Known from fossils found in the Late Cretaceous sediments of China, Russia and Mongolia, Velociraptor is one of the most popular prehistoric animals and is regularly featured in Everything Dinosaur’s annual survey of the top ten most popular dinosaurs among children.

The fame of this dinosaur can be attributed to a number of factors, firstly its appearance in the “Jurassic Park” film franchise and also its well-deserved reputation as a particularly fearsome carnivorous dinosaur. So it’s no surprise that Germany-based model maker Schleich is adding a second Velociraptor replica to its “World of History Prehistoric Life” model range.

small predator

Perhaps the best known of all dromaeosaurids, Velociraptor, or to use its scientific name velociraptor mongoliensis, it was formally named and described in 1924. This year marks the ninetieth anniversary of the scientific description of the “swift thief,” a dinosaur that was about two meters long and weighed about fifteen kilograms when fully grown, about the size of a Day Thanksgiving. Turkey.

Colorful hand painted replica.

The Schleich Velociraptor has been painted a light green color with flashes of blood red along its back and flanks. Although most paleontologists now believe that this little dinosaur was covered in a layer of downy feathers, Schleich has chosen to augment his model with just a single row of filaments running down the arms. Fossil evidence has been presented suggesting that this carnivore likely had a row of feathers along the forearm, but no feathers are depicted anywhere else on this model. Schleich’s Velociraptor results in a very reptilian appearance.

unusual posture

This dinosaur balances on its three front toes, meaning digits numbered two, three, and four, with the first toe touching the ground behind the foot. This is an unusual posture, many paleontologists believe that the first toe was too small to touch the ground. Also, that terrifying killer claw (the second toe) sits firmly on the ground and doesn’t rise up like it’s shown on other Velociraptor replicas. Schleich may have chosen this pose as a compromise, trying to somewhat mirror the known pose of this dinosaur with its long, straight tail sticking out behind it with a need to ensure the model stands upright and balanced. The second toe claw is larger than the rest of the toe claws, accurately reflecting the fossil evidence.

Articulated jaw and movable arms

Unlike Schleich’s previous Velociraptor model, this replica has movable arms. The arms of the dinosaur can be moved, this will prove popular with young dinosaur fans and enhance the play value of this model. Additionally, the lower jaw is articulated, so this replica can be posed with its mouth closed or with its mouth open, or indeed anywhere in between.

well painted

The Velociraptor is very well painted and the texture of the skin has been skilfully worked out and there is plenty of detail to admire, especially around the head and neck. All in all, an intriguing replica that will undoubtedly prove very popular with young dinosaur fans.