Zoo was a British lad's magazine published from 1986 to 2009. It started as a monthly publication but became a weekly one from 2004 until its final issue. Its publisher, Emap, wanted to create a rival to L! Magazine and Playboy. At first, it featured photographs of nude women and explicit articles about sex. Later, it added celebrity interviews, jokes, sports commentary, and fashion news, becoming more like a lifestyle magazine for men. With time, it also employed a team of editors, writers, and photographers who were experts in glamour photography and erotica. The magazine had a unique style, combining humor, gossip, and sex appeal.
The editorial team at Zoo magazine consisted of experienced professionals in various fields, including journalism, photography, and editing. Many contributors came from backgrounds such as tabloid newspapers or lifestyle magazines, which gave them an edge when it came to crafting interesting and engaging content that appealed to their target audience. This approach allowed Zoo to stand out from other lad mags by offering a wider range of topics beyond just erotic content. In addition to the regular features, Zoo also included celebrity interviews, sport coverage, and humorous pieces designed to keep readers entertained throughout each issue.
Photographers working for Zoo were often specialists in glamour and erotic photography, meaning they had expertise in creating visually striking images without being too explicit. They worked hard to strike a balance between showing off the models' bodies while still maintaining an air of mystery and intrigue. This was important because it ensured that readers could enjoy the photos without feeling overwhelmed by their sexual nature.
Overall, Zoo magazine was able to create a successful formula for its editorial content by blending eroticism with mainstream interests, allowing them to attract a broader audience than many similar publications. Their focus on quality writing, photography, and design made them one of the most popular lad magazines of their time, and their legacy continues to influence modern publications today.