Cobra Replica

Back by popular demand!!

Our Posable Cobra

This super-lifelike coiling plastic cobra looks and feels like the real thing. In fact, our cobra is so realistic it has been purchased for use in a number of TV programs and movies. It makes a wonderful stage prop! We can't say enough about it - it's just beautiful, and its scaly plastic body is soft to the touch. The cobra is posable. As you see it here, it stands 7 inches tall, and it's 36 inches measured from nose to tail. It can be straightened out or moved into different positions. What a great gift or addition to your snake collection! Most details are "strikingly" realistic, although the two dark holes in the front are placed there so the plastic can bend without breaking. The cobra has the typical pattern on the back of its hood, not shown in our photo. Come look through our entire collection of snake toys and gifts.

About Cobras

The name cobra is short for the Portuguese name cobra de capelo, or "snake with hood". Most snakes commonly referred to as cobras can rear up and spread the muscles and skin of their necks into a characteristic hood as a threat display.

Most cobras belong to the family Elapidae, along with many other famous venomous snakes, including mambas, sea snakes, adders, and coral snakes. The genus Naja contains 20 to 22 species of cobras, and is the most widespread and recognized genus of cobras, ranging from Africa through the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia to Indonesia.

The king cobra is the world's largest venomous snake, with a length of up to 18.5 feet. While it preys chiefly on other snakes, the king cobra is highly aggressive, extremely fast and agile, and injects a larger amount of venom per bite (as much as 600 mg) than most snakes. An adult human can die from a single bite in less than 15 minutes, making the king cobra one of the most feared and deadly snakes in the world.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Beaver Pins ~ Made in USA

Show your OSU pride with this delightful pin!

Our Painted Beaver Pins

These gorgeous and unusual beaver 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 fish 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 Beavers

Beavers are wonderful swimmers and also great at building dams. The dams they build are mostly used to get easy access to food in the winter time, and are also used for protection againt predators. The dams may be as large as 1,000 ft long, 15 ft high, and 25 ft thick. Not to mention the beaver is also large, a male can weigh up to 55 lbs, and a female beaver can weigh even more! The beaver is so large, that they are the 2nd largest rodent in the world next to the capybara (see stuffed and plastic capybaras in our gift shop).

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Cheetah Cub

Don't wait...this little guy is moving quickly!!!

About our Plush 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.

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.

Salmon Pins ~ Made in USA

Looking for the perfect gift for your fisherman? Here it is!!!

Our Hand-painted Salmon Pins

These gorgeous and unusual salmon 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 fish 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 beautiful, 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 Sockeye Salmon

The third most common Pacific salmon species, Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) are found in the northern Pacific Ocean and rivers that discharge into it. Sockeye salmon also exist in completely land-locked populations, living and reproducting in lakes. These salmon, while exactly the same species, are known as kokanee. Kokanee tend to be much smaller than the ocean-dwelling salmon, rarely exceeding 14 inches in length. Sockeye salmon spawn in fresh water, then migrate to the ocean for 1 - 4 years. While in the ocean, Sockeye salmon are blue-tinged and silver in color, only taking on the distictive red hue and green head when migrating to spawn. In males, the jaws and teeth also become hooked, and are used primarily for fighting other males. Sockeye salmon feed primarily on plankton, and will occasionally feast on shrimp and insects. The word "sockeye" comes from the Halkomelem word "Suk-kegh", meaning red fish.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Three Red Roses in Beads

3 Red Roses Circle Necklace - $75.00

Available from AtitlanArts.com

You can enjoy this elegant beaded necklace of red roses any time of year, but wouldn't it be simply stunning in Winter?

Rose Circle Necklace comes with three beautiful red blooms, green leaves with black beaded necklace. Comes in a multitude of colors including red, blue, silver or white or special order. We have necklaces with one or three or more roses. Perfect for Winter or Weddings and more!

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!

Three Red Roses in Beads

3 Red Roses Circle Necklace - $75.00

Available from AtitlanArts.com

You can enjoy this elegant beaded necklace of red roses any time of year, but wouldn't it be simply stunning in Winter?

Rose Circle Necklace comes with three beautiful red blooms, green leaves with black beaded necklace. Comes in a multitude of colors including red, blue, silver or white or special order. We have necklaces with one or three or more roses. Perfect for Winter or Weddings and more!

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!

Red Ant / Fire Ant

LOOKS ferocious, but is really soft and cuddly!

Our Plush Red Ant

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed red ant is soft and cuddly. Its body is made of soft plush fabric and shows well-defined segments. The body is red and has large plastic eyes and fine antenna. Our red ant replica has a kindly expression and promises not to bite. This stuffed red ant makes a nice pet, gift, novelty, presentation piece for a school project,or gag gift. See our other ant toys and gifts.

About Red Ants

There are over 200 species of red ants, some small and some large. The most common red ant is known as the fire ant. It is a biting ant which grabs on and then stings with a poison called Solenposin. Fire ants live in mounds in moist open area and spend time eating plant material and occasionally a cricket. The colony consists usually of one or more queens, surrounded by drones and workers. The queen can produce up to 1500 eggs in one day.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Seagull Pins ~ Made in USA

A beautiful bit of bling for the coastal dweller!

Our Painted Seagull Pins

These gorgeous and unusual seagull 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 fish 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 Seagulls

Closely related to terns, the California gull (Larus californicus) is a carnivorous scavenger, which picks at almost anything organic. It loves small fish and crustaceans which it snatches from the surface. It swims on the top of the water, but does not swim underwater. It is an intelligent bird with a myriad of calls and, like most birds, outstanding eyesight. The adult gull is gray and white in color, whereas younger gulls are a mottled light brown.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

House Fly

The feet have velcro, so you can stick them up as decorations!

Our Plush House Fly

This engaging, realistic-looking stuffed house fly is soft and endearing. The legs are made of soft plush fabric. This allows for a myriad of postions. The tips are covered with soft plastic that can't scratch small children. The body is jet black with shimmering, rainbow-colored wings. It has large, bulging, burgundy plush eyes. The house fly rests quietly in your hands. Check out our other house fly toys and gifts.

About House Flies

The common house fly (Musca domestica) is from the order Diptera, meaning two-winged, although the house fly actually has only one pair of wings. It has an excellent avoidance reaction due to its sensitivity to air movement. The house fly transmits diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and salmonella and is a menace in poorer areas. The house fly eats only liquids. It spits out saliva onto solid food to pre-digest it. Then it sucks the food back in through its proboscis, spits the food back out again and re-eats it. The house fly is a master at walking upside-down and walking on vertical surfaces. It accomplishes this feat by secreting adhesive juices from glands above its feet. Also the house fly is constantly preening its hairy legs. It must do this in order to keep the smell and taste receptors on the tiny hairs clean and viable.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Squid Pins ~ Made in USA

Betcha Captain Nemo would've worn this!

Our Painted Squid Pins

These gorgeous and unusual squid 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 fish 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 Squid

There are approximately 300 species of squid. All squid have similar body arrangements, with a distinct head, eight arms plus two longer tentacles, and the ability to squirt ink into the water as a defence against predators. Most modern squid are no more than two feet long, although giant squid may reach lengths of 43 feet and colossal squid are estimated to reach an astonishing 46 feet long! In 2007, a colossal squid weighing over 1,000 pounds was caught by a New Zealand fishing ship, and represents the largest scientifically documented cephalopod on record.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Clownfish Beaded Keychain

Find Nemo in your pocket!!!

Our Beaded Clownfish Keychain

The beading on these clownfish 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 dogs are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our other fish as well as our page of beaded animals and beaded keychains from Guatemala. When you purchase one of these unique animals from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my new friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy.

About Clownfish

There are about 28 different species of clownfish. In the wild they all form a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. They are also called anemone fish. Depending on species, clownfish are overall yellow, orange, reddish, or blackish, and many show white bars or patches. The largest reach a length of 7 inches but some are as small as 4 inches. The relationship with sea anemones is interesting. The clownfish feeds on undigested matter which otherwise potentially could harm the sea anemone, and the faecal matter from the clownfish provides nutrients to the sea anemone. It has also been suggested that the activity of the clownfish results in greater water circulation around the sea anemone. In addition to providing food for the clownfish, the sea anemone also provides safety due to its poison. Clownfish live in small groups around a single anemone.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saber-toothed Cat

One of pre-history's most famous predators!!

Our Saber-Toothed Cat

The color of this saber toothed cat can vary slightly depending on its background. The lines of hair are moulded into the plastic, and details include painted stripes and moulded and painted tongue, claws and foot pads! The length of 4 1/2 inches is measured from nose to tail and the height of 2 1/2 inches is measured to the top of the head. It comes with an informational tag in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English.

 Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic animals, its superior design and details make it a museum-quality replica or collector's item, and yet the price puts it in range for the average collector of plastic animals. This sturdy, durable saber toothed cat is also excellent for use in school projects, dioramas, or even as a children's toy. The word "SABER TOOTHED CAT" is embossed on the underside.

About Smilodon

The smilodon, or sabertooth cat (sometimes also called saber-tooth tiger), roamed parts of North and South America around the time of the last Ice Age. The most familiar is the Smilodon fatalis, of which many remains have been found in the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. It became extinct about 11,000 years ago.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Guinea Pig, Black and White

As cute and snuggly as the real thing, without the mess!

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 black 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.

Poison Arrow Frog

Yup, he's cute...but don't pet him!!!

Our Poison Arrow Frog

Our plastic poison arrow frog is one of several brightly-colored realistic plastic frogs to be found at Tapir and Friends. This plastic frog makes a wonderful educational toy or demonstration, is useful for shoebox dioramas and other school projects, can be a collector's item, a gift for your favorite frog fan, and more. Made of solid, rubbery plastic, it measures 2 inches long and is somewhat flexible. The plastic is solid, but not hard. Its underside is the same bright yellow as the markings on top, and the name "Poison Arrow Frog" is moulded into the plastic. Be sure to see our other cool frog toys and gifts.

About Poison Arrow Frogs

There are many species of brightly-colored poison frogs. The species shown here is Dendrobates leucomelas. This interesting description comes from Wikipedia: "The poison dart frog (also poison arrow frog, dart frog or poison frog) is the common name given to the group of frogs belonging to the family Dendrobatidae. Poison dart frogs are native to Central and South America. The frogs are widely called poison arrow frogs or poison dart frogs, reflecting the widespread notion that the frogs are used by South American tribes in the manufacture of poison that is spread on arrows or blow-gun darts. Dart frogs are not poisonous in captivity. Scientists believe that this is due to the fact that they do not receive alkaloids as food because they are fed with cultured insects. These frogs are some of the world's most poisonous living organisms; one drop of poison could be powerful enough to kill 80 people." The Dendrobates leucomelas is found in Venezuela, northern Brazil, both Guyanas and in southeastern Colombia. Look for them in forest soil where you find humid stones, dripping wet tree trunks and roots of rainforest trees. They occur at altitudes of 50 to 800 meters above sea level. Learn more about these frogs here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Starfish Pins ~ Made in USA

Wear your support for animals on your collar!

Our Painted Starfish Pins

These gorgeous and unusual starfish 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 fish 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 beautiful, 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 Starfish (Sea Stars)

There are currently about 1,800 varieties of starfish (also known as sea stars). All are echinoderms of the class Asteroidea, and live throughout the world's oceans, at all depths and all temperatures. While most starfish have five arms, creating a typical star-shape, many can have 10-50 arms. Even in species known to typically have five arms, individuals can develop "extras" due to abnormalities during their developmental or larvae stage. Some starfish can regenerate lost arms, and a very few, like the linckia star, can regenerage an entire starfish from a single living arm.

All starfish are predators, feeding primarily on clams, corals, snails, and any other animal they can catch. Once caught, the starfish forces open the shellfish and extends it's stomach into the prey's shell to devour it. While some species of starfish are themselves prey for pufferfish, triton snails, and other aquatic hunters, many starfish have adaptations to make themselves appear unappetizing or dangerous. By far, starfish are under the greatest threat humans, specifically humans' poluting of the oceans. Starfish draw seawater through their bodies, so any contaminant in the water can injure or kill starfish in great numbers.

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.

Stag Beetle

Looking for a distinctive addition to your All-Hallows decorations?

Our Plastic Stag Beetle

This engaging, realistic-looking plastic stag beetle is made of strong, durable plastic and is very good quality. This replica is about three times the size of a real stag beetle, so you can see every ridge and groove of its body! This stag beetle replica is a wonderful gift for your avid insect lover, a fabulous toy for your youngling, or simply as a conversation piece. It is 6 inches long, and hyper-realistic! Check out our other insect toys and gifts.

About Stag Beetles

The stag beetle is an extremely distinctive insect due to the male's large pinchers, and it is native to the UK. Stag beetles weigh only .02 ounces, but they are the largest land insect in the UK. Adult stag beetles have a lifespan of 4 months - they can only survive between the months of May and August.

Stag beetles, despite their beastly appearance, are in fact not usually aggressive towards humans. The male stag beetle has very large antler-like pinchers, which is where the species gets its name. These pinchers are not used for biting, however - they are used exclusively to fight other male stag beetles over territorial and mating disputes. The female stag beetle, on the other hand, has much more reasonably sized pinchers, and while they aren't as flashy, they are used for biting and can leave quite the nasty mark!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Orca (Killer Whale)

At this price, you can afford an orca for everyone in your class!

Our Plastic Orca Replica

This orca, or killer whale, is made of soft plastic and is slightly squeezable. You can make a marvelous aquatic mammals shoebox diorama using this and other plastic aquatic creatures and mammals, sharks, fish, sea turtles, birds, and decor from our gift shop. Come look through our entire collection of orca toys and gifts.

About Orca

The orca is a toothed whale and the largest member of the dolphin family, growing up to 33 feet long and weighting up to 12,000 pounds. It has mostly black skin with distinctive white patches. The male has a taller and more upright dorsal fin than the female. These cetaceans live their entire lives in small, close-knit family groups, called pods, of 6-40 whales. Males can live up to 60 years, females up to 90.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Earthworm

How would THIS guy look on your Halloween buffet table?!?

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.

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.

Specials, Oddball, Unique and Limited-Quantity Items

Add this special figurine to your collection today!

WHAT'S ON THE POT-LUCK PIZZA TODAY?

This page is for those animal toys, replicas, and animal art collectibles that come to us now and again - they are too good to turn down, and too few to make sense in our regular store. . . .

About Tapirs

There are four species of tapir, and the babies of all species are marked with their distinguishing spots and stripes. They can stand and walk almost immediately, and they quickly begin to explore their world with amusing curiosity. It takes a gestation period of about 13 months for a pair to produce one baby. Can you believe that? It's one of the longest gestation periods among mammals. Even horses give birth after about 11 months. Because only one baby is born per pregnancy, and because the gestation period is so long, the tapirs are said to have a long "recruitment period." This means that for every tapir that is killed in the wild (or that dies of natural causes), it takes a very long time to replace that animal. This is one reason why hunting and destruction of habitat are so devastating to the Earth's dwindling population of tapirs. You can purchase this beaded tapir, take it home, and be proud not only to have a beautiful, unique, hand-made work of art, but also to know that your purchase keeps the Tapir Preservation Fund going so we can support tapir conservation in the field.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Channel Catfish

You can catch this catfish easily, and without bubble gum!

Our Stuffed Channel Catfish

This soft and colorful plush channel catfish 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 channel catfish 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 catfish replica 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 freshwater fish and fish toys and gifts.

About Channel Catfish

The most numerous North American catfish species, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are also the most fished catfish species, being targeted by approximately 8 million anglers every year. A weight of 2-4 pounds is common, and weights of 10-20 pounds are not unheard of. The world record for weight in a channel catfish was set in 1964 at 58 pounds.

Channel catfish have outstanding senses of taste and smell. They have taste buds spread over their entire body, and can l literally taste with their skin, particularly around the whiskers or barbels located near their mouth. These keen senses allow the channel catfish to find its prey in murky, dark, cloudy water, where vision is useless. Channel catfish are omnivorous, and have been known to be caught on such unconventional baits as bubble gum, soap chunks, and dough flavored with drink powder.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Scorpion Toy Replica

Never too early to begin stocking up for Halloween!

Our Plastic Toy Scorpion Replica

This engaging, realistic-looking, plastic brown scorpion replica is really cool.. This scorpion replica is 3 7/8 long from pincers to tail. It is made of flexible rubber-like plastic and is smooth to the touch. It is in a striking pose and will be a great hit for a science project or when placed in a desert animal diorama. Check out our other scorpion toys and gifts.

About Scorpions

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

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

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.

The perfect deal for a whole class of students!

FANTASTIC BARGAINS!

Periodically we get overstocks on some of our regular inventory. If any of these items fit your needs, this page has FANTASTIC BARGAINS for you! Buy any of the items on this page by the hundreds at a SUBSTANTIAL discount!

About Mallard Ducks

The Mallard, or Wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is probably the best-known and most recognizable of all ducks. The male birds have a bright green head and the female birds have a light brown head. Mallard ducks live in wetlands and eat water plants. They are gregarious, migratory birds that form large flocks.

Mallards ducks can reach 26 inches in length, have a wingspan of 39 inches, and weigh close to 3 pounds. Females can lay 8-13 eggs, which are incubated for 27-28 days before hatching. The duckling are born able to swin and feed themselves but stay near their mother for protection.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.