A group of lions is called a "pride".
These keys were introduced when the zoo opened the Predators of the Serengeti exhibit in 2009.
The first edition keys were sponsored by Key Bank and marked as such on the upper right corner.
At some point around 2017 or earlier, Northwest Natural (formerly Northwest Natural Gas Company- "NW Natural") sponsored and marked the lion keys with their name.
Oregon Zoo Push Keys
These keys are quite different than most Zoo Keys.
Almost all other keys need to be inserted and then turned in the lock to activate the narration.
These just push in to activate the Talking Storybook
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 ate, 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 to a nice time 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.
One of the pictures posted shows the entire collection of the Lion series.,
This auction is for the right-side middle version key, and some of the other colors will be listed here soon.
This key was NEVER used at the zoo and is 100% mint condition. You simply can't find one in better condition!
One picture in this listing shows a current Talking StoryBook that this key will still work in.
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 you purchase more than 1 key from me.
Please let me know if you are looking for any other vintage Zoo Keys. or have any other questions or concerns.
Thank you for looking
🍀
Good Luck