Review and images by Kikimalou; edited by bmathison1972
Today we’ll be looking at the 2021 African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) by Mojö Fun. This is the first African elephant by a major western company since 2017, when Papo produced one. As for Mojö Fun, their last African elephant dates back to 2015.
In the vast plains of South Africa, the dry season is in full swing. Animals are in desperate search of food and water as the heat’s mirage play a cruel trick on them.
In the distance, a trio of dark figure move at a steady pace heading towards the edge of the woodland.
Happy holidays to all! I hope this latest post finds you in the holiday spirit, or at the very least an “Arctic animal appreciation” one. This post will focus on the Mojö Fun Arctic wolf #381052 released in 2022. The model itself is the first of its kind for Mojö, having only released one other wolf species, and the most common (read “generic”) of them at that.
During my teenage years I found myself living on a 50-acre farm complete with a creek running through it, fallow fields, and woodlands abutted against vast National Forest land that made the wilderness seem endless. It was the perfect playground for a young lad obsessed with animals and nature. My favorite place to visit amidst all that was the local beaver pond, and I spent many evenings just quietly sitting along the bank of the pond, VHS camcorder in hand, observing wildlife.
Budgerigars aka parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus) are easily the most popular pet bird in the world. We enjoy their playful antics, cheerful chatter, ability to mimic humans, and the plethora of selectively bred color variations they come in. But like all domesticated animals they have their roots in the wild where they live far different lives from those in our cages.
Review and images by Harecraft Horses; edited by bmathison1972
My first must-buy of Mojö’s horses this year was the rearing cob, a really good addition to the range to complete the family – even though they already had a mare and youngster, the new rearing pose for the stallion means he’s plenty different to the others, and that he’s fun for photography as well as play.
The emperor scorpion, Pandinus imperator, is a large species of scorpion endemic to the rainforests and savanna of Africa. Because of their large size, hardy nature, docile behavior, and relatively mild venom, they are popular in the pet trade (I had them growing up). This species is no stranger to the toy animal industry, and today we are looking at the 2020 rendition of this species by Mojo Fun.
Review and photos by OkapiBoy
On our last review, we explored the deep and mysterious highland forest of the Annamites mountain range where we met one of its rarest inhabitant.Today, we will head down to the lowlands and forest edges to meet another bovine, this time a large one.Tropical rainforest are one of the most threatened ecosystem in the world, and animals that depends on them and call it home are also some of the most endangered.The rainforest of Southeast Asia in particular are hard hit by deforestation and booming human populations that continues to push what remains into smaller and fragmented patches.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
An animal of absurd proportions, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest of the anteater species as well as the largest living member of Xenarthra, a group of placental mammals characterized by fused pelvic bones, spine reinforcing bones, and a peculiar blood vessel structure that allows energy sparing by an extremely low metabolic rate.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is perhaps the most quintessential and famous of all eagles. For certain it is the most widespread, ranging across the continents of North America, Europe, and Asia. It has also figured prominently in human culture more than any other bird.
Review and images by callmejoe3; edited by bmathison1972
Today’s review will cover the Northern Pacific voyager, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). The gray whale is a very well-known mysticete due to frequent sightings during whale-watching tours along the American west coast. Gray whales were also known as the ‘’Devil-fish’’ due to the aggression they display when defending against whalers and natural predators.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Currently, there are more than 200 species of owl inhabiting our planet. They reside on every continent save for Antarctica and range in size from the tiny elf owl to the mighty eagle owl. But if there is one species that can truly be said to represent the owl family as a whole, it is most likely the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) of the Americas.
Review and images by Kikimalou; edited by bmathison1972
After Schleich and Safari Ltd. in 2022, Mojö Fun is also offering its version of the famous green anaconda, Eunectes murinus, new for 2023. Until now, my collection has lacked a serious representative of the species. Initially tempted by the Safari Ltd., I finally fell for the Mojö version.
Review and images by callmejoe3; edited by bmathison1972
This review will cover an exceptional mysticete, the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). The humpback is a well-recognized whale due to its breaching behavior and unique appearance. While placed in a separate genus from most other rorquals, modern genomic studies consistently report the humpback whale as the closest relative to the fin whale (Balenoptera physalus).
Since getting into the animal toy hobby, I’ve seen this enigmatic toy fish discussed more than a few times, due to its ambiguous identity. Originally marketed as a blue groper (yes, that’s the actual name, genus Achoerodus) it appears to now be marketed as a blue grouper. A search on Fishbase indicates that the only fish for which that common name applies is the comet grouper (Epinephelus morrhua).
