Zoo Fairytale

So in trying to find something about fairytales to do this blog, I came across an article about a Frog Ball taking place at the Oregon Zoo on March 14th. You can read it here. Basically in collaboration with the release of The Princess and the Frog on DVD, the Oregon Zoo is having a Frog Conservation Ball. Normally I wouldn't think much of this type of thing since zoos are always having various special exhibits to raise awareness about a certain species or animal in particular. What I thought was a little over the top with this one is not only will it be about Frog Conservation, but they will also incorporate fairytale themed activities. Some of the activities they are planning are an interactive watershed exhibit, frog kissing, a costume parade, and picture opportunities at the royal castle scene. Radio Disney will also be handing out goodie bags to all kids and one lucky winner will get a $150 The Princess and the Frog gift basket.

While the idea of tying in the amphibian conservation effort with the release of the DVD is a great way to generate knowledge of the efforts as well as to get people to go to not only the exhibit but the zoo itself, I feel they have gone a little overboard with the whole fairytale tie-in. I mean the kids are going to want to go and win the gift basket, not learn about clean water efforts in the Portland area. While frogs are cool, the kids would rather be playing dress-up and doing prince and princess activities than learning about what should be done to save a frog. And another thing that bugs me is that while they are trying to teach the kids about conservation of amphibians, they are serving the kids a frog themed lunch! Sorta hard to conserve frogs when you are eating them...

I think this just goes to show how ubiquitous fairytales, especially Disney ones have become in the world today. I know that I personally am starting to get sick of seeing the Disney Princesses everywhere and to think you can't even escape them when you go to the zoo anymore. Next thing you know there will be a professional sports team named the Princesses.