The Call of the Wild

We were delighted to receive an invitation to a party at the L.A. Zoo--a party that’s neither fund-raiser nor testimonial, but a “Media Appreciation Night” staged by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn.

The event has nothing to do with recent protests over the death of Hannibal the elephant and the transfer of a gorilla to another zoo, says Jeanne King, director of the association’s special events.

“We try to do this once a year to thank the media for any positive press or attention they’ve given us,” she explains.

Frankly, we’re surprised no one has thought of this approach before. After all, folks such as Daryl Gates and Zsa Zsa Gabor could have benefited from a little making nice with the press.

Imagine if Sears Auto Repair held a Media Appreciation Night--perhaps a catered buffet on a hydraulic lift.

What if the GOP decided to kiss and make up with Murphy Brown?

Dan Quayle could be put in charge of a “Cultural Elite Appreciation Night” at Spago.

And the Survey Says . . .

Among the promotional merchandise for the hit adolescent Angst show “Beverly Hills, 90210” is the inevitable board game.

But rather than have players move little plastic Brendas, Brandons, Kellys and Dylans from teen crisis to teen crisis, Milton Bradley has come up with a new idea: The “Beverly Hills, 90210 Survey Game” (italics ours).

Players have to guess how many teens in a nationwide survey agreed with the way in which certain situations on the show were handled.

For example: “Brandon told Kelly he didn’t want to become romantically involved with her because she’s Brenda’s best friend. Would you date your brother or sister’s best friend?”

It might not be as exciting as guessing how many times Brenda and Dylan will break up and get back together in the course of a season, but at least it’s something to do when the reruns come.