Bighorn Sheep (Wild Safari North American Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)

Review and images by endogenylove; edited by bmathison1972

When travelling through the hills and mountains of the American west, it is always advisable to scan the cliffsides for signs of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis); I’ve seen them myself. Bighorn sheep are a type of wild caprine that span the majority of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada, through the United States, and into the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.

Most closely related to O. dalli (Dall Sheep), bighorns large and generally a dusty brownish-red color but can vary from greyish white to chocolate brown. Males sport large, curved, brown-grey horns in the stereotypical “ram” shape. Ewes also have horns, but they are much less prominent and do not curve. Males use these powerful horns to clash during rut season over the right to mount females. Both sexes feature a bright white rump and muzzle, features displayed well in this model. Size is dependent upon which of the three subspecies the animal belongs to – Rocky Mountain, Sierra Nevada, or desert bighorn. Unlike the mouflon, a cousin much more common in toy form than the bighorn, these sheep live in herds, not dependent upon a single leader.

Currently considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, bighorns have had an up and down history when it comes to conservation. Although parts of their former range are still lacking in sheep due to overhunting by American settlers, the population is on the rise.

Now that I have discussed in brief the bighorn sheep itself, it is time to talk about the figure by Safari Ltd. Originally released in 2006 as part of the North American Wildlife line, my figure is actually marked “2005” on the bottom. The figure was produced for five years, until 2011, when it was retired. Since its retirement, no major brand has placed a bighorn into its lineup, leading this model to become both rare and expensive to track down. I was lucky, as I purchased this model during its original run, and therefore avoided all of the fuss. However, that means that my model may be a bit worse for wear in some areas.

This sheep measures at about 8.25 cm long, 7.5 cm tall, and 3.5 cm wide, putting it at 1:16-1:19 in scale. The paint placement on my model is well done, showing a male (with vaguely carved male genitalia if the horns weren’t enough proof) decked out in a darker reddish-brown coat color. This color is a bit redder than your average animal, but certainly not out of the range of possible colors. The slightly off-white rump, muzzle, and leg backings are very well painted, and the color is diffused nicely, especially on the legs, to prevent it from looking too fake. Correctly, the tail has been painted the same shade as the body (even a shade darker) rather than white. Even the eyes are carefully painted a dark orange, and the pupils are horizontal and well defined. If I were to nitpick anything about the painting, my major complaint would be that the horns are far too dark grey rather than the typical light tan. However, this does not severely diminish the quality of the model, and so it gets a pass.

The sculpt is recognizable and iconic, if a bit stiff and cartoonish in proportions. The legs should be a bit longer and much thinner, the head should be smaller and the neck thinner and longer, and the shoulder higher. The animal stands in a very still pose, body straight and head turned to the right. Despite the fact that it is by no means perfect, it is the best bighorn model available, and honestly the model is still beautiful and a very worthwhile purchase.

I have made some criticisms of this figure but I honestly like it a lot, I think it is very well done considering the other wild sheep figures out there, and I am hoping that eventually Safari Ltd. puts out an updated bighorn to match this one. This figure has that “old Safari” feel to it, when the figures were a bit more cartoonish but still managed to hold up to the promised species (such as the beaver and river otter), and I enjoy it. I think that despite the static pose, this is a model with a lot of personality. Although it is expensive nowadays, I highly recommend this model and I suggest that if you can find it, snatch it up. You will not be disappointed by the quality.