Bettie Page Goes Native

Previously we featured this photograph of Bettie Page a number of years ago. But we never gave the backstory, so here it is.

The photograph was taken in Africa, USA by future Playboy magazine photographer (and later a pin-up girl herself) Linnea “Bunny” Yeager.

Bunny Yeager self-portrait 1960 photo: Bunny Yeager

Bettie Page and Bunny Yeager 1954 at Africa, USA photo via Gnarlymag.com

Africa, USA was a Boca Raton, Florida theme park operating from 1953 -1961. It was the first open-air wildlife park in the United States.

Bettie’s companion is Princess Margaret, a chimpanzee who was adopted by the owners of Africa, USA and was raised just like a human child.

Or maybe not.

Ginger L. Pedersen the grand-daughter of the founder said in a 2016 article Margaret enjoyed riding a bicycle.

“Margaret loved to wear frilly dresses, ride her bicycle and mingle with the tourists. She ate in local restaurants, perched in her high chair just like a toddler.”

The photographs taken by Bunny Yeager at Africa USA helped to propel Bettie Page from camera club, nudie, underground, S&M, and bathing suit model to mainstream fame. During this photo shoot there were other pictures taken of Bettie as well. These were the more provocative type that she is well known for – nudes.

This one is from a different shoot.

Bettie Page died at age 85 in 2008. Bunny Yeager also died at age 85 in 2014.

There are no verifiable reports on the what became of Margaret the chimpanzee.