Mixed-up Memories

The Stevens Manufacturing Co. (Hong Kong) put them out in 1972, so that gives them some historical context. We got the Mixed-up Zoo Animals from a display box on the toy wall in Baenziger’s. I felt even then how low-security the arrangement seemed. It was a different age. Bizarre, whimsical mixes of different animals, whose names echoed their combos: Liolope, Rabbagator, Kangaboar, Catagator, Ostriphant, Sealag, Chickow, Dachsdeer, Giraphant. They went for 15 cents, which is equal to $1.16 in today’s money. We had them all, except Chickow (now that’s just silly!). My favorite was the Dachsdeer; he looked noble, almost heraldic. But I never cared for the Liolope; too unbalanced on his skinny legs. We had two Kangaboars. I suppose most (if not all) of them reside in the “little animal” toy chest over at John’s house.