Brookfield Zoo in Illinois is home to a unique souvenir experience: Mold-A-Rama machines. These machines allow visitors to create their own wax animal figures, a tradition that has been part of the zoo’s history for over 50 years. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, current status, and types of Brookfield Zoo wax animals available through these iconic machines.
History of Mold-A-Rama at Brookfield Zoo
The first Mold-A-Rama machine was installed at Brookfield Zoo in 1966. Since then, the zoo has featured 13 machines scattered throughout the park, offering a variety of fun and collectible animal and seasonal figures. The machines were invented by Tike Miller, who sold the rights to his idea to Automatic Retailers of America Inc. in the late 1950s.
Current Mold-A-Rama Locations at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo still has Mold-A-Rama machines for creating wax figures. The machines are located at various spots throughout the zoo, including:
| Location | Animal Figure |
|---|---|
| North Plaza near Carousel | Giraffe |
| Australia House | Lion |
| Great Bear Wilderness Plaza | Bison, Eagle |
| Restroom Vestibule at Coast Plaza | Penguin |
| East Pachyderm Deck | Three Monkeys, Polar Bear |
| The Swamp Exit | Alligator |
| East Motor Safari Stop | Cockatoo, Otter |
| Seven Seas Underwater Viewing exit | Seal, Dolphin |
Types of Brookfield Zoo Wax Animal Figures
The Mold-A-Rama machines at Brookfield Zoo offer a diverse range of animal figures, including:
- Dolphin
- Giraffe
- Polar Bear
- Lion
- Bison
- Eagle
- Penguin
- Three Monkeys
- Polar Bear
- Alligator
- Cockatoo
- Otter
- Seal
- Dolphin
Additionally, the zoo occasionally releases limited-edition figures to commemorate special events or anniversaries.
Cost and Process of Creating Brookfield Zoo Wax Animals
Each mold costs $2. The process involves inserting the appropriate amount of money into the machine, which then injects hot plastic into a cold mold. After the plastic cools for 15-20 seconds, the mold separates, and the figure is dispensed.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to note that Mold-A-Rama souvenir molds are not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
Additional Information
Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year and is accessible via various transportation methods, including the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways, the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. The zoo is operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring conservation leadership and connecting people with wildlife and nature.
References
- Mold-A-Rama Inc. (n.d.). Online Souvenir Store | Mold-A-Rama Inc. Retrieved from https://mold-a-rama.com/
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Shopping – Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/shopping
- Brookfield Zoo. (2016, July 11). Brookfield Zoo Celebrates 50 Years with Mold-A-Rama. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/About-%282%29/Press-Room/Press-room-old/2016-Press-Releases/Brookfield-Zoo-Celebrates-50-Years-with-Mold-A-Ram
- Planet Funhouse. (2019, July 20). Finding All Brookfield Zoo Mold-A-Rama 2019 Locations – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fApMwuuBhl0
- Reddit. (2024, April 7). Does Brookfield Zoo still have Mold-A-Rama machines for wax figures? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/AskChicago/comments/1bxvit2/does_brookfield_zoo_still_have_moldarama_machines/.