Could This Clown Be Why Benson’s Animal Park Closed?

Did this nightmare inducing clown lead to the demise of Benson's Animal Park?

Prominently featured at the ten second mark of this 1982 commercial, it certainly couldn't have helped increase attendance. Why did this exist and why would you choose to draw attention to it?

The park has been closed for nearly three decades at this point but, clown aside, this commercial will have you feeling nostalgic.