Why are ELC Farm Animals so hard to find? And how come the older ELC look like Schleich?

I started seriously collecting farm animals about a year and a half ago. Living in the U.S. does make it harder to find some of the older Schleich, safari ltd models at store or yard sales etc considering they are based in Europe though, that makes sense to me. I understand they weren't always distributed in high numbers over here. That said I figured I would continue my search online for the ELC farm animals. I have had very limited luck on the internet as well though. I have yet to come across any sites that sell ELC farm animals, which made me wonder does ELC even make farm animals any more? Have they been bought out and or renamed? Even while searching on Ebay finding ELC livestock can be a real chore. Again I realize they aren't heavily marketed in this country, but I would still expect to see more ELC on Ebay listed in European countries. Also A few of the models I have decided to purchase from overseas, look very very similar to early Schleich farm animals. The ELC sitting Pig is identical to the Schleich (minus the paint job) and laying and grazing holstein cows made are pretty similar to Schleich's models. Is this a case where Schleich used to make figurines for ELC. Did Schleich buy the rights to ELC animal lines? I guess I am just curious about ELC (at least their farm animal line) and I'm hoping some of you on this site can explain and educate on the ELC.

ELC ( Early Learning Centre) is not a manufaturer, they are a large chain of toy stores. See HERE

Being a Dane I do not know that much about them, but I know they sold many AAA-models, - and some similar to AAA, but marked E.L.C.
They also sold the old Authentics from Safari, - but as we know, thay are not made any more.
And Schleich as well as copies, some models that look like Britains - probably a lot more...

Here are the ELC-models they sell right now, - as is obvious, several are AAA-models

If you want ELC-models, look at Ebay.co.uk ,   Here is a cearch on E.L.C.  + cow

Hi if you want older elc farm animals check out ebay.co.uk there are always some for sale on there i think i might even have some for trade i will check later and let you know

stecal wrote:

Hi if you want older elc farm animals check out ebay.co.uk there are always some for sale on there i think i might even have some for trade i will check later and let you know

Hey thanks for all the information and I would certainly appreciate that :)

hi these are the elc i have and a safari pig lol if you want them you can have them for the cost of postage
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stecal wrote:

hi these are the elc i have and a safari pig lol if you want them you can have them for the cost of postage
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I'll message you :)