Streetfilms: The Search for the Zozo
As New York history buffs can tell you, until the early part of the 20th century, the city was prime habitat for Zozos -- large, furry, innocent
purple creatures that freely roamed the streets, mingling with people and enjoying the public realm.
But after the advent of the automobile their numbers slowly dwindled. By the 1930s, sightings became rare and they were thought to have gone
extinct.
3:37 PM EDT on April 30, 2009
Clarence Eckerson Jr. is the Director of Video Production for NYCSR's StreetFilms and producer of bikeTV. He loves the color purple, chocolate chip cookies, and enjoys walking, biking, and taking transit. He has never owned a driver's license.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog New York City
Pedestrian Victimized By A Hit-And-Run Driver Just Wants Cops To Do Their Job
He was struck and badly injured by a car driver. But his injuries weren't sufficient to trigger a real police investigation. And therein lies the problem.
October 26, 2026
Cycle of Rage: Cops Shrug Off Glendale Speeder Who Seriously Injured A Kid — Then Blame The Kid!
Cops got this crash wrong — and we have the video.
October 26, 2026
Monday’s Headlines: A Bump In The Bump In The Road Edition
Two new stories about the city's slow installation of speed humps. Plus other news.
October 26, 2026
‘Premeditated Road Violence’: Toronto Rises To Stop Bike Lane Removal
Toronto advocates are putting their bodies on the line to protect a bike lane the province wants to rip out — and and to fight a wave of anti-bike lane sentiment that this writer warns is sweeping the whole continent.
October 26, 2026
Teamsters Prez Calls On Menin To Pass Mamdani-Backed Delivery Bill, But She’s Not Ready
The Teamsters are fighting anti-union Amazon and the battleground is New York City streets.
October 23, 2026