Blaine's Synoptic Animal Collection

Taking a break from the 'on shelves' shots for some new figures.

First a couple 2020 releases
1. Highland cattle, Bos taurus taurus (Papo)
Most of the Papo 2020 models I want are not out yet, but this one is. I really like cattle breeds and will probably invest in them more. However, I will probably not go back and buy earlier figures, but rather get new figures as they are released, unless I find something randomly in a store, museum, etc. If I got too many too soon, I wouldn't have room for them and my other figures would have to...um... mooooooooove over. Next up, the 2020 CollectA Tyrol grey cattle.
2. Galapagos tortoise, Chelonoidis nigra-complex (Schleich)
When this figure was first announced, I was not impressed. However, after seeing forum posts I realized I liked it more than I thought. After Megaptera's discovery that the Papo Galapagos tortoise (which is what I currently have in my collection) is probably an Aldabra tortoise based on the presence of a nuchal scute, this gave me reason to pursue a 'true' Galapagos tortoise. It is really nice in-hand. My only complaint is that it is a bit small (but hey, it can represent a young specimen). Right now it is the same size as my Safari Ltd desert tortoise (which, for what it is worth, is too big lol).

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Replacement figures:
1. leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx (Safari Ltd.)
I ALMOST bought this one originally, but the dynamic pose of the Papo figure won over. I regret not getting the Safari figure initially as it is anatomically better (and a better paint job).
2. shark ray, Rhina ancylostoma (CollectA)
It is not like me to replace a Safari shark with a CollectA shark, but the CollectA figure much better represents an adult specimen. In a synoptic collection, if I had one, I would prefer an adult. The figure is bigger than the Safari figure, but not obnoxiously so. Also, it was on clearance and cheaper than usual ;-)
3. zebra shark, Stegosoma fasciatum (CollectA)
For the exact same reasons as the shark ray, above
4. sea otter, with pup, Enhydra lustris (Safari Ltd, Monterey Bay Aquarium collection)
FINALLY! I have wanted the pair for the longest time. It is surprising how few figures there are of good, standard-sized sea otters. I would have prefered the pair, but will take one for the time being! If I find her mate, I will buy him, too! It replaces an older Kaiyodo figure that is a bit stylized and has too much of a flat/fake bottom.

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Nice additions again

Some great additions. I have the old Schleich Highland Cattle from about 10 years ago and haven't ever seen any I like better really. The Papo one is nice enough but doesn't feel shaggy enough to me in the fur molding.

Nice additions again and good to see the Papo Highland cow so close but sadly still not convincing me to acquire it!

B-B-B-Bird-Bird-Bird Bird is the Word!

Bottom shelf is flightless birds, landfowl, waterfowl, turacos, hummingbirds, pigeons, cuckoos, rails, and cranes

Middle shelf are the broad 'water birds' (Aequorlitornithes), which include terns, albatrosses, gulls, penguins, pelicans, herons, spoonbills, and storks, as well as the owls.

Top shelf are birds of prey, parrots, toucans, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and the large groups of passerine (perching) birds.

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Wow Blaine, congratulayions.

you have splendid set of birds, i like especially the Kaiyodo models.

Blaine, I see you're watching some movies whose producer is Jean-Luc. Good work feathering your collection!

Impressive

OH MY GOLLY GOSH!!! Your bird displays are ASTOUNDING!!! I really want to visit your collection more than ever now!!!

Wonderful collection of birds and so many must haves!!!!!!

Wonderful collection.
I'm also going to get the Highland Cattle from Papo, or maybe the one from Schleich next year. I already have the old Highland Cattle Cow from Schleich.
And I'm also waiting for the Grey Cattle from CollectA.

You can find the Tyrol cow from CollectA on eBay

Lovely displays and collection again! They are so neat and orderly, you can see each and every figure!

Thanks everyone.

I have good lighting in my apartment today so let's continue with the first groups of mammals (mammals will probably require three posts).

Bottom row are prehistoric synapsids, prehistoric small early mammals, monotremes, marsupials, bats, shrews, moles, and hedgehogs.

Middle row are primates, rodents, and lagomorphs

Top row are elephants, pangolins, sloths, anteaters, armadillos, aarvark, and sirenians

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Every time you post another one of these shelf shots I am blown away by the beauty and diversity of your collection. One day I strive to have a collection that looks like this.

I really love it!
Your presentation and your figurine choice is so great

I´m very curious to see a "full room" photo after we saw the other shelves :)

Truly amazing array of figures and species

Wonderful Mammals you have.
I like these two apes. They look like they have a beer too much and now, they are singing:
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Hello, Blaine, really great collection, thank you for sharing these photos! I never saw such spotted cuscus on the branch, cinereous vulture and paradise bird figure, what brand is it? Or are these figures customs or resin ones?

jarda wrote:

Hello, Blaine, really great collection, thank you for sharing these photos! I never saw such spotted cuscus on the branch, cinereous vulture and paradise bird figure, what brand is it? Or are these figures customs or resin ones?

Hi Jarda, they are resin. The vulture is by Signatus Studios on the Likaon Models site (they are forum members here). The cuscus and bird-of-paradise are made by Arboreum Artwork out of Indonesia. His work is also displayed here on the forum (but I can't remember STS forum name offhand but here is his thread on ATF: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Wow... wonderfull collection...
Only your house shall smell like a zoo!

Wonderful collection!!!!

Other esplendid photos Blaine.

Moving along with more mammals, the carnivores.

Bottom shelf are the caniforms, except for Mustellidae, including bears, dogs, raccoons and kin, skunks, and pinnipeds

Upper shelf are the rest of the caniforms (otters, weasels, badgers, etc.) and the feliform carnivores, including hyenas, mongooses and kin, civets, and cats

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The next 'on shelves' post will finish off the mammals with the hoofed critters and their aquatic kin...