Zippy the Monkey ('Zip the Monkey', or 'Zip the Chimp') is a stuffed rubber faced doll chimpanzee doll that was introduced in the 1950s on the TV show Howdy Doody. The chimp doll was produced in the 1950s, with reissues in the 1960s and 1970s by a number of toy companies but most notably by Rushton.

Zippy has a shirt on with Zip on the front and was fashioned after Zippy from the Howdy Doody show. Because Rushton made the doll a little pricey, several toy companies made monkey dolls that looked very similar but cheaper.

See also: Howdy Doody dolls.

Zippy Monkey value

What's it worth? Take a look at this Zippy Monkey price guide: sold listings for a value indication.

Zippy Monkey forum (6 comments)

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Dee - August 26, 2017

I recently came across a zippy/Mambo monkey doll. I am curious mine has a circled C at the front of the neck close to the hairline and to the left on the C i can make out the letters possibly ON? (Rushton?)and in the upper palate of the mouth are the capital letters BT (bijou toys?) which are not raised letters but scribed into the rubber and do not contain any of the color used to color the inside of the mouth, as in the stamped letters contain no coloring. Which little guy am I holding right now. Based on the information I read-I am not even sure? I would appreciate any help or information you can supply me with.Thank you, Dee
►reply: The circled C is probably the copyright sign, so if there is enough space before the ON letters to put RUSHT you probably have a Rushton

Darrell Reeves - May 22, 2016

My older sister Denise had a ZIP the monkey doll which she got as a present from our parents in 1961 when we lived at Stead AFB in Reno Nevada. She lost it when we moved to Cigli AFB in Izmir Turkey in 1963, and has lamented the loss of ZIP in recent years as we recollected our memories of growing up as Air Force "brats" She also had a Chatty Kathy doll and another walking doll which I destroyed by dismembering and decapitating both dolls. To assuage my guilt I decided to buy her a ZIP doll now 54 years later and to atone for the wanton destruction of her other two dolls.And the moral of the story is that younger brothers who were brats as children grow up to be good, compassionate adults.
►reply: Great story Darrell, thanks for sharing :-)

Susan - September 18, 2014

Is there a kid's book about Zippy? I have the doll from childhood and would like to pass it along to a cousin but would love a book to go with it
►reply: Here is a nice vintage book for sale on Amazon: Zippy, the chimp book I couldn't find new books though...

Kathy Bryant - September 2, 2013

I have an original Zip and love him to death. He has been my best friend since my father pasted away in 1962. A neighbor hood friend had him and didn't care for him at all so she pasted him down to me> Now my grandchildren play with him. It gives me great pleasure to see their delight in playing with him. I have requested that when I pass on he be buried with me. He has seen me through so much. Its too bad kids can't find that attachment in something these days besides game stations.
►reply: Thanks for sharing your story Kathy!

Karen Smith - March 13, 2013

After my sister passed away I found a zippy the monkey type doll but cannot find a makers mark on him only a raised rectangle on each of his feet but no printing on him he stands about 17" he doesnt have any clothes just yellow and black fur with red ribbon 'braces' he's in good condition a little dirty tho bless him does anyone know where I can find out more information about him please

Johanna Guillen - January 27, 2013

When I was a small child in the 1950s I saw Zippy in a neighborhood toy store. I loved it and wanted it for Christmas so badly, but my parents said it was too expensive. To my delight and surprise, and I'm sure with a great deal of sacrifice, they bought it for me. I still have it today (sits at the end of the bed). It has one hand and one ear missing and has been sewn up many times. Since it will probably survive me, my daughter has agreed to give Zippy a home next.
►reply: Thanks for your story Johanna :-) !