Bigfoot (Mythical Creatures by Safari Ltd.)

Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972

The Sasquatch (Megapodapithecus krantzi), more popularly known as Bigfoot, is one of only two apes (the other being Homo sapiens) known to inhabit the North American continent. It is also one of the world’s largest primates, with adult males regularly growing to well over two metres in height and 227 kg (500 lbs) in weight. Shy by nature, they prefer to live in remote, secluded areas such as mountains or thick forests and mostly avoid human contact.

The Safari Ltd. Bigfoot was released back in 2019. Standing a little over 13 cm tall, it is sculpted in a walking pose with its right foot forward, its arms swinging back and forth, and its upper body twisted to the right in order to glance behind it. If this pose looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s based on Frame 352 of a short but legendary film shot in Northern California in 1967 when a couple of Bigfoot enthusiasts encountered a lone female Bigfoot, who promptly but calmly retreated into the woods.

This figure, however, clearly represents an adult male. His base colour is a very dark grey with dark brown wash all over. Such dull, dark coloration is perfect for a large forest-dwelling animal that prefers to remain inconspicuous. This big fellow is presumably striding through his territory in search of food. Like many primates, Bigfoots are omnivores with a wide diet. They readily consume roots, tubers, nuts, berries, fungi, grasses, leaves, invertebrates, fish, birds and their eggs, rodents, and occasionally even larger animals up to the size of deer. They will also scavenge for human refuse given the opportunity.

Our Bigfoot boasts beautifully sculpted fur which covers his entire body save for his nose, hands, and feet. Interestingly, the fur on his waist and legs appears to be significantly long and shaggier than on his arms and upper body. Indeed, it almost looks as though he’s wearing pants. Perhaps this is some kind of evolutionary adaptation to protect the great ape from brambles and other sharp-edged foliage while foraging. The hands and the dorsal side of the feet are also very nicely sculpted, but it is disappointing how the soles of the feet are completely smooth. I suppose it makes the figure more stable, and it certainly does stand well indeed.

The Bigfoot’s skull has a very tall, pointed cranium, an enlarged brow ridge similar to that of a Neanderthal, and a large, wide nose. There is a calm, intelligent, and introspective expression on his face, although he would look even better if only his eyes had been painted. Between these features and his overall beefiness, it’s safe to conclude that he represents a common Bigfoot (M. k. heuvelmansi) as opposed to the smaller Florida subspecies M. k. mephitis, better known as the skunk ape. His shoulders are broad and the well-defined muscles on his chest and limbs give him the appearance of a powerhouse of raw strength. When confronted by a grey wolf, a mountain lion, a grizzly bear, or a hostile human, a Bigfoot will rise to its full height, spread its arms wide, stamp its feet, and emit shrill howls to frighten them off. If attacked, the Bigfoot will savagely defend itself by biting, scratching, squeezing, pummeling, kicking, or bludgeoning with whatever rocks or sticks lie handy. Its pungent body odour is an additional defense and most predators choose to leave the great ape well alone.

Again, while I would have preferred painted eyes and sculpting on the soles of the feet, this is still probably the best toy of a Bigfoot to date. Excellent sculpting, correct appearance, and a definite personality to it. Overall, this majestic ape is well worth adding to your collection of plastic primates or North American fauna.

Oh, and April Fools!!!