Dan Gordman commissioned four animals for his chain Richman Gordman department stores. Constructed of fiberglass, the animals were made in New York and shipped in pieces where they were assembled in the store.
They made their debut in 1964 at the store on 73rd and Blondo. They served as a playground to entertain children while their parents shopped. Over the next 20 years, a dozen Zoolands were installed in different stores throughout the midwest.
The Omaha Children’s Museum acquired them in 2010 and after being restored, they were placed in a permanent exhibit so a new generation of children can play on them. Hopefully the animals of Zooland follow the museum to its new home next door to Heartland of America Park!
Please feel free to comment and share your memories.
Bonus Pics
Until next time, let’s keep exploring!
Omaha Exploration 
Leave a comment