Zoo Keeper, Series 5 (Complete Set with Accessories)
col071 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 5 Minifigures · 2011. During this era, LEGO was expanding the 'blind bag' Collectible Minifigure (CMF) line, which introduced more detailed printing and brand-new animal molds like the chimpanzee that originally came with this figure.
Figure ID
col071
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2011. During this era, LEGO was expanding the 'blind bag' Collectible Minifigure (CMF) line, which introduced more detailed printing and brand-new animal molds like the chimpanzee that originally came with this figure.
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely available in 2011, it is now discontinued. It is harder to find in 'complete' condition with its accompanying chimpanzee and banana accessories.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with a female face print. Features brown eyebrows, eyelashes, a smile with red lipstick, and a distinctive beauty mark (mole) on the left cheek. The hair piece is a reddish-brown short swept-back style (ID 92081).
Torso
Tan safari-style shirt with detailed pocket printing, a brown belt with a silver buckle, and a small red 'ZOO' logo badge on the left chest. Arms are tan with yellow hands. No back printing was standard for most Series 5 figures.
Legs
Tan legs with hip piece. Printing includes two cargo pockets on the thighs and a dark tan/gold horizontal band above the knees to represent the transition from shorts to skin or boots.
Accessories
The original figure came with a reddish-brown chimpanzee and a yellow banana. The figure in the image is missing these accessories. It would also have originally included a black 3x4 display stand.
Color Scheme
Primary color is Tan (Brick Yellow), accented by Reddish Brown hair and belt, and Dark Tan leg details. Classic LEGO yellow is used for the skin.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing for 2011. Detail includes fine lines on the pockets and the tiny, legible 'ZOO' text on the badge. Printing is restricted to the front of the torso and legs.
Variants
There are no official production variants of the Series 5 Zoo Keeper; however, the torso and legs have been popular for 'purist' customs of conservationists or safari characters.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'arm cracks' at the pits and 'heel cracks' on the back of the legs. The beauty mark on the face is prone to rubbing off if handled frequently. This specimen appears to have good print retention.
Estimated Value
Used (Figure only): $3.00 - $5.00 USD. Used (Complete with Chimp): $8.00 - $12.00 USD. New (Sealed Pack): $15.00 - $22.00 USD.
Price (New)
Originally sold for $2.99 USD in individual blind bags. Today's value for a complete figure is roughly 3-4x the original retail price.
Compatible Sets
8805 (LEGO Minifigures Series 5). It did not appear in any standard retail City or Creator sets.
Character Background
A generic professional character from the CMF line. She represents the hardworking staff at a LEGO Zoo, specifically tasked with the care of primates. Her design is a nod to famous primatologists like Jane Goodall.
Design Notes
This figure was significant for introducing the 'Zoo' branding to the CMF line and provided one of the earliest highly-detailed 'utility' torsos for female characters in non-licensed themes.
Similar Minifigures
Series 15 Wildlife Specialist (col238), Series 21 Wildlife Rescuer (col377), or the various safari-themed figures from the LEGO City 2020/2021 Wildlife Rescue wave.
Collectibility
Moderate. CMF completionists require her for a full Series 5 collection. Her value is stable, as she is a 'staple' character rather than a high-hype licensed figure.
History
Part of the early years of the CMF line which salvaged the LEGO Group's financial trajectory. Series 5 was one of the first series to move away from primary colors toward more realistic earth tones like Tan.
Interesting Facts
The chimpanzee accessory included with this figure was a brand new mold in 2011 and remains a highly sought-after LEGO animal piece for MOC builders.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a CMF-specific frame or a zoo-themed vignette. Pairing her with the Series 15 'Man in Shark Suit' or Series 7 'Jungle Boy' creates a great nature-themed display.
Modification Potential
The tan safari torso is excellent for Indiana Jones-style custom figures or generic park ranger MOCs. The head is very versatile for any modern-day female civilian.
Overall Assessment
A charming and essential part of LEGO's early 2010s history. While the figure in the photo is missing its distinctive chimp, the figure itself is in excellent physical condition and remains a classic 'Career' CMF.