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My Mother's Fond Memories of Patsy
Beth Harris, 1930
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| | When my mother was about four-years-old, she moved into a house close to the Zoo. She used to visit the Zoo often, but one of her fondest memories was of a chimpanzee named Patsy. They used to dress Patsy up in costumes and she performed tricks like riding a bicycle. My mom loved to go see her and they would wave at each other. One day, Patsy took my mom by surprise. She actually reached out her hand for my mom to grab onto. My mom grabbed her hand and the trainer allowed Patsy to take her back to see her dressing room behind the scenes. I don't know if this was part of her normal routine, but it created a lasting impression on my mother, who turns 84 on August 29!
If there is a photo somewhere of Patsy, I know my mom would love to see it! |
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Anniversaries to Remember
The Hood Family, 2000
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 | Many people choose to go to exotic locations for their anniversaries and many do not think of going to the zoo to try and walk around those last weeks of pregnancy. However, I have always held a fondness for the zoo, and when my husband and I had to choose where and how we wanted to celebrate our anniversary, our first thought was the zoo. We had spent many a date at the zoo, and thought what better way to celebrate our marriage than going to the zoo! We have been married for 10 wonderful years now and always take time to celebrate at the zoo.
When we got pregnant we would spend many hours walking around the zoo willing our sweet children to hurry up! Our children have grown up going to the zoo and we still celebrate anniversaries and special moments there. Back in the fall of 2008 we had our family pictures taken at the zoo because the zoo is like our second home (and sometimes we think our children belong in the zoo ;) ). We even have a visit planned for this weekend to help our son celebrate his 5th birthday.
The zoo is a part of our family history and we know it will continue to be. We are happy to help celebrate 100 years with the zoo and are honored that we get to do so. |
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Has Always Been A Part of My Life
Don, 1945
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| | I had two wonderful old maid school teachers in Fort Worth (One taught at Mornigside and later was principal at Carter Park Elem. and the other taught at the old Paschal and moved to the new school from where she retired) who took my sister and me to the zoo everytime we came to Ft. Worth. Oh, the memories. It was, then, my favorite place to visit and still is today!
I can remember the old snake pit where the director was a friend of one of my aunts. He asked me one time if I could help him move the King Cobra from one enclosure to another. I was so exscited as I carried the tail end. Can you imagine a child being allowed to do that today?
I helped buy the first pair of giraffes and the first pair of gorillas with my nickles and dimes and it instilled in me the need for community giving. The simple things that a institution like a zoo can teach.
When I pass on I am certain that memories of Forest Park will enable me to move on with a smile on my face. |
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Happy Birthday, Fort Worth Zoo
Sharon M., 2009
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 | I have been a weekly visitor at the Zoo for almost a year now. Zoo day is my favorite day of the week and I very much enjoy seeing all my animal friends each time I go. I love to scrapbook and the animals are my favorite subjects to scrap. Just wanted to wish the Fort Worth Zoo a very happy birthday. Here's to 100 years to come! |
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Memories of the Zoo in 1950
Andy Howard, 1950
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| | The first time I visited the Zoo was my first grade year on a field trip from Boyd Elementary. The carnival rides and the train were at the main entrance that faced University Drive and it was free to go into the park. After I got married, I filmed my children on the train and the rides and going through the park; this was in 1966 and the park was basically the same. I have only been back once since then and it has really changed. Does anyone know where the land came from for the park? My older brother said that our grandfather donated the land to Fort Worth in the early 1900's. It would be nice to know if this were true. |
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My Favorites
Beverly McGaw, 1955
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| | The Merry-Go-Round was my favorite, as were the little boats that went around in a circle on the water. I remember you could look down into the water and see goldfish. I also remember the elephants, Penny and Queen Tut, and, Pete the Python.
So long ago, but such great memories!
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Yawning Gharial
Scott, 2007
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 | This is my favorite photo I've taken at the Fort Worth Zoo. No story behind it--just thought I'd share. |
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Watch Your Fingers When Feeding the Piranhas!
James Wallace, 1983
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| | My mother was always looking for new, exciting and educational activities for me. We were regular visitors to the Zoo for many years, but my fondest childhood Zoo memory is the school.
I forget exactly what year it was, but it must have been around 1983. I was dropped off at the Zoo and spent the entire day learning about the animals and enjoyed the behind the scenes access. The one memory that stands out the most is feeding the piranha. The teacher took us behind the aquariums and told us all about the piranha's eating habits. There was then a demonstration on how to feed them along with a “don't lose your hand” speech. I was lucky enough to drop the meat into the aquarium, and it was a sight to see. The eating frenzy was vulgar as you might expect, but it was awesome for a 10-year-old- boy.
There are many more memories rattling around in my head as both a child and a parent. This one, however, is the one that has stood out over the years. |
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Zoo School
M. Morse, 2008
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 | My kids had a fantastic opportunity to be in Zoo School last year. They learned so much and made many friends, including 'Elmo', 'Fred' and 'Jackie'! Many thanks to Ms. Megan and all the staff. We love the Fort Worth Zoo!! |
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My Brother and Me
Vicky Sommerville, 1957
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 | This photo of my brother and me is from a January 1957 trip to the Zoo with our grandparents. We lived in Fort Worth all of our lives and going to the Zoo was always a treat! |
