Zoo Keeper - Female (Duplo Logo Shirt)
cty0054 · City
Farm / Zoo / Town · 2006
Figure ID
cty0054
Theme
City
Year Released
2006
Rarity
Uncommon. While the City theme is common, this specific zoo keeper torso with the small elephant/Duplo logo was only featured in a handful of sets in the mid-2000s, primarily within the Town and Hospital sub-themes.
Head
The head shown in the center of the image is missing, though the associated 'cty0054' figure standardly uses a yellow head with a female face, brown eyebrows, and a slight smirk (head id 3626bpb0042).
Torso
Tan Torso Shirt with 4 Pockets, Belt with Key, Yellow Scarf, and 'ZOO' / Elephant Logo printing. Note the dark brown belt and the distinctive yellow triangular undershirt. The arms are tan with yellow hands.
Legs
Tan Legs and Hips with matching print. The printing includes two large cargo pockets and a yellow horizontal stripe on each leg just above the feet to designate a uniform.
Accessories
Typically comes with a variety of animal-related items depending on the set, such as a clipboard, a syringe (if in a vet context), a bucket, or a pitchfork.
Color Scheme
Primary color is Tan (Sand Yellow). Accent colors include Yellow (skin and undershirt), Dark Brown (belt/details), and Black (pocket outlines).
Printing Details
Pad-printed. Features front torso and front leg printing. Detail is high for the era, specifically the tiny 'ZOO' text and the 1990s-style Duplo elephant logo above the left chest pocket.
Variants
There is a male counterpart (cty0055) which uses the same torso and legs but features a different head and hair/hat combo. Another version exists without the leg printing.
Condition Notes
The tan plastic from this era is slightly susceptible to UV yellowing. Common wear points include the side of the legs (friction marks) and the torso neck peg which can develop hairline cracks if a head is removed frequently.
Estimated Value
Current market value for a used complete figure is approximately $3.00 - $6.00 USD. The torso and legs as shown without the head/hair are worth roughly $1.50 - $2.50 USD.
Price (New)
This figure was included in the LEGO City Set 7892 'Hospital' which retailed for $79.99 in 2006. It was not sold as a standalone item.
Compatible Sets
Set 7892: Hospital (2006), Set 7890: Ambulance (some variants), and various bulk Town accessory packs.
Character Background
The character reflects LEGO's effort to integrate their various brands; the shirt features the 'Duplo Elephant' logo, serving as an Easter egg for parents and fans identifying the figure as a Zoo or Vet staff member.
Design Notes
Significant for being one of the first City figures to feature highly detailed 'wrapped' printing where the belt and pocket designs on the torso align perfectly with the hips and legs to form a single uniform look.
Similar Minifigures
City Zookeeper (cty0055), Series 5 Zoo Keeper (col071), and Various Forest Rangers from the early 2010s City Forest Fire sub-theme.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a nostalgic piece for City collectors of the mid-2000s 'World City/City' transition era but is not a high-value Grail figure.
History
Launched during the first wave of the modern 'LEGO City' branding (2005-2006) which replaced the short-lived 'World City' line. It helped establish the standard for modern occupational uniforms.
Interesting Facts
The logo on the chest is the mascot for Duplo, LEGO's toddler line. This is one of the very few examples of a 'Theme within a Theme' crossover inside Minifigure printing.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a modern Zoo MOC or next to vintage Duplo animals for a humorous 'Scale comparison' exhibit. Use a tan or green baseplate to match the safari aesthetic.
Modification Potential
Excellent for military or adventurer MOCs. The tan uniform is generic enough (once the 'ZOO' text is ignored or covered) to serve as a base for custom Indiana Jones or military soldier figures.
Overall Assessment
A solid, classic example of mid-2000s LEGO City design. The printing is crisp and the tan color is highly versatile for collectors building dioramas. While the value is low, its charm lies in the small details like the Duplo logo and the belt key.