<P> "Pawnee Zoo" was written by Norm Hiscock and directed by Paul Feig . It originally aired on NBC in the United States on September 17, 2009 . It is the first episode to feature Chris Pratt in the title credits as a regular cast member rather than a guest star . The episode addressed the issue of same - sex marriage, typically a controversial social topic for government officials . The staff of Parks and Recreation sought to address more topical issues with the second season episodes, and the writers discussed with series co-creator Michael Schur possible topics for the season debut . They settled on same - sex marriage, which was an issue of particularly high debate at the time, especially in the Los Angeles area . During that discussion, one of the writers brought up the real - life pairing of Harry and Pepper, a pair of romantically involved male penguins at the San Francisco Zoo . The real - life penguins had separated from each other shortly before the episode aired, which resulted in press coverage that the pair "broke up". </P> <P> Hiscock felt a gay penguin marriage was a good way to connect Leslie's character and profession to the issue, since a zoo would be part of the parks department . He said, "It seemed like a funny starting place: a cute zoo promotion that spins out of control ." Although the storyline is comedic through its use of penguins in the same - sex marriage, commentators inferred the episode nevertheless takes a position in favor of same - sex marriage . Hiscock said in writing the script, he did not intend to make a strong political or social message, and that the staff was more focused on comedy and developing the Leslie Knope character . However, Hiscock said, "What I like is that Leslie doesn't back down from her zoo promotion idea and refuses to annul the wedding . In a weird way she takes a stance ." </P> <P> Within a week of the episode's original broadcast, two deleted scenes from "Pawnee Zoo" were made available on the official Parks and Recreation website . In the first two - and - a-half - minute clip, Tom talks at the penguin wedding about the "penguin bachelor party" he threw for the birds . Later, Tom and April help prepare Leslie for the Pawnee Today show by impersonating the other guests and berating Leslie without giving her a chance to speak . In the second two - minute clip, Andy gives a tour of his home in the pit, and Leslie changes around Ann's apartment to change the feng shui after her breakup with Andy . Ann also gives Mark brownies to bring to Leslie, which he promptly starts to eat himself . </P> <P> Scenes at the Pawnee Zoo were filmed in Abandoned Zoo Picnic Area in Griffith Park, Los Angeles . </P>

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