Nile Crocodile, 2007 (Wild Animals by Papo)

Ever since the beginning of civilization, ancient humans in Africa and the Middle East have been fascinated by the crocodile. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) once had a much larger range–all over Africa and even in Western Asia and the Middle East. A species of Nile crocodile lived in the Jordan River in Palestine until 1912, when the last known one was caught. However, after some crocodiles escaped from a closed crocodile farm in Israel more recently, they once again attempted to make the Jordan River their home. This was much to the annoyance of both Jews and Arabs, who ironically view them as an invasive species. But no civilization has been associated more closely with the Nile crocodile than that of Ancient Egypt, where they were a common sight in the Nile River. The Ancient Egyptians even deified crocodiles and gave their god Sobek a crocodile’s head, as well as Ammit; the “devourer of souls” who ate the hearts of wicked people deemed unworthy of entering the afterlife.

I have to say that I am a bit tough to please when it comes to figures of this animal because it is one of my favorite animals that are not extinct. I have not previously been a huge Papo fan and in fact this figure is my very first Papo figure. But the detail and likeness of my favorite symbol of Ancient Egypt is unsurpassed in my opinion by the competitors. The colors, the texture, and especially the dynamic pose is amazing with this figure, as is the price; which is unusually low for a Papo animal figure. I was able to find this one on eBay in like new condition and saved a few bucks. The animal is in a serpentine pose with its mouth open in a “gaping” pose; which these animals do to release excess heat. The variety of sizes of teeth is extremely nice to see, since most crocodilian toys have pretty uniform teeth resembling white spikes. The coloration is beautifully realistic, and even the belly scales are highly sculpted and individualized. I really like the browns and black accents, and the sculpting of the scutes on the back. The teeth are ivory in color, and the inside of the mouth is an accurate color for the inside of a Nile crocodile’s mouth. The plastic also has a nice consistency that feels very reptilian–not too hard. The tail has spikes on it. The eyes are green and have a shine to them. The scales on the jaws are very realistic and accurately convey the crackled appearance of this reptile’s hide, and even the sense organs that make a crocodilian’s jaws so sensitive in addition to their great strength.

I also like that this crocodile has five toes on its front feet and four toes on its back foot, although one of the back feet on mine appears to have a damaged toe. The pose is also very energetic and I would say this crocodile is sunning itself and gaping to release extra heat.

I don’t think I’ve ever owned a reptile figure that I was more pleased with or fascinated by. I see nothing reasonable to complain about and give this figure five stars. It is slightly on the expensive side at $10-$20 but well worth every dollar!