The gentleman you see above, looking down into the camera, and his much posed-on black bear, just out of camera range, were fixtures at Audubon Zoo for many, many years. This picture was taken in the late 1930's and I know the old black bear was still in residence through the 1970's, though, I suspect, at some point, the photographer probably changed. Time, the enthusiasm of children and general wear and tear took their toll on the faithful old bear and, eventually, a rug had to be placed over his back to conceal his thinning "fur." His ears--clutched by so many little hands sticky from snowballs and cotton candy--had to be replaced (in a color not quite matching the original). No matter. He still held the affection of New Orleans children and adults for more years than most of us can remember.
Through sun and rain, good times and bad, no matter what else may have come and gone, photographer and friend could be counted on to remain at their appointed post until the last weary mom placed her excited child on the back of the old black bear to have his picture taken. For at least three generations, few children in New Orleans made it through childhood without having a picture taken with their friend, the bear at Audubon Zoo.
No one at the zoo seems to know what eventually became of the dear old bear, but I wish he was still around. I'd give quite a lot to pat his head just one more time.
Wouldn't you? |
