Get the costumes and the pumpkins ready, the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is coming back for three weekends this month.
The zoo will be open to trick-or-treaters Oct. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. for Halloween fun among the animals.
“Boo at the Zoo has not only become a cherished tradition for families from across our region, but a beloved time of year for all of us at the Zoo who help to put it on every year,” said Philadelphia Zoo Vice President of Guest Experience Cara Treadway. “We love seeing all the creative costumes, watching guests and members explore the zoo when our animals are most active among beautiful fall foliage in some of the best weather of the year.”
Festivities will include a trick-or-treat safari, seasonal decor, children’s activities and everyone’s favorite animals. Boo at the Zoo is included with admission and tickets are on sale now. Zoo members enjoy early admission on select dates (8:30 a.m. Oct. 12, 20 and 27) and an exclusive members-only candy station.
Go to www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org for tickets and more information.
New for this year, the zoo is offering a sensory-friendly morning presented by ABA Centers of Pennsylvania Oct. 19 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.There are also some new additions to make this year’s Boo at the Zoo just a little different.
In August, the zoo’s baby boy Sumatran orangutan Jambi made his public debut with mom Tua. Dad Sugi has been reintroduced to mom and baby. The family can be seen exploring their habitat at PECO Primate Reserve.
Also in August, the Zoo welcomed a baby red-tailed monkey for the first time in its 150-year history. The baby, born to mom, Lulu, and dad, Ahnmom, can be seen at Primate Passage, the first exhibit after entering the Zoo.
Be sure to visit all the animal exhibits to see who might be munching on pumpkins or playing with Halloween-themed enrichment.
Here are some of the events planned, although they could change depending on weather and animal disposition:
Saturdays
10 a.m.: Rodrigues fruit bats inside the Rare Animal Conservation Center
11 a.m.: Giant tortoises at Reptile House
11:15 a.m.: Andean bear in Bear Country
2:30 p.m.: Gorillas at PECO Primate Reserve
3 p.m.: Hippos in African Plains
Sundays
10 a.m.: One of our cats in Big Cat Falls
11:15 a.m.: Sloth bear in Bear Country
11:30 p.m.: Turkey Vultures near Back Yard Kitchen
2 p.m.: Orangutans at PECO Primate Reserve
2:30 p.m.: Ossabaw Island Hogs by KidZooU
Along with trick-or-treating, children can participate in two fun and educational kids’ activities.
To celebrate the spooky season, the zoo’s conservation education team will be giving clues to help guests match the skull to the animal for the chance to enter and win a prize.
Interact with education staff with fun games on Impala Lawn.
Reading captains will also be handing out age-appropriate books to families as they visit their favorite animals.
Around the zoo guests can try a slew of frightfully delightful food offerings.
At Impala Café, pick up a pumpkin or cinnamon bun latte.
At Backyard Kitchen, try a Mummy Dog, a hotdog wrapped in puff pastry served with siracha ketchup.
At Scoop Shack, indulge in a pumpkin sundae with pumpkin ice cream, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce and chocolate chips.
Plus, stop at Eat Drink Taco for a classic dirt cup with chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos and gummy worms.
