Croatia Post introduced a special issue entitled “Children's World - Pygmy Animals”. The name of this little animal tells us a lot about its origin – Africa – but they are present throughout Europe, Asia and New Zealand. The animals that appeared on these colourful philatelic items are African pygmy hedgehog, dwarf chickens, pony, and Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. The issue was designed by Lidija Novosel and Adam Peter Maguire.
The first stamp features African pygmy hedgehog. It weighs some 450 to 600 grams and has a lifespan of three years in its natural habitat. Kept as a pet, it can live up to eight or nine years. The second item depicts dwarf chickens that are bred in Croatia for centuries. Males weigh some 700 to 900 grams, they have beautiful, colourful plumage and a proud stance. The hen features less prominent colouring and weighs some 600 to 800 grams.
The third item shows the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. It is much calmer and much smaller than its farm relative. A pot-bellied pig is usually full grown at three years of age and 50-175 pounds. The fourth stamp depicts pony - a representative of the horse family and is the smallest of all breeds. The smallest of the ponies is Falabella, reaching only up to 70 cm.
Take a look at other animal stamps.
