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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
    
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of Zapata Corporation of our reports dated March 26, 1996,
which include explanatory paragraphs discussing the comprehensive financial
restructuring through implementation of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedules of Envirodyne Industries, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 28, 1995 and December 29, 1994, and for the period
December 30, 1994 to December 28, 1995 and January 1 to December 29, 1994 (Post-
consummation) and January 1 to December 31, 1993 (Pre-consummation) and the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules for Viskase
Holding Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 28, 1995 and December 29,
1994, and for the period December 30, 1994 to December 28, 1995 and January 1 to
December 29, 1994 (Post-consummation) and January 1 to December 31, 1993 (Pre-
consummation), which reports are included in the Zapata Corporation Form 8-K
dated June 19, 1996. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the
caption

 "Experts."
    
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Chicago, Illinois
   
August 14, 1996