I purchased the Meerkat because it was the closest facsimile to the real thing. There are many Meerkat toys available but the Hansa replicate comes closest. I purchased it as a gift so it remained in my possession perhaps a couple hours. I have no idea if it is durable. Only time will tell. It has entertainment value of sorts but I would not regard it as a toy. It belongs in a display case or somewhere it avoids frequent manhandling. I don't think I would give it to a child. It has educational value in that it closely resembles a real Meerkat and it was precisely this reason I chose it.