I initially spoke about it back here on this post from 2010, but for some reason, I recently got to wondering whatever happened to the whale that used to hold court in the center of the Central Park Children’s Zoo. Well, that’s not entirely true. I didn’t wonder where it went so much as assume that it was simply dismantled and destroyed. As it turns out, much like the big lizard who used to perch on the top of the Lone Star Café on the southeast corner of East 13th Street and Fifth Avenue (who now inexplicably lives Texas), it’s still around. Who knew?
As I said back in that earlier post, I have really vivid memories of that whale. When I was a little, doe-eyed lad, the Children’s Zoo – as mangy and smelly and depressing as it might’ve been – was still a big favorite of mine. I’ve taken my own kids to it since, although it’s a very different (and jaw-droppingly expensive) experience today. But whenever I do visit the place, my eyes still expect to see the whale (who, being white …or at least a very pale blue … I’d always assumed was supposed to be Moby Dick). But, that whale is gone.
As I learned via this informative link, the whale – whose name, evidently, is “Whaleamena” – can now be found (augmented with mosaic) at the entrance to the Boardwalk at Beach 95th street in the Rockaways. Click here to see a shot of her today.
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