Make way for the 'Zookeeper' in the Public Garden

Crews with the made-in-Boston flick "Zookeeper" shot scenes with Kevin James, Joe Rogan from "Fear Factor," Nat Faxon and James' wife, Steffiana De La Cruz, near the "Make Way For Ducklings" statues at the Boston Public Garden on Monday, Sept. 14.

In "Zookeeper," Rogan plays "Gale," Faxon as "Dave" and De La Cruz stars as "Robin."

Later in the afternoon, James, De La Cruz and Rogan headed on their bikes to the Commonwealth Mall near Arlington Street. Filming is slotted to continue in the Public Garden and Boston Common area until Wednesday, Sept. 16.

In the Public Garden, set designers crafted a faux bike rental booth with the swan boats, and even real swans, in the background. The bike rental sign boasted a "bike-a-thon" and offering a slew of bikes including a BMX ($25 per day), tricycle ($18 per day) and 10 speed ($6 per hour). On the set, there was word of "the bike guy" making a cameo, with possible ties to James' other made-in-Boston flick, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop."

According to one tipster: "Trailers were set up along Beacon Street and foot traffic directed around the shoot. Lots of signs warning as you crossed that you may show up in the film and by entering the area you gave your consent."

Large tents were set up for "Zookeeper" extras and catering in the Boston Common.

"Zookeeper" follows James as a zoo caretaker who consults with the animals in an attempt to learn their methods of dating and mating to help him win back the woman of his dreams. Rosario Dawson has been cast as Kate, the smart zoo veterinarian who works alongside James' character Griffin. Leslie Bibb plays Stephanie, the ex who broke Griffin's heart.

On Friday, Sept. 11, an 18-year-old male giraffe known as "Tweet" collapsed in his pen after wrapping up his final scene for "Zookeeper" at the Franklin Park Zoo and died. Of course, activists with the animal rights group PETA are furious, calling the death "an outrage."

Click here for the latest on "The Zookeeper."

--Copyrighted photos by Loaded Gun Boston