Lorrie Menconi

Lorrie Menconi is an all-natural brunette from Philadelphia who is a huge animal lover and calls the San Diego Zoo to be her home away from home. “Maybe it sounds like I'm bragging, but we have one of the world's finest zoos,” says Lorrie who now lives in California. “In fact, I'm pretty sure it's the largest collection of wild animals anywhere. One of the best things about it is that there aren't many bars or wires, just moats or waist-high walls; it looks more natural that way. And because of this gorgeous climate, the animals are outside all winter long. I'm so crazy about it, I think it might be fun to own a zoo someday.” The talkative Pisces’s passion for animals comes directly from her mother who is a decorator and a children’s author. “I don’t know whether my interest in interior decorating is because of my mother’s influence or because I’m a Pisces. But, I have a very strong creative urge,” says the voluptuous brunette as she varnishes a new piece of furniture at the shop she and her mother work. “We sell just about anything you can imagine that's made of rattan. My mom is a fabulous decorator, and I enjoy going along with her to Los Angeles when she's on a buying trip, but it's always nice to get back home again.” San Diego is lucky to call itself the home of our Miss February 1969. Not only has Lorrie’s Playmate title brought attention to the city, but she is practically its spokesperson, speaking highly of it any chance she gets. “You know, San Diego is called the place where California began, because the Spanish padres founded their first mission here in 1769. So this year, we're celebrating our 200th birthday. I'm really proud of this city—it's sunny and warm and beautiful,” explains our zodiac-fanatic Playmate of the Month. “Pisces is a water sign, which may explain why I'm so crazy about living in California. We moved to San Diego when I was very young, so I don't know what it's like to live away from the water. The beach scene here is terrific. But, the mountains in northern California are great, too. I went to a combination boarding school and camp up there, around Manzanita Lake, which is beautiful country. Cooking and sleeping out, sailing, swimming—really most all activities in or around the water—that's my kind of life.” Since becoming our Miss February 1969, Lorrie hasn’t been able to enjoy the beach as often as she used to, but she’s been enjoying the Playboy perks even though they keep her busy. “If I had more time, I’d visit all the people I've always wanted to see,” says Lorrie whose February centerfold issue was seen in the James Bond flick, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. “I was born on Tuesday, February 24th 1948, so I think it's perfect to appear in the February issue—it just has to be good luck. I guess you could call me a zodiac nut. But, so many Piscean characteristics are true of me that it's hard not to believe in it.” Whether you believe in horoscopes or not, Lorrie Menconi was meant to be our Playmate—it was written in the stars.