Description
About this elk
Wind Cave National Park reintroduced elk in 2001 after they’d been absent from the Black Hills for decades. The herd has grown significantly since then, and elk sightings in the park and the surrounding national forest are common enough that most multi-day visitors will spot one.
Wild Republic’s Cuddlekins Mini line is designed for accuracy, not just cuteness. This 8″ elk has the right proportions and tawny brown coloring, with antlers scaled to match the body. It comes with an educational tag that covers elk behavior and habitat. The materials meet CPSIA (USA) and EN71 (EU) safety standards.
What’s included
- 8″ elk stuffed animal (Wild Republic Cuddlekins Mini)
- Interpretive tag with elk wildlife facts
Specifications
- Height: 8″
- Dimensions: 8″ × 11″ × 3½”
- Weight: 3.7 oz
- Brand: Wild Republic (Cuddlekins Mini)
- UPC: 0092389114720
- Safety: CPSIA (USA) and EN71 (EU) compliant
Who is this for?
Kids ages 3 and up. The plush is soft, lightweight at 3.7 oz, and travels well in a backpack.
Park visitors picking up a souvenir. Most of the plush at roadside shops is generic; this one is sized and colored to actually look like a Black Hills elk. Kids tend to keep it.
Gift buyers looking for something park-connected. Pairs well with a children’s book about elk or national parks.
How to care for it
Wild Republic recommends surface cleaning only. Run a lint roller over it first to pick up loose particles, then wipe with a lightly damp, light-colored cloth. For stubborn spots, put a small amount of gentle soap on the cloth and test on a hidden area first. Let it air dry and fluff with a dry towel. Do not machine wash or submerge.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this elk plush?
8″ tall. Full dimensions are 8″ × 11″ × 3½” and it weighs 3.7 oz, so it fits easily in a child’s backpack.
What age is this appropriate for?
Ages 3 and up. The materials meet CPSIA (USA) and EN71 (EU) safety standards.
Do elk actually live at the parks where BHPFA works?
Yes. Wind Cave National Park has a managed elk herd that was reintroduced in 2001. Elk are also present throughout the Black Hills National Forest. Morning and evening are the best times to spot them.
Does buying this support the parks?
Yes. Purchases at the BHPFA store fund education programs, visitor services, and conservation work at Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and the Black Hills National Forest.
Is the coloring realistic?
Wild Republic designs the Cuddlekins line to look like the actual animal. This one has the right tawny brown coat and proportional antlers, so it reads as an actual elk rather than a cartoon version.
How do I clean it?
Surface clean only. Use a lint roller first, then a lightly damp cloth. For stubborn spots, a small amount of gentle soap helps. Let it air dry and fluff with a dry towel. Do not machine wash.
Are there other Black Hills wildlife plush in the BHPFA store?
Yes. We also carry Wild Republic plush for bighorn sheep, black-footed ferret, and bald eagle.



