If you grew up eating chicken nuggets off a smiling tiger or a pink pig, you remember Zoo Pals. The animal-face paper plates from Hefty were a lunchtime staple for many kids in the early 2000s, then disappeared from shelves for years. Fans never forgot them, and in 2023 Hefty brought them back.
Here’s the history of Zoo Pals plates, why people love them, which characters returned, and where you can buy them in 2026.
Quick answer: Zoo Pals are Hefty’s divided paper plates shaped like animal faces, with two small “ears” or “feet” for dips and sides. They were discontinued in the mid-2010s, returned on August 17, 2023, and launched at $6.99 for a 20-pack on Amazon. In March 2026, Hefty also added Zoo Pals sandwich and snack bags.
What Are Zoo Pals Plates?
Zoo Pals are disposable paper plates made by Hefty, a brand of Reynolds Consumer Products. Each plate is shaped like an animal’s face, with a large main section and two smaller sections, such as ears, eyes, or feet. Those smaller sections keep ketchup, ranch, fruit, or veggies away from the main food.
That simple design made them fun for kids and practical for parents, especially at birthday parties, picnics, and school events.
A Short History of Zoo Pals
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| Early 2000s | Zoo Pals plates are a popular kids’ mealtime and party item |
| Mid-2010s | Hefty discontinues the plates |
| 2019 | A Change.org petition to bring Zoo Pals back starts gathering signatures |
| 2020s | Fans share DIY Zoo Pals designs painted onto plates on TikTok |
| August 17, 2023 | Hefty officially relaunches Zoo Pals plates |
| March 2026 | Hefty launches Zoo Pals Press to Close sandwich and snack bags |
There’s some disagreement about when the plates first disappeared. The petition says they were discontinued in 2006, while news coverage of the 2023 relaunch says they left shelves in 2014, nearly 10 years earlier. Older versions of this article said the author had “spoken to the factory.” We couldn’t verify that, so we’ve removed it.
Why Were Zoo Pals So Popular?
- They made meals fun. Kids could “feed” the animal or make faces with their food.
- They kept food separate. The small sections stopped dips and sides from running into the main meal.
- They were made for parties. A stack of Zoo Pals was a quick way to make a birthday celebration feel special.
- Nostalgia. Many of the kids who used them are now parents who want to share them with their own children.
When Hefty announced the return, senior brand manager Jen Ganahl said the company had heard “countless” requests from fans, and that original fans could “relive their fondest childhood memories as adults.”
Which Zoo Pals Characters Came Back?
The 2023 relaunch brought back 10 original designs:
| Character | Animal |
|---|---|
| Tina | Tiger |
| Theo | Bear |
| Speckles | Ladybug |
| Shelly | Turtle |
| Puddles | Duck |
| Kosmo | Cow |
| Domino | Dalmatian |
| Curly | Pig |
| Fritz | Frog |
| Baloo | Whale |
Where to Buy Zoo Pals Plates in 2026
At launch, Zoo Pals plates were sold online. According to Food Network, Amazon listed a 20-pack for $6.99 and Target.com listed a 15-pack for $3.59. Prices and pack sizes may have changed since then.
- Amazon: Search for Zoo Pals plates to see current listings.
- Target and other retailers: Availability can vary by store and region.
- Hefty.com: Check Hefty’s site for the current product lineup.
Tip: Buy from the official Hefty listing or a major retailer. Third-party sellers sometimes charge much more for “vintage” or bulk packs.
If you want something custom, you can also find handmade and vintage-style animal plates on Etsy.
Zoo Pals Sandwich and Snack Bags (New for 2026)
In March 2026, Hefty extended the brand beyond plates with Zoo Pals Press to Close Sandwich Bags and Snack Bags. They feature characters like Tina the Tiger and Curly the Pig. At launch, they were sold at Walmart and Amazon, with Target availability expected to follow.
Tips for Using Zoo Pals at a Kids’ Party
- Match the theme. Zoo Pals work well for animal, jungle, farm, or ’90s and 2000s nostalgia parties.
- Use the small sections for dips. Ketchup, ranch, hummus, or fruit dip fit neatly in the “ears.”
- Mix the characters. Let each child pick an animal, which helps them keep track of their plate.
- Plan for the food. Paper plates work best for dry or lightly saucy food, so avoid heavy, very wet dishes.
For more ideas on keeping kids entertained, see our list of fun things to do online with your kids. And if dips are the star of your table, our guide to Taco Bell sauces has some fan-favorite flavors.
FAQs About Zoo Pals Plates
Are Zoo Pals plates back?
Yes. Hefty relaunched Zoo Pals plates on August 17, 2023.
Who makes Zoo Pals?
Hefty, a brand owned by Reynolds Consumer Products.
When were Zoo Pals discontinued?
News reports say 2014, though a fan petition says 2006.
How many Zoo Pals designs are there?
The 2023 relaunch brought back 10 original animal designs.
Where can I buy Zoo Pals plates?
Online retailers such as Amazon and Target. Availability and prices can change.
Are Zoo Pals plates paper or plastic?
The relaunched Zoo Pals plates are paper plates.
Did Hefty make other Zoo Pals products?
Yes. In March 2026, Hefty launched Zoo Pals sandwich and snack bags.
Final Thoughts
Zoo Pals plates are a small piece of childhood that a lot of people were happy to see return. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just want to make lunch a little more fun, they’re easy to find again. If you’re feeling nostalgic, our list of songs about kids growing up might hit the spot too.
Read also:
- Did You Know: 18 Heart-Melting Songs About Kids Growing?
- Taco Bell Sauces Guide
- Amicas Pizza Microbrew & More Menu: Prices + 5 Best Picks
This article is independent and isn’t affiliated with Hefty or Reynolds Consumer Products. Product availability and prices can change, so check retailers for current details.
