One of the minor perks of being a parent is being able to buy your children things that you want but cannot justify buying for yourself. Such is the case with this cute little plush we’re looking at today. I don’t personally collect plush toys but I appreciate a lot of the nicer made ones and those that do an above-average job of representing prehistoric animals in particular. So when I found this mammoth at my local grocery store I knew that my daughter had to have it. As soft and cute as it is she’s kind of blasé about it, but she’s only 16 months old (she’ll grow into it). I, on the other hand, quite like it so I’m introducing it to you folks here on the Dinosaur Toy Blog.
Once again the woolly mammoth proves its popularity by being represented not once by Wild Republic but three times! That’s right. Wild Republic has produced three of these pachyderms, all of which are identical aside from their size. For those that really want to spoil their kids there is a $60 mammoth measuring 30”. The one I bought is the 12” version and there also exists an 8” version. Among the prehistoric lineup offered by Wild Republic there’s also a fairly nice Smilodon and a few generic looking dinosaurs representing the classic genera.
This plush mammoth checks off all of the classic mammoth attributes; the humped shoulders, tall cranium complete with a patch of hair, long curved tusks, small ears, and a brown shaggy coat. Interestingly, the shaggy portions only cover the shoulders and belly which makes the body of this toy resemble an American bison more than a woolly mammoth once you get past the head.
The inside of the feet are filled with small plastic pellets which make the feet and legs stiff and heavy, this means that the toy does a reasonable job of standing upright. The trunk is curved upwards with a pink tip around the nostrils; the open mouth is also pink. The tusks are stiff and made with a felt-like material and a small tail is attached to the rear with a black tuft of fur. The eyes are simple black beads inset into the fur. The toy seems well constructed and durable; the seams on this guy shouldn’t break open anytime soon. The toy is incredibly soft, so much so that even an adult might feel compelled to snuggle with it.
For those that collect plush toys, mammoths, or have a small person in their lives I would recommend this Wild Republic woolly mammoth. However, there is another plush mammoth out there by Hansa that is a much more life-like toy that would serve as a better display piece. That said this one appears to be an easier to find and more affordable toy.
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I have had this woolly mammoth since 2007. It was a gift from my mother when we visited the science museum in Virginia. I named her Ellie and she has become a very special part of my life, even inspiring my comic strip.
My best friend liked Ellie too and would always ask about her. Now that my friend’s not here anymore, (she moved away in 2009) Ellie is that much more precious to me. She is one of my last links to a time when life was made up of smiles and laughter.
I’d love to see more stuffed animal reviews 🙂
Aww, I like this one! I actually bought this toy for my toddler when we visited Mammoth Mountain, California!