Polar.bear
Vintage Polar Bear, from some gal's Etsy page.
You know that embarrassing pic of you standing next to the seal enclosure, complete with sloppy pigtails and Strawberry Shortcake T-shirt, stained with strawberry ice cream? Well, the zoo wants it. Also that photo of your parents in highwater disco-era polyester pants, strolling past the elephants. And that faded old Kodachrome of your grandmother, peering at monkeys through cat-eyed sunglasses.
To celebrate its 100th birthday next year, the zoo is assembling a "Zootennial" history exhibit, and it's asking St. Louisans to contribute their photos and stories. Throughout 2009, they'll be holding "Zoo Memory Days," in tandem with the History Museum, to collect those. The first event is this weekend:
"On Friday, June 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 14, from 12 noon to 4 p.m., the Zoo will host its first Zoo Memory Days. Visitors are encouraged to bring in a favorite photograph taken at the Zoo. The Zoo is not seeking animal photos, but rather photos of family and friends enjoying their visit at the Zoo. Zoo staff will make scans of photos at a tent near the Sea Lion Basin, and these scans will appear in the exhibit’s digital memory wall next year. Donors of photographs at the Zoo will receive an 'I Made History at the Saint Louis Zoo' button. The Zoo has also launched a web page in conjunction with the centennial celebration. The Zoo Memories web site at www.stlzoo.org will include slideshows of some of the Zoo’s historic photos, as well as videos of stories from staff and visitors. Visitors to the site are welcome to add their favorite memories, linking their personal history to the Zoo.
“'The history of the Zoo could be told in any number of ways -- through attendance figures or timelines or honors received,' says Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Dana Brown President & CEO of the Zoo. 'We prefer to examine our history through the voices of the people who not only welcomed the Zoo into their city but who welcomed it into their hearts.'
"Zootennial will include the special exhibit beginning in May, 2010, plus activities, lectures and public events throughout the year."
What: Zoo Memory Days. Visitors are invited to bring their favorite photographs of family and friends enjoying the Zoo to be scanned for the 2010 Centennial Exhibit.
When: Friday, June 12, 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 14, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Tent near the Sea Lion Basin
Zoo Memory Days will be scheduled throughout this summer: June 12, 4-7 p.m. and June 14, 12 noon to 4 p.m. July 17, 4-7 p.m. and July 18, 12 noon to 4 p.m. August 14, 4-7 p.m. and August 16, 12 noon to 4 p.m. September 26 and September 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information on the Zoo Memory project, call (314) 646-4899.
Sadly, not having grown up in St. Louis, I have zero pics to contribute -- though I am looking forward to experiencing a kid's-eye-view of the St. Louis Zoo, via osmosis, next sprng. --Stefene Russell
