Zippy Zoo was the fourth ball machine to be installed in a Children’s Hospital and was originally installed in 1996. This machine features many devices that are themed around whimsical animals for the children and parents to watch.

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There are a cat and a monkey pendulum switch that will swing back and forth as the balls pass through them, making their eyes jiggle! There is an ostrich form with a counterbalance that rocks back and forth as balls enter and leave its mouth. A hammer chime appears to be as a fish head swallowing and then disgorging the ball. There are many other fun devices all based around an animal theme, including a specially designed turtle that opens its mouth as balls roll up to it, swallows the balls causing the legs to move, and then exits the turtle and spills back onto the track.

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This ball machine was designed by George Rhoads in collaboration with Rock Stream Studios.

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Date:

1996

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Location:

Columbia Presbyterian Babies and Children's Hospital, New York, NY

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Dimensions:

6' x 30'' x 7'

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Artist:

George Rhoads