A Day at the Zoo.

• Author: Rothenberg, Robert S.

Alphabet Factory Home Video 25 minutes each / $12.95 apiece

Videos intended for young children rapidly are carving a large niche in the market. These two behind-the-scenes visits to a pair of arenas that long have been among the most fascinating for kids should do well.

"A Day at the Zoo" explores New York's Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo with amusing photography of capering chimps, seals being fed in a choreographed performance with a playful trainer, preening flamingos, and the usual cast of elephants, giraffes, gorillas, etc. The camera works close up to depict the animals' distinct personalities and almost human foibles, and the images should prove delightful for its young audience. Narration by hosts Susan and Garth is informative, though often above the skill levels of age two-and-up viewers the video is aimed at.

"A Day at the Circus" probably works better for older kids, with its story of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers Circus...