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.

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 Gazelle

Useful and fun in both the diorama and toybox!

Our Plastic Gazelle

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

About Gazelles

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

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Bison

One of the most iconic symbols of the American West!

Our Plastic Bison Replica

Our plastic bison replica or toy is special. Look at the amazingly realistic detail, including that scraggly coat! This toy can be used in many ways. It could become an outstanding centerpiece for a great Plains, American animal, or Native American Indian shoebox diorama. This very realistic bison model will fit in a shoe box along with other animals, our cook fire, etc. Create a landscape with rocks, plants, grass, make a river or stream from anything that strikes your imagination, and there you go - a scene of life on our diverse and fascinating planet. Our plastic toy bison is made of solid plastic and is quite durable. Be sure to take a look at our other hoofed animals.

About Bison (American Buffalo)

Nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century, the American bison has made a steady recovery in North America. Comprised of two distinct species, the smaller plains bison (Bison bison bison) and the larger wood bison (Bison bison athabascae), the American bison is the largest living land animal in North America, standing five to six feet tall at the shoulder and weighing nearly a ton.

While the names “bison” and “buffalo” have similar meanings, American bison are only distantly related to the two living species of true buffalo in Asia and Africa. This would come as a shock to “Buffalo” Bill Cody, who received his nickname from shooting hundreds of the animals during the hunting craze in North America during the 19th century. Truthfully, Cody never shot a buffalo in his life!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Holstein Cow 3D Puzzle

One of dozens of cool 3D puzzles in stock now!

Our 3D Cow 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 animal model comes assembled. The pieces are cleverly fitted, flexible, and not too difficult to assemble. When complete, this highly-detailed animal 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 hoofed animal toys.

About Holstein Cows

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

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Red Deer Stag Replica

Another amazing replica in our new line of Collecta miniatures!

Our Plastic Red Deer Stag

Our beautifully-detailed plastic red deer stag makes a terrific toy or model for teaching your children, grandchildren, or students about the wonders of nature, the forest, and the animal world. It fits nicely into a shoebox diorama for school projects or use our realistic stag to create a woodland scene you can enjoy at Christmas or all year around. Our plastic toy red deer stag is made of solid plastic and is quite durable. Be sure to take a look at our other deer toys and gifts.

About Deer

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

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

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

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Rhino 3D Puzzle

A fantastic gift for young and old animal lovers alike!

Our Rhino 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 animal model comes assembled. The pieces are cleverly fitted, flexible, and not too difficult to assemble. When complete, this highly-detailed animal 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 hoofed animal toys.

About Rhinos

 

The rhinoceros (Rhinocerotidae) is considered one of the world's most endangered mammals. Due to habitat loss and poaching, the wild rhino population has plummeted from 65,000 in 1970 to fewer than 2,500 by 1998. Poaching remains the rhino's greatest threat as cultures in India, China, and the Far East use the valuable horns for folk medicines and aphrodisiacs. Five species exist worldwide: In Africa the Black and White Rhino and in Asia the Sumatran, Indian, and Javan. (Rhino research by Joslyn Biggins.)   This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Zebra

Complete your African miniatures collection today!

Our Zebra Miniature

This realistic-looking toy zebra is sturdy and light-weight. It's made of hollow plastic and measures 3 3/4 inches long from nose to rear hoof and stands 3 inches tall.

About Zebras

The three species of these striped mammals are found only in Africa. The Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), which is found in northern Kenya, and the mountain zebra (Equus zebra), which inhabit the mountains of southern and southwestern Africa, are endangered. Although the plains zebra (Equus quagga) are not endangered, the population of this East Africa native is declining. Zebras are smaller in size than horses and greatly resemble the wild ass in habit--woodlands to open plains--and form--a short, erect mane, large ears, and a tufted tail. The stripes, which distinguish this animal from other members of the horse family, serve as protective coloration in its natural habitat. Like the giraffe, each zebra's markings are as unique as a person's finger prints. The chief enemies of the zebra are lions and hunters who kill zebras for their meat and hide.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Moose

This miniature makes a great toy, diorama centerpiece, or collectible!

Our Plastic Moose

This engaging, realistic-looking plastic moose is made of semi-flexible plastic. The antlers and legs can be bent easily, and they snap back to their original position. Our toy moose is 4 1/4 inches long. This moose is great for school wildlife projects, gifts, toys, party decorations, for your animal collection and more. Check out our other moose toys and gifts.

About Moose

Although moose vary in size and shape, they are the largest members of the deer family. Males weigh on average over 550kg (1200 lbs) and females often more than 400kg. Newborn calves weigh around 15kg but quickly increase in size. Their color varies from a little brown to a dusty black depending on the season and age of the animal. Young calves are often a light rusty color. The moose has a long nose, drooping lip, hump at the shoulders and small tail, so you can see that the details in our model moose are quite accurate. Our collectible moose even has cloven hooves. The flap of skin that hangs beneath the throat is called a BELL. The correct name for a female moose is a COW; the male is called a BULL, and the young moose is called a CALF. Mothers are extremely aggressive, probably due to the scarcity of food in the winter, their greatest threat to survival.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Doe

Another delightful miniature from Tapir & Friends!

Our Plastic Doe

This engaging, realistic-looking plastic doe miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose. This deer replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 2 inches long, with light brown fur. Check out our other deer and elk toys and gifts.

About Deer

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

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

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

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Tapir "Yanisa"

Meet the hot young spokesmodel for Tapir & Friends!

Our Plush Tapir

Our stuffed tapir from Hansa is hand-made in the Philippines and is based on the look of a real animal. This tapir is special! Not only are toy tapirs as rare and endangered as their real-life counterparts, but this one embodies Hansa's dependable quality construction and lifelike appearance. Hansa creates each animal with great care from the drawing board to the last stitch. The animals are hand made, the fabrics designed and purchased in small quantities to suit each design. The dark fur is a chocolate brown; the light fur is white. Yanisa's eyes have a plastic lid over them, giving them character and appeal. We have to tell you that the tail is white, not dark as in a real tapir but we hope her shining personality makes up for this.

We've named our tapir "Yanisa," after the half-Thai daughter of a Russian tapir fan and corespondent. The name sounds beautiful, but it also means "Wisdom" in the Thai language. One of our favorite tapir quotes comes from Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, who, after describing in the book Travelers' Tales Thailand, said: "Many years earlier, a traveler in Burma had described the tapir as 'an enigma,' a survivor of a 'more gentle and legendary time . . . wandering in unique isolation in a world not yet mature enough for its wisdom.'" So, what better name could we choose for this beautiful tapir?

This tapir's feet are quite realistic with a lifelike soft hoof on each of the toes. In addition, it is one of the few tapir toys we've seen that has the correct number of digits per foot! Yanisa has four toes on each front foot, and three on each back foot. You have to look carefully to see that fourth toe, but it is there! Look at the pleasing face and "signature" long tapirlike nose. Our stuffed tapir stands 7 1/2 inches tall and measures 13 1/2 inches long. Check out our other tapir toys and gifts. Read more about real tapirs on our Tapir Gallery web site. You can also contribute to their conservation through Club Tapir. Your Club Tapir donation does not have to be processed separately, but can be added to your shopping cart! Your purchase helps save endangered animals!

About Asian (Malayan) Tapirs

Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) grow to between 6 and 8 feet in length, stand 3 to 3.5 feet tall, and typically weigh between 550 and 700 pounds. Like the other types of tapir, they have small stubby tails and long, flexible proboscises. They have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot. The Malayan Tapir has rather poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. The easily identifiable markings (the saddle, white rimmed ears, black legs, chest, and head) make it more difficult to recognize it as a tapir, and other animals may mistake it for a large rock rather than a form of prey when it is lying down to sleep. Malayan Tapirs communicate with high-pitched squeaks and whistles. They usually prefer to live near water and often bathe and swim, and they are also able to climb steep slopes. Malayan Tapirs can live up to 30 years, both in the wild and in captivity. Malayan tapirs live in Southest Asia, where they have become extinct in some of their range; small populations still survive in Myanmar, Thailand, and Sumatra (Indonesia). In the past, scientists believed that tapirs live solitary lives, but in recent years, it has become clear that they can be found in small family groups. They do not live in herds, and are hard to located in the forest. Under ideal conditions, a tapir gives birth about every 18 months to two years, bearing only one calf at a time. The slow "recruitment rate" is one of the several reasons they are on their way to extinction. Read more about Malayan tapirs here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Camel

This camel's back works better than my Camelbak, and I have to WEAR mine!

Our Plastic Camel

This plastic Bactrian camel looks quite real. Lines of the hair are moulded into the plastic. Made of solid plastic, it is sturdy and durable. The words "Bactrian Camel" are embossed on the underside. The length of 4 1/2 inches is measured from the nose to the bend in the tail, and the camel stands 3 1/2 inches tall. One of its humps is bent over at the top as if it had used up part of its fat supply. It comes with a small informational tag in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English that says, "The Bactrian camel can withstand temperatures from -20 degrees F to 100 degrees F. After a drought, they can drink 29 gallons of water in only 10 minutes." (The information we found online said 18 gallons. Since we don't have a camel to test, let's just say it can drink a lot of water!) Made by Safari, Ltd., our camel is striking in form and detail, and will make a great addition to your collection. It is priced right for animal collectors, school projects, dioramas, and even for use as an educational children's toy.

About Bactarian Camels

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

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Zebra Action Figure

So...is it WHITE with BLACK stripes, or the other way around?

Our Plastic Zebra Action Figure

Made of light-weight hollow plastic, this zebra action figure has movable legs and head (the head moves forward and back). It measures 3 inches in length, not including the tail. Although it is sturdy, the pieces could possibly come loose so this toy is NOT recommended for very small children. It makes a nice addition to your equine collection, is great for school projects, dioramas, as a toy for older kids or grown-ups, party favors, etc. To see our entire collection of action figures, check out our Animal Action Figures page.

About Zebras

The three species of these striped mammals are found only in Africa. The Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), which is found in Northern Kenya, and the mountain zebra (Equus zebra), which inhabits the mountains of Southern and Southwestern Africa, are endangered. Although the Plains zebra (Equus quagga) is not endangered, the population of this East Africa native is declining. Zebras are smaller in size than horses and greatly resemble the wild ass in habitat - woodlands to open plains - and form - a short, erect mane, large ears, and a tufted tail. The stripes, which distinguish this animal from other members of the horse family, serve as protective coloration in its natural habitat. Like the giraffe, each zebra's markings are as unique as a person's finger prints. The chief enemies of the zebra are lions and hunters who kill zebras for their meat and hide.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Sheep (Ram) Replica

'Ram'...both his name AND what he's gonna do if you threaten his flock!

Our Plastic Toy (Ram) Sheep

Our plastic (Ram) Sheep is made of hard solid plastic and is 1 7/8 inches long. It has detailed fur and hooves. Our plastic animals come tested and approved from the manufacturers and are safe. This toy sheep replica fits nicely into a shoe box diorama, a manger scene, or a farm animal collection. Check out our other sheep toys and gifts.

About Sheep

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) is a chewing herd animal kept all over the world as livestock. There are over 1 billion sheep mostly in Australia, New Zealand and the British Isles, but herds abound in South America as well. Sheep are used for milk production, meat, and wool. A group of sheep is called a herd or flock, the female is called a ewe, a male is called a ram or tup, a castrated male , a wether ,and the young are lambs. Sheep have played a large role as mythological figures and were commonly used as the animal of choice in sacrifices.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Wild Boar

"No...that's a wild pig. THAT'S a wild bore."
Robin Hood about Prince John
Robin Hood: Men In Tights

Our Plastic Wild Boar

This beautifully detailed wild boar is 5 1/2 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. The body has a fur-like pattern and details that almost make it seem real. It is made of sturdy plastic and is very durable. Previously, this boar was misidentified as a warthog. Our thanks to Winged Wolf for helping us correctly identify this toy animal. Be sure to look over our other pig family toys and gifts.

Our plastic animals of a similar size and detail include giraffe, cheetah, lion, hippo and elephant.

About Wild Boars

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is part of the biological family Suidae, which includes many subspecies including the domestic pig. While wild boar are native in Northern and Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and much of Asia, wild boar have been introduced to the Americas and Australia as hunting stock. Individual animals range in size from 110 - 660 pounds depending on their environment. Adult male boars grow tusks that serve as both weapons and tools. The tusks grow continuously throughout the boar's life and remain sharp, with the upper and lower tusks grinding together.

The primary predators of adult wild boar are tigers and wolves where they coexist. Tigers have been known to chase wild boar longer and over greater distance than other prey, and a single wolf pack can consume as many as 50-80 wild boar annually in the former Soviet Union. However, this is hardly a one-sided contest. Adult male wild boars have on many occasions been recorded goring tigers to death, and are more than a match for any wolf one-on-one.

The wild boar holds a place of distinction in human culture and mythology. Boars were revered by the Celts, Norse, Romans, and Gauls. They feature prominantly in the Hindu faith, are one of the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac, and have appeared many times in ancient and modern heraldry.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Horse

Saddle up with this fine steed!

Our Plastic Horse

I don't know if you'd call our plastic horse figurine a chestnut, a buckskin, or what. If you have the answer, please let us know! However, since our model horse is made of plastic, it's probably OK for it to be a beautiful eye-catching warm pumpkin color. The black legs and tail add a striking finish to this nice plastic toy. Our plastic horse is 3 1/4 inches long when measured from its nose to the end of its tail. It stands up nicely to a height of 2 1/4 inches to the tips of its black ears, and about 2 1/2 inches from the ground to its back. Our plastic horse 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 horse toys and gifts.

About Horses

There is so much to say about horses, that it's hard to know where to start. In fact, I think we'll just give a brief overview. Horse information is very easy to find on the web, and we all know basically what a horse is. As with any animal, once you delve into the fascinating details, you can always learn more. The horse (Equus caballus) is a hoofed mammal, and all hoofed mammals are called ungulates. The horse is an odd-toed ungulate in the family Equidae, and has one toe on each foot. In the case of the horse, the one toe has become very large so that we hardly think of it as a toe. The odd-toed animals, Order Perissodactyla, include only 17 species, which is fewer than the other order, even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla). In the Order Perissodactyla we find horses, zebras, donkeys, and other animals that resemble horses, but the order also includes tapirs and rhinos. All other hoofed animals such as deer, cows, and hippos, have either two or four toes on each foot. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today. Horses are one of the animals for which we have the most complete fossil record, which makes it interesting to study their evolution. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4,000 BC, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3,000 BC. Just think of all the ancient art and statuary that depict the relationship between horses and humans! By 2,000 BC, the use of domesticated horses had spread throughout the Eurasian continent. Although most horses today are domesticated, there are still endangered populations of the Przewalski's Horse, the only remaining true wild horse, as well as more common feral horses which live in the wild but are descended from domesticated ancestors. Horse breeding is a very specialized area of expertise, and many breeds have been developed, each with their own characteristics of color, conformation, abilities, shapes and sizes.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Miniature Giraffe

You should see his chiropractor!

Our Plastic Giraffe

This giraffe stands almost 7 inches tall. It's made of sturdy plastic and is very durable. Because it's larger, it has more detail than our smaller plastic animals. This giraffe is hollow and therefore light weight.

About Giraffes

Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are the biggest ruminant and the tallest mammal. They have very long necks with a short, upstanding mane. Their high shoulders slope steeply to their hindquarters. Their head tapers to a point and they have a long, prehensile tongue. Their horns are solid bone and skin covered. Tails are hock-length with a long tassel. Their brown to rich chestnut colored coat (old males are darker, even black) is dissected into an intricate tapestry by patches and blotches of lighter hair. Each giraffe's markings are unique.
This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Donkey Replica

What barnyard diorama would be complete without this gorgeous 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.

Stuffed Tapir "Yanisa"

She's BACK!!

Our Stuffed Malayan Tapir

Our stuffed tapir from Hansa is hand-made in the Philippines and is based on the look of a real animal. This tapir is special! Not only are toy tapirs as rare and endangered as their real-life counterparts, but this one embodies Hansa's dependable quality construction and lifelike appearance. Hansa creates each animal with great care from the drawing board to the last stitch. The animals are hand made, the fabrics designed and purchased in small quantities to suit each design. The dark fur is a chocolate brown; the light fur is white. Yanisa's eyes have a plastic lid over them, giving them character and appeal. We have to tell you that the tail is white, not dark as in a real tapir but we hope her shining personality makes up for this.

About "Yanisa"

We've named our tapir "Yanisa," after the half-Thai daughter of a Russian tapir fan and corespondent. The name sounds beautiful, but it also means "Wisdom" in the Thai language. One of our favorite tapir quotes comes from Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, who, after describing in the book Travelers' Tales Thailand, said: "Many years earlier, a traveler in Burma had described the tapir as 'an enigma,' a survivor of a 'more gentle and legendary time . . . wandering in unique isolation in a world not yet mature enough for its wisdom.'" So, what better name could we choose for this beautiful tapir?

This tapir's feet are quite realistic with a lifelike soft hoof on each of the toes. In addition, it is one of the few tapir toys we've seen that has the correct number of digits per foot! Yanisa has four toes on each front foot, and three on each back foot. You have to look carefully to see that fourth toe, but it is there! Look at the pleasing face and "signature" long tapirlike nose. Our stuffed tapir stands 7 1/2 inches tall and measures 13 1/2 inches long. Check out our other tapir toys and gifts. Read more about real tapirs on our Tapir Gallery web site. You can also contribute to their conservation through Club Tapir. Your Club Tapir donation does not have to be processed separately, but can be added to your shopping cart! Your purchase helps save endangered animals!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Tapir Replica

Check out this BRILLIANT replica from Safari!

Plastic Asian (Malayan) Tapir

Our plastic museum-quality version of the Asian or Malayan tapir has the markings of a real tapir. The "saddle" which extends from its shoulder to its rump, the white rimmed ears, and the remaining black hair covering the legs, chest, and head mimic the pattern designed for camouflage. The plastic Asian tapir measures 4 1/4 inches in length, and 2 1/2 inches high. The realistic "floppy" snout, four-toed front and three-toed back feet (with a little hoof at the end of each toe) help make this the most realistic toy tapir we've ever seen. Other features include the white rims around each small hoof and the strongly chiseled indentation of the face muscles. Even the nostrils appear to flatten as they do in a real tapir. It even has short markings in the plastic indicating its fur coat. This delightful model will complete your diorama or please any tapir collector or collector of animal figurines. You may already be familiar with the quality produced by Safari, Ltd. This sturdy piece will also withstand handling and playtime. See our entire collection of tapirs.

About Asian (Malayan) Tapirs

Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) grow to between 6 and 8 feet in length, stand 3 to 3.5 feet tall, and typically weigh between 550 and 700 pounds. Like the other types of tapir, they have small stubby tails and long, flexible proboscises. They have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot. The Malayan Tapir has rather poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. The easily identifiable markings (the saddle, white rimmed ears, black legs, chest, and head) make it more difficult to recognize it as a tapir, and other animals may mistake it for a large rock rather than a form of prey when it is lying down to sleep. Malayan Tapirs communicate with high-pitched squeaks and whistles. They usually prefer to live near water and often bathe and swim, and they are also able to climb steep slopes. Malayan Tapirs can live up to 30 years, both in the wild and in captivity. Malayan tapirs live in Southest Asia, where they have become extinct in some of their range; small populations still survive in Myanmar, Thailand, and Sumatra (Indonesia). In the past, scientists believed that tapirs live solitary lives, but in recent years, it has become clear that they can be found in small family groups. They do not live in herds, and are hard to located in the forest. Under ideal conditions, a tapir gives birth about every 18 months to two years, bearing only one calf at a time. The slow "recruitment rate" is one of the several reasons they are on their way to extinction. Read more about Malayan tapirs here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.