Today I am reviewing a figure that I think needs some special attention, the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), that was released by Safari Ltd in 2018 for their North American Wildlife line. When promo pics first came out for this figure, it got a lot of negative feedback, much of which I think is undeserving given the complex morphology of the actual animal (more on that below).
Brand: Wild Safari Wildlife
Okapi, 1999 (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.5 (2 votes)
In this edition of the “Savannah Summer”, we head to the Republic of the Congo to see an incredibly rare and fascinating animal, the Okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Despite the stripy legs, this animal is related to the giraffe, as can be seen by it’s ossicones and long, prehensile tongue.
Okapi, 2022 (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.7 (6 votes)
I was inspired by a recent purchase to look at a newer figure from Safari, probably the second most popular species of giraffe in toy form. I am of course speaking of Okapia johnstoni (Sclater, 1901). The information about this species has been covered in fantastic detail on previous reviews of figures of this animal, so doing so again would be unnecessary (for those details see the in depth review by OkapiBoy, I seriously have no way of adding on!)
I have been fortunate to see live okapis not once, but twice, in zoos.
Opossum, with babies (Wild Safari North American Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.8 (5 votes)
A cute and unique figure (and one of my favourites from the series) is the North American Wildlife collection figure, the Virginia opossum with babies, Didelphis virginiana Gray, 1821. With a total length of 139 mm and a snout-vent length of 96 mm the scale would be approx. 1:4 – 1:5.
Ostrich (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.5 (4 votes)
Walk-around of the Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Wildlife (but also listed in the Safari Farm line) ostrich, Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758, originally released in 2010. Height is 88 mm but the figure is not standing fully upright and would be over 100 mm if it did. So the scale would be between approx.
Pronghorn, buck (Wild Safari North American Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
3.5 (2 votes)
Parallel evolution has produced some interesting creatures. Antelopes in the “Old World” mix speed and antlers in order to keep themselves safe, and this combination can be seen in the pronghorns (Antilocapra americana). An impressive set of antlers is matched with an even more incredible land speed, keeping them safe from predators, ancient and modern.
Red Fox, 2008 (Wild Safari North American Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4 (4 votes)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
What it lacks in size and strength, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) more than makes up for in cunning and versatility. It is one of the most widespread of all canids, occurring naturally throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and as an invasive species in Australia.
Ring-tailed Lemur (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.7 (6 votes)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Lemurs are primates endemic to the island of Madagascar. Although superficially similar to monkeys, they have evolved independently from them and can easily be distinguished by their enormous eyes and pointed muzzles. Of the 100 species described, the most famous and popular one of all is probably the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta).
Roseate Spoonbill (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.8 (5 votes)
Walk-around of the Safari Ltd Wild Safari Wildlife 2016 roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (Linnaeus, 1758); item No. 224829. Total length is difficult to estimate but may be around 127 mm if the figure was fully stretched out. Bill length is 32 mm and wing chord is 50 mm so the scale is approx.
Snub-Nosed Monkey (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.7 (6 votes)
Snub-nosed monkeys are comprised of 5 species that make up the Rhinopithecus genus in the Colobinae subfamily. They live in southern China as well as parts of Myanmar and Vietnam. Snub-nosed monkeys get their name from their flattened noses which are thought to be an adaptation to their cold, high elevation environment.
Spider Monkey (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
2.8 (4 votes)
Review and photographs by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Spider monkeys, which belong to the genus Ateles, live in the jungles of Central and South America. They derive their popular name from their long, spindly limbs and prehensile tail. Such adaptations make them superbly agile climbers despite their relatively large size.
Spotted Hyena (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
5 (4 votes)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Spotted or laughing hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are masterful hunters of the African savannah that kill up to 95% of their food as opposed to scavenging it. They have the largest group sizes and the most complex social behaviour of any member of the order Carnivora.
Sumatran Rhinoceros (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
5 (5 votes)
Review and images by EpicRaptorMan; edited by bmathison1972
When you think of the word “rhinoceros” the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is likely not the first species to come to mind. Unfortunately, that is likely because it is a rare and dwindling species with an estimated scattered population of 80 or less putting them on the “Critically Endangered” list by the IUCN.
Tasmanian Devil (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.9 (7 votes)
Review and images by Kikimalou; edited by bmathison1972
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the largest carnivorous marsupial still alive. About the length of a Corgi, with a stocky body, a large head full of teeth, and a tail about half the length of its body. The coat is black with, most of the time, white markings on the neck and on the rump at the base of the tail.
Tiger, 1996 (Wild Safari Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
2.8 (4 votes)
There are few predators in the world as well equipped for the hunt as members of the cat family. With stealthy bodies, keen senses, and a powerful array of weapons at their disposal, it is no wonder they have spread across the globe, and are often the top predators of their regions.