ZOO is an erotic magazine that was published from 1978 to 20008 in Germany. It featured nude or partially clothed models posing seductively for photographers, often in humorous or playful scenarios. The magazine's editorial style was lighthearted and playful, with jokes and funny captions under photos to soften what might otherwise be perceived as explicit material. This comedic tone was an important element of Zoo's brand, helping to appeal to readers who enjoyed both the adult content and the magazine's irreverent voice.
The use of humor to balance erotic content was a crucial aspect of Zoo's success. The magazine had a unique editorial approach that set it apart from its competitors. While other magazines focused primarily on the physical attributes of their models, Zoo used humor to make the experience more enjoyable and less serious. By using jokes and funny captions, the magazine created a more relaxed atmosphere that allowed readers to connect emotionally with the material. For example, one photo spread included pictures of women in bikinis holding up signs reading "Please Feel Free To Touch" and "You Can Pet Me If You Want." These images were accompanied by captions like "If you can read this, you are too close!" and "I am not a petting zoo, but I'll let you touch me anyway."
The use of humor helped Zoo to attract a wider audience. Readers could still appreciate the sexual content while enjoying the playful nature of the magazine. This made Zoo stand out among other publications in the genre. It was able to cater to those who wanted a more traditional erotic magazine without being overly vulgar or offensive. At the same time, it provided something different for people looking for something edgier than typical pornography.
Humor also helped Zoo avoid legal trouble. In many countries around the world, publications featuring nudity or explicit content are heavily regulated. By using humor as part of its branding strategy, ZOO was able to remain within the bounds of acceptable content while still delivering an engaging product. This allowed them to continue publishing for 30 years, despite repeated attempts at censorship.
Overall, the use of humor was essential to Zoo's success. Without it, the magazine would have been just another generic pornographic publication. By creating a unique voice and tone, they were able to appeal to a wide range of readers and continue publishing for decades.