A Carousel with No Horses - Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL - photo essay (Kodak EasyShare Z760)

The Brookfield Zoo opened a most unusual carousel in mid-2006 - a carousel without a single horse! Located near the north entrance, the carousel features figures of animals from around the world.

An elephant, panda and giraffe share the floor with a ladybug, dolphin and cicada, among others.

The seventy-two wooden figures on the carousel were all hand-carved especially for the Zoo by Carousel Works of Mansfield, OH. According to the Zoo's press releases, this is the largest indoor non-restored carousel in the country.  

The selection of animals used, as well as the murals decorating the central mechanism of the carousel, was in careful keeping with the zoo's mission of conservation. Proceeds from the sale of carousel tickets go toward supporting that mission.

The staff of the carousel make the ride so much more than just going in a circle. They dance and wave and blow giant bubbles, all to the screaming delight of young patrons.

Although there are no horses on this carousel, there are animals aplenty and fun for all ages on a carousel with a purpose - educating a community about threatened and endangered species in a colorful and delightful way.

For more on Brookfield Zoo and their conservation efforts, visit their webpage at http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/.

© 2007 Mary Beth Magee