A group of flamingoes is known as a flamboyance!
The flamingo key (bottom right) was issued in 2013/14 when the zoo introduced the Flamingo exhibit. This series of keys was sponsored by NW Natural, the local gas utility company. This style/color key is no longer made and is now retired. It will still work at the zoo if you are planning on visiting.
Zoo keys were first introduced at the San Francisco Zoo in 1959/1960 and for about 50 cents, they could be purchased at the zoo's souvenir stand or gift shop.
By turning or inserting the key into a speaker box positioned in front of a particular animal enclosure, a minute or so audio narration could be heard, telling all about where that animal lived, what they eat, and other interesting educational facts about it.
Many zoos across the USA subscribed to the Talking StoryBook Program and the Oregon Zoo still features these boxes. Summer is here and you can use this key if you are planning on visiting the Oregon Zoo.
Kids love to be the one to run up to the box and activate the narration while the adults love to treat the kids and remember when they had fun turning on the machines when they were kids.
Some (like me) collect these keys from every zoo they can find. In my case, I love these keys so much that I am even listed in Wikipedia as a prominent collector.
The key will work if you are a guest of the zoo, even though they don't sell this color/style key any longer.
One of the pictures posted shows the entire collection of the flamingo series.,
This auction is for the yellow version, and some of the other colors will be listed soon.
This key was NEVER used at the zoo and is 100% mint condition. You simply can't find one in better condition!
I will be posting a wide assortment of keys that I acquired over the years and offer combined shipping on multiple purchases.
Having one of the world's largest collections, I can help you find that special or rare zoo key that you may have been looking for from your favorite zoo.
I combine shipping if purchasing more than 1 key from me.
Please ask if you are looking for any vintage Zoo Keys or have and other questions or concerns.
Thank you for looking
🍀
Good Luck