Zoo. Pals. Plates? If you know, you know! Zoo Pals™ Plates are colorful paper plates with compelling animal faces on them with little ears and feet being the perfect condiment holders! They are primarily for children’s use, but many adults know and love them as well! At least, loved. In 2014, they were discontinued and the world was Zoo Pals-less for 9 years… until now!

Some have dreamt about it, some have used it, but no one had expected its comeback!! After Hefty®’s astounding release of Zoo Pals™ Plates on August 17th, many online vendors, such as Walmart and Target have already sold out, a month in stock!! 

Why did they bring these critter-themed crockery back? According to today.com, Jen Ganahl, brand manager at Reynolds Consumer Products, said at a press release, “Over the last nine years, we have received many calls, social media, and even petition requests from fans to bring back Zoo Pals and the wait is finally over…” 

So, how does Bob Jones feel about this? According to a patriot survey, 47.1% of the school knows of this trademark cuteness, with our upperclassmen expressing the most passion! Majority of the public had mediocre responses, but a few had especially strong opinions! Freshman Lydia Martin answered, “The little version of me is screaming, but I have outgrown those years of my childhood.” “Never used them; they are really funny looking though, so I think I’m going to buy a couple thousand and then sell them on Ebay for a 200% markup,” joked senior Jack Schofield. Meanwhile, senior Carmen Hunderman stated, “I feel very nostalgic mainly because this is just one of the little things in life that can bring a smile to people.” Junior Abbie Blount also reasoned it was “criminal that they have to make a comeback at all… They’re a national treasure and shouldn’t have been discontinued.”

To many, Zoo Pals™ Plates are just funny animal plates. To some, they are the stuff of our childhood.