Friday, 6 March 2015

Thinking inside the box: Make a cardboard zoo


I was tossing out the box from our new TV into the recycling, when this idea I’d seen years ago popped into my head. I grabbed the box back!

“Fancy making a zoo?” I asked my daughter. Her eyes lit up. Never needs her arm twisted to do something creative, that one.

We scooped up all the toy animals we could find around the house to see how many enclosures we'd need: 11 species (if we discounted the dinosaurs). Mmm, looking at the size of the box, the enclosures would have to be quite small and cramped. Never mind, it could be a retro, old-fashioned kind of zoo, where space and animal welfare weren't as high on the agenda as they are these days.

We remembered we had this old Topsy and Tim book (1968!) and flicked through it for inspiration. 
Oh yes, this was perfect: a zoo where you could still ride on elephants ...
... and the zoo keeper didn't mind if you fed your sandwiches to the hippos. 
We got to work.

We started by cutting strips of cardboard and taping them them down to make the enclosures. Then we coloured in the bottoms: green for grass, blue for water, brown for mud. 
“Should the hippo have more water or more land?” pondered my daughter. “Mmm, when we went to the zoo in Warsaw, they definitely had more water,” she decided.
She did a brilliant job with the entrance and cleverly used a little flap that happened to be there as a moveable barrier for when the zoo was open ...
... and closed.
The cut-off end of a foil box made the perfect ticket office and we agreed that ticket prices should be in pre-decimal money like Topsy and Tim would have used. She went off to ask daddy (!) how much he thought it cost to go to the zoo 'in the old days'. 
She also found this little stretchy man who was just the right size to make a very enthusiastic ticket seller.
Signs were added so that visitors could decide whether to take the path to the left ... 
... or the right first.
A camembert box doubled as the sea lion’s pool and rocks were grabbed from the garden for him to sit on ... 
... as well as for the crocodiles. “Ooh, look at that stone,” she said, pointing to the round, speckled one on the left. “That can be a crocodile egg.” 
Greenery was grabbed from the garden too. “We need bamboo for the panda," she said ...
 "... and trees for the giraffe to eat."
A scrap of Indian fabric was put on the back of the elephant that was chosen to give the rides, and he was tied up with a pipe cleaner to stop him stampeding through the zoo. “Poor old elephant,” said my daughter. “He doesn’t like all those pesky kids riding on his back."
This Playmobil pilot made a great zoo keeper. And a piece of red plasticine became a lump of meat for the lion’s feeding time.
And now the zoo was ready for its first visitor. Shaking hands with a bear? All part of the entertainment at this zoo!
Finally, later, when we were having our roast dinner, my daughter decided the bones from the chicken would be good for the tigers’ enclosure. “Oh, they’re a bit too big, actually,” she said as she put them in. “Oh well … previously eaten children!” she laughed.

Click here to get fresh ideas delivered to you via Facebook!


If you like this, you might like the cardboard marble run featured at the end of this post.

65 comments:

  1. Oh that's fantastic - I love all the little details, especially the eaten children!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Carie. I think eaten children were probably quite common at zoos in the 1960s!

      Delete
    2. Thanks: https://apkregister.com/s9-game-apk/

      Delete
  2. This is wonderful - My son caught sight of this as I was reading and he has already run off to do an inventory of his animal collection! Fun day today!!! ;o) Thanks so much for sharing! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ah, bless him! I would LOVE to see your finished zoo! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brilliant idea! So creative and looks like a heap of fun.

    Thanks also for linking up to #WASO x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Yep, great idea, to which I give credit to:
      http://tangarangblog.blogspot.co.uk/

      Delete
  5. You are an amazing mom, Claire. This is so clever and creative - never in a million years would I have thought of this. Your daughter had to be absolutely thrilled sharing this project you. It really turned out great - you didn't miss a single detail.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Susan! It wasn't my idea though (see link in post and in above comment for origin of idea!). Was great fun to execute though, and my daughter is still adding details!

      Delete
    2. https://theapkdigital.com/kkclub-apk/
      it is best earning platform in pakistan

      Delete
  6. Oh, I just love this!!! Couldn't be a better use for a box!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. If you make on Julie, send me a picture!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Haaa!! The ticket seller is very enthusiastic! :)
    Great job, thanks for the wonderful idea!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, I love that zoo! What a fab idea and you've done it so well with so many little ideas to add to it. I want to go and make something like this now.
    Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely enjoyed making it as much as my daughter!

      Delete
  10. My two would love doing this. Thank you so much for the inspiration #LetKidsBeKids

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a great little zoo! Lovely to see the effort you and daughter have put into it! #LetKidsBeKids

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you! The fun's in the detail!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the post! That's so cool...It seems a great idea to entertain and educate the kids!

    ReplyDelete
  14. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. Toledo Zoo

    ReplyDelete
  15. This cardboard box zoo is looking amazing. Creative idea to make a zoo out of cheap storage boxes. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is really amazing that everyone must want to try it, I also must want to. Cereal Boxes Wholesale

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you for this article. Personally, I think this material is great. I agree with much of your information here. It also motivates me to learn more. I await the next article with great anticipation.So, to serve the people with popcorn, you need to pack the popcorn into the designed and printed boxes. In Halloween, large popcorn boxes you can easily get by contact with the Sky Group of Companies that is UK based corporation and have been of 10 ten experience.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice Blog, i have never seen before,Baklava Box Packaging Pls visit Our Website we have more than 500 products in our gallery, you have get idea from our website

    ReplyDelete
  19. This blog is very informative. Custom Packaging can be a long excited process but it can be made easier by following the tips that you have mentioned above. Thanks for sharing such important and useful information. Keep it up.
    visit mentioned website for printing and packaging services.
    custom pastery boxes

    ReplyDelete
  20. When you take the time to get custom chocolate boxes , you care about the person you’re giving them to. Store-bought chocolates are fine, but they don’t have the same personal touch as custom chocolates.

    ReplyDelete
  21. We are a leading capsim simulation experts in the world. We have tutors who are professionals working hard to provide affordable capsim simulations help, guide and acing of comp xm exams at affordable prices. Chat with the support today at +1 213 328 1712 or whatsapp for instant help.
    Get help today with your capsim simulations at capsim.net. We offer a wide range of services to help you with your business simulation needs. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

    ReplyDelete
  22. If not, you just found out. It is so because the print on a box highly impacts the customers and the sales. So, if the product is nicely printed and customized, it will automatically make the customers fall in love with it. However, if the packaging is dim and dull, people will never be fond of buying it. So here are a few other benefits of purchasing Custom Boxes UK for your brand.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I just found so much information in your blog. We provide customized packaging services that can enhance the productivity of your business. Kindly visit bestcustomiseprinted boxes for more detail.

    ReplyDelete
  24. You have a great way with words as shown in your article.  You're even good with informational content like you have here.  I like your views and your writing technique.  Keep up the good work! Get Top quality Custom Boxes for retail business. Custom Boxes is a professional Custom packaging Boxes manufacture. Offer No die-cut fees, Free Shipping in USA.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Toys that support children's learning should be considered by parents of one-year-olds. Learning may take many different forms and is not simply confined to one or two topics. According to the information and specifics on the bespoke Custom toy boxes, purchase toys for your children. Customers will then be aware of how to use the toys to teach their children new skills. Some of the top toys for this use are listed below:
    DMX Duo
    This toy is very popular among local kids because it is so entertaining. It is a board with a computer-like shape that is covered in soft rubbers. The colours and shapes of the rubbers vary. Kids who repeatedly press their fingers may develop stronger fingers.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I just had to show my appreciation for the writer's point of view on this subject by leaving a comment. Thank you for writing such top notch content for your readers.  Thank you so much. Get dropper bottle labels & Labels from one place with Best Quality Stickers and Printing. Call us on WhatsApp. For these reasons, Dropper Bottle Packaging is the best way to store the product, and additionally, it will increase the look of your items for sale.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I agree with your article content and with many of the comments on here.  You are a good writer. High Quality and Local rigid box manufacturers atlanta and NYC USA.our sales and packaging experts are online 24/7 call us or chat with us now..

    ReplyDelete
  28. Com o processo de injeção de modificações, os scarlet ios desenvolvedores podem injetar um conjunto de Dylib/debs que aprimoram e promovem o uso de qualquer aplicativo no dispositivo iOS. Esse recurso incentiva os desenvolvedores a inovarem cada vez mais no campo.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thinking inside the box: Make a cardboard zoo" is a creative and eco-friendly project that transforms ordinary materials into a playful learning experience. With Custom eCommerce solutions , it's not just a DIY project – it's an imaginative journey for kids, blending hands-on crafting with the convenience of online accessibility.






    ReplyDelete
  30. Sp5der Worldwide Clothing
    Every person wants stylish and comfortable clothing in a variety of colors and styles to make them feel good. https://officialsp5derr.com/ One of the most famous features of the spider worldwide is its quality. A fan following has quickly developed over the past few months, and it hasn’t taken long for it to grow. It is not surprising that Sp5der Clothing has a high level of reputation among its potential customers because of the quality of its product line. One of the most well-known fashion houses around the globe, Young thug spider merch, represents the best products and trends in the current fashion industry. This product has the quality and durability that many people appreciate, which is why it is so popular. There are many clothing brands out there, but this one stands out for its exceptional quality and service. Additionally, all the garments offered by this company are of the highest quality.

    ReplyDelete
  31. https://officialsp5derr.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Chrome Hearts Clothing

    New fashion clothes from Chrome Hearts Official come in a lot of bright colors that are sure to make anyone feel better. When you wear these things, people will notice you. There are dresses that are great for work days and warm winter scarves with sparkly details. We have Chrome Hearts hoodies, t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, and sp5der hoodie pants for men and women that are just right.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Creating a cardboard zoo is a wonderfully creative and educational project! It’s a fantastic way to engage kids in hands-on learning, helping them to understand and appreciate wildlife while developing their artistic and problem-solving skills.

    While you're getting crafty and thinking inside the box, don’t forget about maintaining your energy levels and overall wellness. Okdermo's L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Capsules are a great supplement to support your metabolism and energy production, ensuring you stay energized and focused throughout your fun and imaginative endeavors. Just as a cardboard zoo can spark creativity, taking care of your health with the right supplements can help you stay at your best.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Okdermo's L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Capsules are a great supplement to support your metabolism and energy production, ensuring you stay energized and focused throughout your fun and imaginative endeavors. Just as a cardboard zoo can spark creativity, taking care of your health with the right supplements can help you stay at your best. DGME Employee Portal login

    ReplyDelete
  36. Fire Kirin play online
    offers an exhilarating arcade experience with its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. The variety of fish species and strategic depth keep me hooked for hours! Highly recommended for arcade enthusiasts."

    If you need more specific details or have a different angle in mind, just let me know!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Nice blog: https://apkregister.com/s9-game-apk/

    ReplyDelete
  38. Nice Article Love to read thanks admin https://k1game.download/

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nice Article Love to Read, K1 Game Download

    ReplyDelete
  40. Nowadays in Pakistan, every person can play online games using different types of platforms and make online money. In this whole article, you will grouse into the Exciting World of the S9 Game 2024

    ReplyDelete
  41. Download The Latest Version of S9 Game and Enjoy Unlimited Moeny

    ReplyDelete
  42. Download the latst earning app in Pakistan "https://s9gamedownload.cc/">Download Free!

    ReplyDelete
  43. The Earning Application in PakistanLucky 97 Game

    ReplyDelete
  44. Order now to have high quality services of dropper bottle packaging from us! We Offer 20% discounts to our Existing Clients for Packaging and Labels.

    ReplyDelete
  45. THE ROYAL X CASINO IS A REAL EARNING APPLICATION
    DOWNLOAD NOW:https://royalxcasino.org/

    ReplyDelete
  46. Welcome to The Quantum Print Custom e-liquid packaging boxes Specialist in UK. Custom e-liquid e-juice packaging box. Call now at +44 161 394 1237 or chat us. Read More: E-Liquid Box Packaging: The Art and Functionality of Premium Designs

    ReplyDelete
  47. https://theapkdigital.com/wealth-dt4-casino/
    real earning platform in Pakistan you can enjoy it and make a lots of money

    ReplyDelete
  48. If you’re on the lookout for a game that blends excitement with ease, then 718SP Game might just be the one to add to your collection. This game has caught the attention of both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts alike. https://718sp.pro/

    ReplyDelete