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
Gov. Hochul’s West Side Highway Safety Plan Is 12 Months Late (And Counting)
The Hochul administration is slow-walking safety on the West Side Highway as more and more people suffer injuries or worse on the corridor.
October 5, 2026
Brooklyn’s Jay Street Busway Is Getting Spiffy New Boarding Platforms
Mayor Mamdani is giving the Jay Street busway a new life by adding a pair of bus boarding islands to a chaotic area of the bus-first thoroughfare where cyclists, pedestrians and buses all compete for space.
October 5, 2026
Talking Headways Podcast: Architecture’s Role in Population Decline
Good design is great, but if you can't afford it, you can't have babies. A very special edition of the podcast with the always provocative Blaine Brownell.
October 5, 2026
Monday’s Headlines: Chambers Street Edition
Manhattan Council Member Chris Marte and Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal want Mayor Mamdani to put a bike lane on Chambers Street. Plus the news.
October 5, 2026
Inwood Insiders Want to Dissolve a Car-Free Plaza They Previously Championed
Well-connected Upper Manhattanites have soured on Quisqueya Plaza.
October 2, 2026