Growing up on a cattle farm there was one piece of advice I always heeded and never questioned, beware of the bull. While the cows were typically approachable and docile the bull was the polar opposite of that. A hulking, testosterone infused beast, the mere presence of the bull was intimidating enough to keep you at bay, no cautionary advice needed.
Brand: Schleich
Galápagos Tortoise, 2020 (Wild Animals by Schleich)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
“I frequently got on their backs, and then giving a few raps on the hinder part of their shells, they would rise up and walk away;—but I found it very difficult to keep my balance.” – Charles Darwin
Such was the experience of the legendary naturalist when he studied the giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands in 1835.
Galloway Cattle, Cow (Farm World by Schleich)
Before we begin the review, I would like to extend my gratitude towards Happy Hen Toys for sending this figure along as a review sample. Happy Hen Toys is a U.S. distributor of figures by Safari Ltd, Papo, CollectA, Schleich, and other companies significant to our hobby. In the case of CollectA they’re often the only place that sells their products at a reasonable price within the United States.
Giant Anteater (Wild Life America by Schleich)
The evolution and adaptation of one group can result in a burst of adaptation in other, completely different ones. Take the adaptation of eusocial insects, forming colonies, hives and the like. This is a largely Cenozoic adaptation, not well documented before the extinction of the dinosaurs. Forming together can help, but it can be the opportunity for a feeding frenzy for another.
Giant Panda, male 2017 (Wild Life by Schleich)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
A conservation icon, a beloved zoo attraction, and a star of a hit animated franchise, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is quite possibly the most immediately recognizable animal on the planet. Naturally then, it has enjoyed countless toys over the decades, including this 2017 figure courtesy of Schleich.
Giant Pangolin (Wild Life by Schleich)
Pangolins are a peculiar group of mammals of the Pholidota
order. Superficially they resemble anteaters and are often called “scaly
anteaters” but they’re not at all closely related to them. Their closest living
relatives are actually carnivorans (cats, dogs, bears, seals, weasels, hyenas,
etc.) and together they belong to the Ferae clade.
Giraffe (Wild Life Africa by Schleich)
Review and photographs by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
With their super-long necks and equally long limbs, giraffes are among evolution’s most wondrous marvels. It was long thought that there was only one species and nine subspecies, but a 2007 study proposed that there may be six species (at the very least genetic populations), including the reticulated giraffe, Giraffa reticulata.
Goldendoodle (Farm World by Schleich)
Review and images by Bonnie; edited by bmathison1972
As soon as I knew Schleich were releasing a crossbreed featuring a golden retriever I was very excited to see it in real life!
I think this is a really interesting model, as it is the first time Schleich have released a cross-breed dog officially named and in their main dog series!
Gray Whale (Maia & Borges, Schleich, Mojö Fun, Unknown Company)
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.
Gray Wolf, 2015 (Wild Life America by Schleich)
Carrying on with Spooky Season here on the Animal Toy Blog, it’s time to look at the “big bad wolf” and based on its appearance, this one certainly fits that description. It’s the Schleich 2015 gray wolf (Canis lupus). If I’m being honest, it’s not a figure I would pick for my own collection.
Gray Wolf, mother and pups (Boxed Sets of Wild Life by Schleich)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Wolves (Canis lupus) are burdened with an unjustly sinister reputation for a variety of reasons and one is the centuries-old myth of werewolves. One most frightful tale is that of Peter Stubbe, ‘the Werewolf of Bedburg.’ In 1589, he confessed under torture to having received a wolfskin belt from the Devil that allowed him to transform into “the likeness of a greedy, devouring wolf, strong and mighty, with eyes great and large, which in the night sparkled like fire, a mouth great and wide, with most sharp and cruel teeth, a huge body, and mighty paws.” I will not go on to describe the many horrific crimes Stubbe committed, or the equally horrific punishment that was meted out to him on October 31, but suffice it to say, you shouldn’t read the entire story if you’re squeamish.
Great Dane (Farm Life by Schleich)
Review and images by Bonnie; edited by bmathison1972
I went dog figure hunting yesterday and I was surprised in the best possible way to find that our local Schleich shop had lots of the 2023 models in stock! I am happy to say that most of them look just as good if not better in real life, I didn’t look that closely but I think Schleich have released some beautiful models this year which is a good thing!