The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is an animal that has amazed me since childhood, and not unlike the osprey of my last review, a species I always wanted a figure of. I am genuinely surprised it took this long for one to be produced. Maybe there have been others, I am not privy to every animal figure or toy produced throughout history, but today’s 2024 model by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S.
Classification: Mammals
Caribou (Wild Safari North American Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
5 (7 votes)
A few years ago, I reviewed the CollectA woodland caribou for the holiday season and since I’m a one-figure-per-species collector I thought I would be done with caribou aka reindeer after that. But here I am again with another figure of the same species, again for the holiday season. Why? Well, I got this idea in my head that for Rangifer tarandus I might want to collect some of its many subspecies.
Killer Whale, 2018 (Wildlife Ocean by Schleich)
5 (11 votes)
The world’s largest and most visually striking dolphin, one of its most intelligent animals, and undisputedly one of its most accomplished predators, the killer whale (Orcinus orca) needs no introduction from me. Whether they’re attacking boats or wearing dead salmon as hats the orca is constantly generating interest and is one of our most beloved and familiar animals.
British Shorthair, 2024 (Farm World by Schleich)
4.7 (7 votes)
To start this review I again extend my thanks to the folks at Happy Hen Toys for donating this review sample. I had this figure on my radar when it was announced, but was hesitant to pursue it. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive it so I can evaluate it in-hand!
Pilot Whale (Wild Safari Sealife by Safari Ltd.)
4.3 (12 votes)
Pilot whales are members of the Delphinidae family that get their name from the unproven belief that a single member of the pod leads the rest and that they’ll follow that individual even if it means certain death, which is supposed to explain why pilot whales strand en mass. Indeed, pilot whales are among the most likely cetacean species to become stranded.
Giant Anteater (Wild Rush 02 by Kaiyodo)
4.7 (13 votes)
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is an animal of unusual proportions. These insectivorous mammals are native to the tropical rainforests and grasslands of Central and South America, and in Brazil, they are known as tamanduá-bandeira, which translates to “flag anteater,” a reference to their big, fanlike tail.
Wildcat (Large Woodland Animals by Bullyland)
4.6 (13 votes)
Before I start this review, I must thank the folks at Happy Hen Toys for yet another review sample! It’s been a pleasure working with them in recent years and their generosity is very much appreciated.
Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary history of life on Earth, and one of my favorite disciplines of Zoology.
White-tailed Deer, Buck 2012 (Wild Safari North American Wildlife by Safari Ltd.)
4.6 (9 votes)
In May 2016 the President of the United States signed the National Bison Legacy Act, making the North American bison the official National Mammal of the United States. I think they made the wrong choice and should have gone with the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) instead. Hear me out.
Pig Family Playset (Toymany)
5 (6 votes)
Before I start this review, I must again thank @Kenc and the folks at Toymany for gifting me this set as a review sample for the Blog!
The set we are looking at today consists of eight figures of domestic pigs. There are four sculpts: 1) sow, standing; 2) boar, sitting; 3) piglet, resting; and 4) piglet, standing.
White Lion Family (Toymany)
4.6 (11 votes)
Before we begin, I would like to thank bmathison1972 for sending this set to me, which he received as a review sample from ToyMany. Be sure to use his discount code, BMLION20, if ordering directly from ToyMany’s website, and receive a 10% discount.
In the Timbavati region of South Africa there once lived a population of leucistic Southern African lions (Panthera leo melanochaita) that were white in color and are thought to have existed there for centuries.
Sea Lion (Sealife by CollectA)
5 (6 votes)
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
Sea lions are some of the most popular sea animals on the planet. Often confused with true seals (Phocidae), they are classified as eared seals (Otariidae). These playful creatures are known for their remarkable swimming behavior and their social behavior and loud vocalizations.
Tigress (Wild Animals by Papo)
4 (6 votes)
This Papo tigress #50003 was first released in 2004 and retired in 2012 as part of their Wild Animals line and was also included in their gladiator series of figures; there was a fighting male lion figure alongside her.
The following post will regale yet another tale of an animal with a predilection for human kills.