News Release

Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org

September 16, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brookfield Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo Features Sweet Treats and Halloween Fun for the Entire Family

Brookfield, Ill – During three weekends this October, little ghosts and goblins of all ages can have a howling good time at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo, a family-friendly Halloween event presented by Ferrara. On Saturdays and Sundays, October 12-27, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can enjoy pumpkin carving demonstrations, animal Zoo Chats, and more hair-raisingly fun activities.  

Starting at 10:00 a.m., trick-or-treaters can bring their own bags to five different candy stations throughout the zoo, stocked with Ferrara classics like SweeTARTS, Lemonheads, Black Forest Gummy Bears, Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, and more. (Treats are provided while supplies last!) While making their way to all the candy stations, zoogoers can also take a spin on the Creepy Carousel, go on a haunted hayride, or find their way through the “Crazed Maize” Corn Maze.  

Pumpkin-themed activities take place for guests and animals alike. Every hour on the hour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., zoogoers can watch and cheer on the Pumpkin Smasher as he pulverizes and smashes pumpkins on the zoo’s West Mall. Over the three weekends, several of the animals will be treated to pumpkins as part of the zoo’s enrichment program. And, those looking to brush up on their pumpkin carving skills can watch a professional pumpkin carver work his magic on 1,000-pound pumpkins each weekend.  

Throughout the celebration, animal care staff will share fun facts about the zoo’s creepiest critters. Spiders, bats, snakes, other creatures that go bump in the night take center stage during special Zoo Chats scheduled throughout the day. The informal talks provide an opportunity for guests to learn about the animals’ habitats, diets, and conservation messages. 

Guests of all ages are invited to show off their best Halloween attire in the Costume Parade, which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. in front of Discovery Center. A DJ will entertain youngsters throughout the day on the West Mall with music, games, contests, and a 1:30 p.m. Costume Dance Party, where zoogoers can show off their ghoulish moves.

General zoo admission is $21.95 for adults and $15.95 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $14. (Additional fees apply to some Boo! at the Zoo activities.) For further information, visit CZS.org/Boo or call (708) 688-8000.

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About the Chicago Zoological Society

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities 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. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.
 

About Ferrara 

Ferrara, a company related to The Ferrero Group, is an emerging powerhouse in the North American confections and sweet snacking categories. A passionate team of nearly 6,000 employees work together to share delight in every bite through leading brands that have shaped the industry for more than 100 years. Our diverse portfolio of nearly 35 brands includes SweeTARTS®, Trolli®, Brach’s®, Black Forest® and NERDS®, along with iconic favorites like Lemonhead®, Red Hots® and Now and Later®. Ferrara also manages the Keebler® and Famous Amos® businesses for The Ferrero Group.  Headquartered in Chicago, Ferrara has an operational network of 20 locations in North America that includes manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities. Learn more at ferrarausa.com.

Photo Captions—credit Chicago Zoological Society

2816 and 2830: Youngsters can bring their trick-or-treat bags to Brookfield Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo Halloween celebration. The event, presented by Ferrara, features five different candy stations stocked with classics like SweeTARTS, Lemonheads, Black Forest Gummy Bears, and more.

3452: Guests can dress up in their favorite Halloween attire and show it off in Brookfield Zoo’s Costume Parade during its annual Boo! at the Zoo.

9402: During Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo, guests can go on a not-so-scary haunted hayride.

0226: During Brookfield Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo, several of the animals will be given pumpkins, some with other nutritious treats inside.

7512: Every hour on the hour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., zoogoers can watch and cheer on the Pumpkin Smasher as he pulverizes and smashes pumpkins during Brookfield Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo Halloween celebration.