What kind of creature was Zippy from Rainbow?

Question

Somebody once told me that the programme makers modelled Zippy on a Heinz Baked Bean, believing that Beans had high "Kid Appeal". I've never quite believed it, and one night when I found myself in a Rainbow chatroom, I asked the gathered nerds, only to get a very snotty response that if I didn't know they weren't going to tell me. Honest.

Answer 1

http://www.btinternet.com/~acbarrett/rai... heres a bit on wat other people think he is!

Answer 2

Was it a cushion? or just a make believe thingy for kids. Why on earth were you in that chatroom and why the h**l am I answering this quest......................

Answer 3

A quick search of the internet reveals:

a) Zippius loudmouthicus.

b) A tiger (?!)

c) How can he be a bloody animal, he's got a zip for a mouth for **** sake?!

d) According to the YKK'd one himself, he's a unique.

Answer 4

He was a nightmare given form.