Review and images by ALeahgator; edited by bmathison1972
The emperor penguin, or Aptenodytes forsteri, is an iconic winter-themed animal and also a popular symbol of Antarctica. It would be hard to think of an animal more iconic of Earth’s polar regions, except for the woolly mammoth which is now extinct. Penguins are popular exhibits at zoos and aquariums, and are often also popular characters in children’s shows and movies that feature animals (Madagascar, anyone?).
This is an unusual Wild Republic stuffed animal that to my present understanding may have only been released in 2011. While Wild Republic still makes the 12 inch emperor penguin, this more portable one appears to be rare. True to its real world counterparts, this penguin is endowed with the black and white tuxedo plumage common to Emperor penguins, which is simulated with a shiny velour fabric. It also features the penguin’s tiny wings, has gray feet with black felt claws, an orange stripe on the bill, brown button eyes, and orange airbrushed markings on the side of the head and below the chin. This detail gives the toy a very natural look. The belly is made of a white material and the haunches are muscular. This is one of the best plush representations of the Emperor penguin species that I have ever seen.
The only thing I might have changed a bit is I would probably have made the bill with gray material like the feet. The plush also features the green Wild Republic tag found on all Wild Republic stuffed animals manufactured from 2011-2016. Male and female emperor penguins look very similar but it is noted online that female Emperor penguins have shorter beaks, which suggests that this particular penguin is a female.
This is also a good travel-size penguin. I give it five stars and recommend it for anyone who wants a penguin sidekick. It might pop up on eBay from time to time.
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