Black-Footed Ferret Protection Program Plush
$35.00
In stock
Shipping calculated in cart/checkout:Â Shipping rates for first items start at $7, calculated based on weight of total order.
The Douglas “Vince” black-footed ferret plush, the plush option in the Black-Footed Ferret Protection Program. It is a realistic stuffed animal of North America’s only native ferret, and a portion of every purchase goes straight to the recovery work on the South Dakota prairie.
- 10-inch Douglas “Vince” plush with a black face mask, flocked nose, and airbrushed coat
- A portion of every purchase funds ferret recovery on Buffalo Gap National Grassland
- Includes a printed pamphlet about the recovery program
- 16 inches tail to nose; 9.25 inches tall; 6.4 oz; surface washable; ages 24 months and up
- Manufacturer: Douglas Cuddle Toy (item 3769, Keene, New Hampshire)
- Proceeds support the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands and other BHPFA partner parks and forests.
In stock
60-day returns · Ships from South Dakota via USPS
Black-Footed Ferret Protection Program Plush
$35.00
In stock
Shipping calculated in cart/checkout:Â Shipping rates for first items start at $7, calculated based on weight of total order.
The Douglas “Vince” black-footed ferret plush, the plush option in the Black-Footed Ferret Protection Program. It is a realistic stuffed animal of North America’s only native ferret, and a portion of every purchase goes straight to the recovery work on the South Dakota prairie.
- 10-inch Douglas “Vince” plush with a black face mask, flocked nose, and airbrushed coat
- A portion of every purchase funds ferret recovery on Buffalo Gap National Grassland
- Includes a printed pamphlet about the recovery program
- 16 inches tail to nose; 9.25 inches tall; 6.4 oz; surface washable; ages 24 months and up
- Manufacturer: Douglas Cuddle Toy (item 3769, Keene, New Hampshire)
- Proceeds support the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands and other BHPFA partner parks and forests.
In stock
60-day returns · Ships from South Dakota via USPS
Real USPS rates, no markup. The money we save funds trail crews and internships.
Join BHPFA for $30 a year -> get your code by email in seconds. -> Use it at checkout today. Show your card at hundreds of nonprofit park stores nationwide for 10% off.
Every item is selected or approved by rangers and staff. Your purchase keeps them on the front lines.
Real USPS rates, no markup. The money we save funds trail crews and internships.
Join BHPFA for $30 a year -> get your code by email in seconds. -> Use it at checkout today. Show your card at hundreds of nonprofit park stores nationwide for 10% off.
Every item is selected or approved by rangers and staff. Your purchase keeps them on the front lines.
Description
What it is
This is the plush option in the Black-Footed Ferret Protection Program: the Douglas “Vince” black-footed ferret, a realistic stuffed animal with the species’ distinctive black face mask, flocked nose, dark legs, and airbrushed coat coloring. It is about the body size of a real adult ferret. Each one ships with a printed pamphlet covering the recovery program’s history. A portion of the price goes directly to ferret conservation on Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The rest covers the plush, the pamphlet, and program costs.
About the plush
The “Vince” model is made by Douglas Cuddle Toy of Keene, New Hampshire (item 3769). It runs 16 inches from tail to nose (about a 10-inch body), stands 9.25 inches tall, measures 5.25 inches wide, and weighs 6.4 oz. It is surface washable and suitable for all ages over 24 months. The realistic face mask and coat make it a closer likeness of the animal than a generic plush toy.
Why ferrets, and why this grassland
The black-footed ferret was declared extinct in 1979, then rediscovered in 1981 near Meeteetse, Wyoming. Eighteen individuals were captured to begin captive breeding in 1987, and reintroduction to the wild began in 1991. Between 1996 and 1999, 147 ferrets were released into the Conata Basin within Buffalo Gap National Grassland in southwestern South Dakota, which became the most successful reintroduction site in the country. Wind Cave National Park has its own active reintroduction site within the same regional effort.
About black-footed ferrets
The black-footed ferret is the only ferret species native to North America. It depends almost entirely on prairie dogs as prey (up to 90% of its diet) and uses prairie dog burrows for shelter, which is why protecting prairie dog habitat drives ferret recovery. The U.S. Forest Service has issued a permanent prohibition on prairie dog shooting across 80,694 acres of the Conata Basin to protect the prey base. The species is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Where the conservation share goes
A portion of each purchase is earmarked for ferret conservation on Buffalo Gap National Grassland, administered by the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. The funds support resource-management activities at the reintroduction site, public education, and interpretive material at partner visitor centers including Wind Cave National Park. The work continues year to year: plague management, monitoring, and prairie-dog habitat protection are the day-to-day mechanics of keeping the population alive.
Who is this for
Gift buyers who want a stuffed animal with a real story behind it, visitors to Wind Cave National Park or Buffalo Gap National Grassland who want to put money toward keeping the population viable, and anyone who follows endangered-species recovery work.
Frequently asked questions
Where does my $35 go?
A portion goes to black-footed ferret conservation on Buffalo Gap National Grassland (administered by the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands). The rest covers the plush, the printed pamphlet, and program costs.
Is the plush a realistic representation?
Yes. The Douglas “Vince” plush has the species’ black face mask, flocked nose, and airbrushed coat. It is about the body size of an adult ferret (10-inch body, 16 inches with the tail).
Is the plush safe for young children?
It is suitable for ages 24 months and up and is surface washable. As with any stuffed animal, use your own judgment for children under 2.
Does buying this support the park?
BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, as well as the Black Hills National Forest and Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. Proceeds from every purchase support education programs, conservation projects, and visitor services at these sites.
Every Purchase Makes a Difference
When you shop with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, you are directly funding:
- Education programs — nature workshops, Junior Ranger activities, and homeschool adventures for kids across the Black Hills
- Trail maintenance — keeping hiking trails safe and accessible at Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and the Black Hills National Forest
- Visitor services — park store operations, interpretive programs, and the staff who help millions of visitors each year
- Conservation — supporting the long-term health of public lands in the Black Hills and Nebraska
BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service in the Black Hills region. We have supported these public lands since 1946.
Additional information
| Weight | 16.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 × 6 × 9 in |
| Brand | Black Hills Parks & Forests Association |
Note on International Orders
Some countries charge import duties, VAT, or handling fees on delivery. These are set by your local government and are not included in our checkout total. Customers are responsible for paying any such charges before receiving their package.
