-green algae! (Blue-green algae is the common name for cyanobacteria.)

Cyanobacteria are found worldwide and in many different habitats. They grow in fish tanks and swimming pools, as well as innumerable marine and freshwater environments. They are also found in soil, houseplants, and as symbiotes in animals and plant-life. They can be solitary or colonial and can form large mats and filaments visible to the human eye.

Cyanobacteria are not related to any of the other algal groups; they are actually bacteria that photosynthesize.

Anabaena is a type of blue-green algae that likes to form filamentous colonies of green slime. They smell bad, taste worse, and can cause nausea if ingested. (Prolonged exposure can also cause skin irritation.)

Blue-green algae like light and warm stagnant water, so improving water circulation helps to control their numbers. Live plants can also reduce algae populations by providing shade and competition for nutrients. Certain animals, such as tadpoles and algae-eating fish, can disrupt algal communities. And where ecological sensitivity is not required (e.g., in swimming pools) chlorine and algicides provide definitive and categorical results.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.