Lincoln Park Zoo Mold-A-Rama: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time

Zoo Core Editors Desk

Lincoln Park Zoo Mold-A-Rama: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time

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The Lincoln Park Zoo Mold-A-Rama machines were beloved attractions for 18 years, offering visitors unique, injection-molded plastic souvenirs. These iconic machines, once a staple at the zoo, allowed guests to create their own miniature animal figurines as mementos of their visit. However, as of August 2021, the Mold-A-Rama machines are no longer operational at Lincoln Park Zoo, marking the end of an era for many Chicago residents and tourists alike.

What Was the Appeal of Mold-A-Rama Machines at Lincoln Park Zoo?

lincoln park zoo mold a rama
Image ‘File:Lincoln Park Zoo -entrance-10May2005.jpg’ by chascarper from Chicago, U.S.A., licensed under CC BY 2.0

Mold-A-Rama machines at Lincoln Park Zoo held a special place in the hearts of visitors for nearly two decades. These retro-style vending machines offered a unique, interactive experience that went beyond typical zoo souvenirs. Here’s why they were so appealing:

  1. Instant Gratification: Visitors could watch their souvenir being made in real-time.
  2. Customization: Each figurine was warm and freshly molded, making it feel personalized.
  3. Nostalgia: The machines themselves were a throwback to mid-20th century Americana.
  4. Affordability: At around $2 per figurine, they were an accessible memento for most visitors.
  5. Collectibility: Different animal molds encouraged repeat purchases and collecting.

The combination of these factors made Mold-A-Rama machines a beloved feature of the Lincoln Park Zoo experience for many years.

Why Were the Mold-A-Rama Machines Removed from Lincoln Park Zoo?

lincoln park zoo mold a rama

The decision to remove Mold-A-Rama machines from Lincoln Park Zoo was not taken lightly. Several factors contributed to this change:

  1. Declining Sales: The zoo reported a decrease in Mold-A-Rama purchases over time.
  2. Lack of Innovation: There was reluctance to implement suggestions for boosting sales, such as:
  3. Changing out molds regularly
  4. Relocating machines to higher-traffic areas
  5. Adding more machines throughout the zoo
  6. Maintenance Costs: Keeping the vintage machines operational became increasingly expensive.
  7. Space Utilization: The zoo may have wanted to use the space for other purposes or exhibits.
  8. Shift in Zoo Strategy: A possible change in the zoo’s overall merchandising or visitor experience approach.

Despite these reasons, the removal of the machines was met with disappointment from many long-time zoo patrons who had grown accustomed to the Mold-A-Rama tradition.

Where Did the Lincoln Park Zoo Mold-A-Rama Machines Go?

After their removal from Lincoln Park Zoo, the Mold-A-Rama machines found new homes in other Chicago institutions:

  • Field Museum: Some machines were relocated here, offering dinosaur and natural history-themed figurines.
  • Museum of Science and Industry: This museum also received machines, providing science and technology-related molds.

These relocations ensured that the Mold-A-Rama experience remained available in Chicago, albeit in different settings.

What Types of Figurines Were Available at Lincoln Park Zoo?

During their tenure at Lincoln Park Zoo, Mold-A-Rama machines offered a variety of animal figurines that corresponded with the zoo’s exhibits. While the exact lineup may have varied over time, here’s a list of potential figurines that were likely available:

  1. African Lion
  2. Gorilla
  3. Polar Bear
  4. Penguin
  5. Giraffe
  6. Elephant
  7. Rhino
  8. Tiger
  9. Zebra
  10. Flamingo

These figurines allowed visitors to take home miniature representations of their favorite animals from the zoo.

How Did the Mold-A-Rama Process Work at Lincoln Park Zoo?

The Mold-A-Rama process at Lincoln Park Zoo was a fascinating spectacle that captivated visitors of all ages. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how these machines created their iconic figurines:

  1. Selection: The visitor would choose a machine based on the desired animal figurine.
  2. Payment: Typically, $2 would be inserted into the machine.
  3. Mold Closure: Two halves of an aluminum mold would close together.
  4. Injection: Heated polyethylene plastic pellets were injected into the mold.
  5. Cooling: A blast of compressed air cooled the plastic, solidifying it into shape.
  6. Ejection: The mold would open, and the figurine would be ejected onto a platform.
  7. Collection: The visitor would retrieve their warm, freshly-made souvenir.

This entire process took about 60 seconds, providing an almost instant keepsake for zoo visitors.

What Was the Historical Significance of Mold-A-Rama at Lincoln Park Zoo?

The presence of Mold-A-Rama machines at Lincoln Park Zoo was more than just a novelty; it represented a significant piece of Chicago’s cultural history:

  • Longevity: The 18-year run of Mold-A-Rama machines at the zoo spanned multiple generations of visitors.
  • Cultural Icon: These machines became synonymous with the Chicago zoo experience for many families.
  • Educational Tool: The figurines served as tangible reminders of the animals and conservation efforts at the zoo.
  • Technological Heritage: Mold-A-Rama machines represented a unique intersection of mid-20th century technology and modern zoo experiences.

The removal of these machines marked the end of an era, leaving many Chicagoans with fond memories and collectible figurines as reminders of their zoo visits.

How Can Visitors Still Experience Mold-A-Rama in Chicago?

While Mold-A-Rama machines are no longer at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago still offers several locations where visitors can experience this nostalgic attraction:

  1. Brookfield Zoo
  2. Location: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
  3. Figurines: Various zoo animals
  4. Field Museum
  5. Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
  6. Figurines: Dinosaurs and natural history themes
  7. Museum of Science and Industry
  8. Location: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
  9. Figurines: Science and technology-related items
  10. Willis Tower Skydeck
  11. Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
  12. Figurines: Miniature Willis Tower

These locations ensure that the Mold-A-Rama tradition continues in Chicago, albeit in different settings from the original Lincoln Park Zoo experience.

What Are Some Alternatives to Mold-A-Rama at Lincoln Park Zoo?

With the removal of Mold-A-Rama machines, Lincoln Park Zoo now offers other souvenir options for visitors:

  1. Gift Shop Merchandise
  2. Plush animals
  3. T-shirts and apparel
  4. Books and educational materials
  5. Photo Opportunities
  6. Scenic spots for memorable pictures
  7. Professional photo services at select locations
  8. Interactive Experiences
  9. Animal encounters (when available)
  10. Educational programs and workshops
  11. Digital Souvenirs
  12. Virtual zoo tours
  13. Downloadable animal fact sheets
  14. Adoption Programs
  15. Symbolic animal adoptions to support conservation efforts

While these alternatives may not replicate the unique Mold-A-Rama experience, they offer diverse ways for visitors to commemorate their zoo visit and support the institution.

In conclusion, the Lincoln Park Zoo Mold-A-Rama machines may be gone, but their legacy lives on in the memories of countless visitors and the continued operation of these iconic machines at other Chicago attractions. The removal of these beloved devices from the zoo marks the end of an era, but also opens up opportunities for new and innovative ways to enhance the visitor experience at Lincoln Park Zoo.

References:
1. Atlas Obscura – Mold-A-Rama
2. HowStuffWorks – How Mold-A-Rama Works
3. 967 The Eagle – Mold-A-Rama Machines Removed from Lincoln Park Zoo

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