Out of Africa
Playmobil has ventured into the wilds of Africa to find inspiration for an exciting new theme.
The African Wild Life range consists of nine pieces, featuring wild animals and a few fairly wild human characters. To kick things off, four-year-olds upwards can explore their nurturing side with the Wild Life Care Station, priced around £49.99.
Some of the littlest animals in the bush are having a rough time, so it’s up to the two keen rangers to use sticky plasters and bandages to make them feel better. Children can help out too, as a baby giraffe’s leg wound just needs a bit of a rub to make it disappear.
The eight included animals can rest and recuperate in the 28cm high centre, which is designed to look just like a timber and thatched construction. Loads of great accessories for the humans (such as desk and chairs) and for the animals (such as fences and food) really give the set an authentic feel, and the tree outside helps to set the scene.
Down at the Wild Life Water Hole (around £29.99), another beautiful scene from nature can be staged. A mother giraffe has led her baby to the water to drink, and prepares to take her head on that long descent to the surface of the water. Two springboks stand nearby, plus two flamingos and other assorted wildlife.
A figure hidden on an observation platform in a nearby baobab may be about to see some drama unfold, as an alligator lurks in a hidden section of the playset.
Setting a less tranquil and yet no less realistic scene is the Lion Pride with Monkeys set (priced around £16.99), where a group of lions huddle around the freshly devoured carcass of an ex-animal. A monkey with her baby can dangle tantalisingly from the tree overhead, probably feeling quite brave now that she knows the lions have full tummies.
Another group of animals who are probably feeling a little safer now that the lions have eaten are those in the Buffalo with Zebras set, priced around £16.99. The robust buffalo doesn’t look too worried anyway, as he stands protectively with the slightly more vulnerable zebra and baby by the side of the water, under the shade of a weeping acacia tree.
It all seems very idyllic on the African plains, but there are always one or two dodgy types who want to ruin it for everyone. A wicked looking Poacher with Quad Bike (around £12.99) is making off with the spoils of a successful kill. Included in the set is a skull, poacher figure, bike and trailer, gun, rope binoculars and more.
Another set with much the same equipment, but to use for good rather than evil, is the Ranger’s Vehicle Set (priced around £21.99). The included ranger has nature’s best interests at heart as, equipped with gun, rope and binoculars, he uses his vehicle and trailer to transport a hefty rhino to pastures new.
Using slightly more humane methods than his quad-biking comrade, the Poacher with Warthog set (around £9.99) includes a poacher with evil eyebrows, an unsuspecting warthog, some vegetation and a cleverly disguised trap. Don’t go thinking too well of this poacher though – he does also come with a gun.
Poaching, of course, is no laughing matter – but try telling that to the two perpetually grinning hyenas in the next set, priced around £12.99. The happy chaps are being helped with their task of polishing off a carcass by a big ugly vulture. The set of Africa’s less popular animals is finished off with a snake and some scenery.
An Ostrich Family rounds off the range, and is priced around £6.99. The set includes Mr and Mrs Ostrich and the nest where their future baby ostriches are hopefully snuggled up inside three shiny eggs.
