A Random Thought

Two weeks ago, Teresa and I took Ripley to the Norfolk Zoo to see the new tiger exhibit. On the way, we talked about an old show we both watched as kids; “New Zoo Review.” We discussed what the animals on the show were. I only remembered there were a human man and woman along with 3 animals and one was a frog. Teresa remembered the other two animals. The topic popped in my head today so I did a little search on the web and saw a write up on the show on Wikipedia; I love Wikipedia. I knew the show was in the 1970’s but I couldn’t remember how long it lasted. The information I found is below.

New Zoo Revue is an American half-hour children's television show that originally aired in syndication from 1972 until 1977. The 196-episode musical comedy format show conveyed the concepts of cooperation and guidance for living in contemporary society. Each episode dealt with a topic like moving away, courtesy, bragging or patience.

Though hosted by humans Doug (Doug Momary) and Emmy Jo (Emily Peden), who in real life were married, the show featured its costumed adult-sized puppet characters, primarily Freddie the Frog (always ready for a good time but was a bit naive), Henrietta Hippo (a tutu-wearing, genteel Southern Belle type, who was a bit shy), and Charlie the Owl (a serious, know-it-all scientist/inventor owl who lived in a tall tree equipped with an elevator).

Other characters included Frieda the Frog, Mr. Dingle, an elderly postman, store-keeper and Jack-of-All-Trades, and Mrs. Goodbody, a nosy neighbor who serves as an advice columnist for "The All New Zoo Gazette."

Here’s an interesting bit of trivia, Mr. Dingle was played by a costumed Chuck Woolery who is the founding host of Wheel of Fortune.