News Release

September 25, 2015

Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Images of Boo! at the Zoo activities at Brookfield Zoo are below

Brookfield Zoo’s Annual Boo! at the Zoo Offers Halloween Fun for Families 

            Brookfield, Ill. — Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo Halloween celebration returns with not-so-scary and fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy on October 17-18 and October 24-25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

During Boo! at the Zoo, presented by Bright StartSM College Savings, zoogoers can get into the Halloween spirit by learning about creepy crawlers like scorpions, giant spiders, and snakes. Each day during Boo! at the Zoo, special chats led by animal care staff will highlight interesting facts about these animals and more. Guests can head over to Australia House at 11:30 a.m. for a chat about bats, then wander over to Regenstein Wolf Woods to learn about the Mexican gray wolves at noon. At Hamill Family Play Zoo, there will be a chat about spiders at 12:30 p.m., followed by a chat about owls at 1:00 p.m. Across the way at The Swamp, there will be a chat about scorpions at 2:00 p.m. Families can slither over to Feathers and Scales for a snake chat at 2:30 p.m. Finally, back at Hamill Family Play Zoo, guests can meet the zoo’s ravens at 3:00 p.m.

Some animals will join in the fun when they receive Halloween treats at 11:00 a.m. Animals receiving pumpkins are rhinos on October 17; orangutans on October 18; sloth, grizzly, and polar bears on October 24; and lions on October 25.

On the zoo’s West Mall, guests can watch the Pumpkin Smasher demolish pumpkins into tiny pieces every hour. Professional pumpkin carver Steve Dahlke will be on hand and will use a variety of tools to create masterpieces out of gigantic 1,000-pound pumpkins. Zoogoers can pick up carving tips and tricks during his demonstrations and can even carve their own pumpkins to take home.

Ghosts and goblins of all ages can join in the popular costume parade, which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. by the North Mall and goes around Roosevelt Fountain before concluding on the West Mall. Following the parade, guests can show off their Halloween attire in a costume contest beginning at 1:30 p.m. Judges will choose prize winners in four categories: scariest, best animal theme, most original, and best group theme.

Don’t want the fun to stop? Keep the good times rollin’ with a ride on the Haunted Hayride and a trek through the Craized Maize corn maze. The whole family can enjoy a spin on the Creepy Carousel, build a scarecrow at Hamill Family Play Zoo, and snap photos together at pumpkin patches throughout the park. In addition, guests can purchase and enjoy some fall treats: pumpkin soup and freshly baked cupcakes with Halloween-themed decorations.
General zoo admission is $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 3-11 and seniors age 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $10. For further information, visit www.CZS.org/events or call (708) 688-8000.
 
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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, visit www.CZS.org.

Photos
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MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Director of Public Relations
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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