I have always associated October with fun at the Zoo. When I was little my family lived in Columbus. This meant that as Halloween drew nearer each October, I would wait in anticipation for Boo at the Zoo. The annual event held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was always exciting. Where else could you dress up, get candy and see animals all at the same time?
Boo at the Cleveland Zoo
Today nearly every zoo does something to celebrate Halloween in a kid-friendly way. Not only is this event fun for children, the adults have a good time too. It is also a great way to showcase the zoo. Families that have never visited the zoo before can get a first-hand look at all it has to offer.
Boo at the Akron Zoo
A few years ago I was an intern at the Akron Zoo. While I was there I was able to help out with the organization and execution of their Boo at the Zoo event.
In order to put together a successful event, it requires a lot of teamwork, organization and creativity. Candy had to be purchased and organized, decorations had to be set up and the Communications Department had to get the word out to the community.
Boo at the Zoo usually takes place the last two or three weekends of October. At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Akron Zoo, the zoos close to the general public a little early in order to get ready for the evening event. Due to the popularity of the event, tickets are sold in advance and many times sell out. At the Toledo Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, and Columbus Zoo, Boo at the Zoo runs all day and is part of regular admission.
Most zoos have fun decorating for Halloween. At the Akron Zoo, different parts of the park have different themes. Some of these include a pirate grotto, the old west and under the sea. There are twelve themed stations in all around the park.
Dinosaurs! is part of Cleveland's Boo at the Zoo
Other zoos have special features as well. At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo they have extended their popular Dinosaurs! exhibit through Boo at the Zoo. However, visitors do have the option to skip the exhibit if it is too scary for younger trick-or-treaters.
Watch the video below to see how Cincinnati Zoo keepers entertain visitors and animals by giving the animals pumpkins filled with treats. It is enrichment with a holiday flair.
The Wild Side of PR 