Como Zoo Is Losing a Childhood Memory For Generations

If you’ve visited the Como Zoo in St. Paul anytime over the last several decades, you’ve probably seen, or smelled, one of the most nostalgic pieces of Americana around: the Mold-A-Rama machine.

The Mold-A-Rama first debuted at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. It’s an injection-molding vending machine that heats and presses plastic into collectible figurines. Within a minute, the figure pops out of the machine still warm, a shiny souvenir straight from mid-century America.

Minnesota’s Last Mold-A-Rama Machines Are Leaving Como Zoo

At one time, more than 150 Mold-A-Rama machines operated across the United States. Today, only a handful remain, and Minnesota is about to lose its last four.

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Como Zoo announced that Mold-A-Rama Inc., the company that owns and operates the machines, will relocate them to a “region with a longer peak season.” The zoo says the machines will be removed the week of November 3.

Local Favorites Soon Gone

Each of Como Zoo’s machines offers a unique mold: Gorilla (black, primates building), Sea Lion (red, aquatic building), Vintage Lion (yellow, large cats building), and Polar Bear (light blue, aquatic building).

In a farewell post, Mold-A-Rama Inc. said, “Thank you to Como Park Zoo, Zoo attendees and Mold-A-Rama collectors for all the support. Let’s continue molding memories together.”

It’s a bittersweet goodbye for many Minnesotans who grew up watching those little plastic animals come to life right before their eyes. I remember getting one as a kid, and on a recent trip to Como Zoo with my family, my kids made their own, souvenirs that are now instant collectibles.