Why Hansa? Are these animal soft toys really that expensive?

Sometimes, we are asked why our collection of animal soft toys is more expensive than others on the market. However, once you start to dig a little deeper into Hansa's production process you then realise they have a single-minded approach to creating perfect reproductions of the animals in their range. These plush animal toys are absolute premium products and as such are undoubtedly very reasonably priced.

Below, we provide some interesting information about Hansa's soft toy animals and this will give you an insight into why they are so special.

In a nut-shell, Hansa has a unique team of highly skilled and passionate researchers, designers, technicians and craftspeople. The combined efforts of all these people go into the creation of every single Hansa animal.

Hansa's soft toy animals range in size from 10cm to 4m display items. The animals originate from every corner of the globe and each item is designed with its own distinctive character from portraits of animals in their natural habitat. Every animal soft toy is created with utmost precision and replicates its real life counterpart.

The physical dimensions and characteristics of each animal are studied. These details cover the legs, body, head, skin / fur, colour, etc. and thorough research is carried out before the production process begins.

Each animal is treated as a separate 'project' co-ordinating every possible aspect of its natural make-up into the final design. This amazing production process is not matched by any other brand in the world.

The fabric used for the spotted and striped soft toy animals is all custom designed to Hansa's exacting specifications in small quantities.

All of the fabrics used are hand-cut from intricate patterns and are hand-trimmed by Hansa artisans to produce a natural layered look. They are never stamped out by machines.

An average of 42 separate pieces of fabric are used for each small animal (some animals have as many as 240 different pieces). Many of the larger items incorporate lightweight steel frames which enables them to be sat upon or 'ridden' by children or adults (up to 250 lbs).

The face and body of each Hansa animal is carefully sculpted inside-out to create the distinct features and musculature that are unique to each one. Also, each face is hand finished, which means that each animal is unique - just as in real life! Hansa is constantly striving to improve upon latest manufacturing techniques and the best raw materials (often custom-designing special fabrics).

Whereas many European companies out-source from Asia, Hansa is itself based in the Philippines. This ensures an excellent direct relationship with the local workforce (renouned for their artistic talent and meticulous eye for detail), as well as the obvious financial benefits which are reflected in the price.

Hansa is strongly opposed to child labour and sub-standard work practices and believes that the treatment of its workers is reflected in the product. In practice, this has led to the formation of a highly motivated loyal force of experienced artisans, all of whom think of themselves as part of the Hansa family.

A great part of Hansa's mission is to educate children and adults alike about the world's animals and so, as well as being very close plush recreations of the original, every Hansa animal soft toy comes with a 'Toys That Teach' tag, which describes each animal's habitat, lifestyle, gestation period, care of young, and eating habits.

Hansa Toys have won a string of international awards and the sheer reality of the collection has also made Hansa the preferred supplier to many zoos, wildlife parks, garden centres, Christmas displays, media events, photo shoots, exhibitions, etc.