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In 1970, Joan Embery was 18 years old and working as an attendant in the Children’s Zoo. The Zoo was looking for someone to act as ambassador for the media, and advertised for applicants to become “Miss Zoofari.” Hundreds of applications were received, and after extensive interviews, one young lady was chosen, but it wasn’t Joan—not yet. But as it turned out, the first Miss Zoofari was nervous around animals and didn’t really like public speaking that much. After a year, she decided the job really wasn’t for her and left. Dr. Schroeder’s wife had met Joan and suggested to Bill Seaton, head of public relations, that she might be just who they were looking for. Joan was hired to represent the Zoo on a trial basis, but she also continued to work in the Children’s Zoo. One of the animals she worked with was Carol the elephant, and Joan taught her to paint pictures, a novelty that delighted guests.

1970

New Era 1967 - 1976

Joan Embery and Carol the Elephant

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