In the mid-90s, a small regional petting zoo in upstate New York, the Catskill Game Farm, casually dropped what could only be described as the banger of the century.

Roland Lindemann and his wife Kathryne had opened the Catskill Game Farm in 1933, starting off modestly with just pheasants and deer.

Over the decades, it grew into a full-fledged zoo featuring an impressive array of exotic animals. This beloved tourist attraction charmed upstate New York for over sixty years until its closure in 2006.

The real crown jewel of the Game Farm's legacy, however, came in the form of an irresistibly catchy jingle that graced basic cable commercials throughout the tri-state and New England areas. This mid-90s bop was so iconic, it arguably played a crucial role in keeping the Game Farm alive until 2006.

 

My first encounter with this undeniable hit was during a summer vacation in Rhode Island in '94 or '95. Before that, I had made regular visits to the Catskill Game Farm during summers spent in Phoenicia, New York.

But here’s the thing—you didn't need to have ever stepped foot on the Game Farm’s hallowed grounds in the 90s to fall in love with this absolute tune.

Photo Credit: Nikki Hung Art and Photography
Photo Credit: Nikki Hung Art and Photography
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Sure, the Catskill Game Farm might have seen its peak business in the 1960s, but its highest cultural achievement was this jingle. I’ve been humming and singing it, word for word, ever since I first heard it. This was a time before YouTube, before the luxury of on-demand replays. I committed every single word to memory, "Book of Eli" style.

The Old Game Farm - The Site of the Former Catskill Game Farm
The Old Game Farm - The Site of the Former Catskill Game Farm
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If you see me, feel free to test my knowledge. I dare you.

RIP Catskill Game Farm. Your jingle lives on in all of us.

Tour the Uninhabited Catskill Game Farm Animal Shelters

You can stay the night at the Catskill Game Farm and walk the grounds exploring the abandoned attraction.

Explore the Old Catskill Game Farm in New York

Let's see what the Catskill Game Farm looks like in 2024. If you want to buy the place, contact agent Jeanne Rakowski at Corcoran Country Living.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

Keeping Memories of the Catskill Game Farm Alive! Look at These Photographs!

There is perhaps no greater Baby Boomer memory for Upstate New York kids than a visit to the Catskill Game Farm. At one time, this special place was the largest family-run private zoo in America. It ran from 1933 to 2006.

Today it is still around in a fun and exciting fashion. Yes, today you can spend the night on the grounds of the original game farm and even stay in an original building of the theme park! It has been beautifully restored as a boutique Catskill Mountain inn, it is dripping in nostalgia, and it is awesome!

Look at the photographs below of both the "new" Catskill Game Farm inn, as well as some nostalgic 1950s and 1960s photographs of this wonderful place that we all remember so well.

And if you have memories to share of the Catskill Game Farm, please do so over on our Facebook page!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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