Holiday shoppers aren’t the only ones strolling through Northpark. If you wander around the lower level, you might stumble upon an elephant, horse, or even a unicorn. Follow them long enough, and you will be led to Gene Moore’s “zoo” of motorized toy animals at his kiosk Zoopendous.
Gene encountered motorized animals for the first time in a Mississippi Gulf Coast mall in the summer of 2022. After passing children riding toy animals around the mall, he followed the animals and was led to the owner, who he spoke to. Gene could not get these animals out of his head, so he began his official research after arriving home and put together a business plan to pitch to Northpark. Northpark was eager to welcome Zoopendous into the center, and Gene opened the gates to Zoopendous on February 1st, 2023.
After working in a variety of fields such as television news and IT project management, Gene found himself opening Zoopendous several months before retiring in October of 2023. Gene states that Zoopendous does not feel like work, as Zoopendous brings kids and families joy that in turn brings joy to Gene’s day.
“When little kids first see these, their faces light up,” Gene says.
Not only do children enjoy riding these animals, but their parents and grandparents often join the fun as well. Gene describes grandparents who have brought their grandchildren to Zoopendous, only for the grandchild to want their grandparent to ride with them. It is not rare to see adults and children riding through Northpark together on these motorized animals.
“Age does not matter,” Gene tells adults.
One of Gene’s favorite customer stories involves a grandfather bringing his autistic grandson to Northpark. The boy was so excited upon seeing the Zoopendous kiosk that he ran straight through the barrier to the array of colorful zoo animals. Gene helped the child onto his animal of choice and personally rode around the center with him. Several months later, Gene felt something woosh by him, and it was the same boy. He had returned to Northpark and ran straight to Zoopendous, eager to ride the animals again.
“That was a thrill for me to see him have a good time,” says Gene.
Northpark has given Zoopendous the opportunity for several partnerships during its first year at the center, which have helped Zoopendous grow. Zoopendous partnered with Dillard’s during the back-to-school season. Gene set up Zoopendous across from the Dillard’s fashion show stage, and he offered rides for a discounted price and had a drawing for ten backpacks filled with school supplies. A very exciting partnership is in the works for the holidays as well. If you visit Santa at Northpark this year, you will find him arriving on a Zoopendous reindeer. Children will also have the opportunity to ride Santa’s reindeer during the holiday season.
In addition to these partnerships, Gene describes his location in Northpark as perfect. Located right outside the center court, Zoopendous has a central location that is visible to families walking around the mall. When events are held in the center court with children, Zoopendous receives an increase of customers. The smooth floors of the lower level also offer the perfect place for children to easily ride the motorized animals.
Gene plans on adding a couple more animals to his “zoo” in the future. For testing the likability of new animals, Gene enlists the help of his seven-year-old granddaughter Kinsley and his four-year-old grandson Kaden, who he refers to as his “research and development team.” The excitement kids and families find in Zoopendous is present both behind the scenes and on the Northpark floor.
“Zoopendous offers unique family fun,” Gene says. “It offers entertainment that you don’t see everywhere.”
Zoopendous is on the lower level of Northpark across from Kay Jewelers. Follow them on Facebook at ZOOpendous and on Instagram @zoopendousanimalrides. Northpark's operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Individual store hours may vary.
