Explore the world with the new schleich® WILD LIFE characters

An annoyed groan, followed by some rather unsavoury language, emerges from the playroom. What’s going on there? The Tiger Cub pricks her ears as she wanders down the hallway. She peeks through the door. Of course! The schoolchild is sitting at the desk trying to memorise the continents, but the map seems to elude him. The Tiger Cub has an idea. She quickly calls all her schleich® friends so they can make a plan together. Do you think the exotic animals will be able to help the schoolchild study? In January 2024, the schleich® WILD LIFE segment will be gaining nine new international characters – including an Armadillo, an Ibex and an African Buffalo. And in July, the Penguin Family set will bring even more fun to the playroom.

The Tiger Cub has gathered a few of his friends around the playroom door, telling them about her idea. Surely, there’s no better geography teacher than the animals living all over the world. Not only will the schoolchild remember the continents much better, he’ll also have some interesting facts to show off during the exam. Perfect, calls out the Mandrill. Let’s start by having the newcomers introduce their home continents.

Small and large, walking and flying – newcomers from the Americas
The Tiger Cub, Mandrill and their friends sit down on the baffled schoolchild’s desk. Launch the presentation! The Hyacinth Macaw goes first. He gracefully takes flight, soars towards the bookshelf and climbs it using his strong claws. His bright blue feathers make him a true eye-catcher in his native South America. The next South American animal is less colourful: with his fast legs, the Armadillo runs across the entire playroom, looking for an insect to nibble on. His thick, grey armour shell covers his entire body, just like a belt that’s been wrapped around him – hence the name. All heads turn towards the door as heavy steps approach. An American Black Bear wanders into the playroom at a leisurely pace. Even without the forests and rivers of his native North America, she will doubtlessly feel at home in the playroom with so many friends.

Native and exotic animals from Europe and Africa
The schoolchild squints his eyes at the European animals. They look familiar! The Fire Salamander is usually a nocturnal creature, but he has dragged himself out of his pillow cave under the bed for this special occasion. His striking black-and-yellow pattern serves as a warning to the other animals: he is poisonous! Suddenly, the Ibex elegantly leaps onto a toy box in the middle of the room. Such heights are a piece of cake to her: she normally lives at an altitude of up to 3,500 metres! There are also two African animals among the newcomers. With her large head and enormous horns, the powerful African Buffalo looks pretty frightening. But she’s on her best behaviour today, even giving the cute Bonobo Female a ride on her back.

Visitors from Asia and Australia
Another monkey has come from Asia. The Japanese Macaque curiously surveys the room with his friendly, red face. He looks a little hungry. Thankfully, the schoolchild has left yesterday’s banana in his lunchbox! Meanwhile, the Mandrill studies the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Shouldn’t he be in water? Indeed: the beautiful turtle has travelled all the way here from the Australian Great Barrier Reef.

Icy play in Antarctica
Suddenly, loud chirping and trilling noises emerge from underneath the desk. The Tiger Cub looks startled: what was that? No way! There’s a whole penguin playground down here! The Emperor Penguin mum is too busy to notice the curious onlookers: her two chicks can’t get enough of all the slides, see-saws and carousels. The Penguin Family set, launching in July, consists of multiple modules that can be combined in many ways. It also offers many nooks and crannies for the little ones to hide.

What an eventful day! The Mandrill is pleased. South America, Africa, Antarctica – the playroom houses animals from all over the world. And everyone agrees that the new WILD LIFE characters are excellent teachers.