IT’S ZOO BOO SEASON
Come October, it’s not uncommon to enter the Houston Zoo and see an entire family dressed like “Star Wars” characters, feeding the giraffes or posing for pictures with the flamingos.
It’s all part of the zoo’s annual Zoo Boo tradition, which allows kids, and some adults, to wear costumes to the zoo for trick-or-treating, pumpkinpatch picking and arts and crafts during three weekends. This year, Ninja Turtles and fairies can stay among the animals into the darkness for outdoor Halloween movies. These “Zoovies” take place 5-9 p.m. Friday and Oct. 21, inside the African Forest entrance, where families can participate in carnival games and activities.
Friday’s feature, which starts at 7:15, will be “Hocus Pocus,” the 1993 film starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as witches. Snacks, like popcorn and Halloween sweets, also will be available for purchase. Chairs are provided for viewing, but people are also encouraged to bring blankets.
“It’s a way to celebrate Halloween in a safe, family-friendly environment,” says Lauren St. Pierre, who manages events for the zoo. “And another chance to dress up and show off your pretty princess dress and superhero costume.”
In the past, Zoovie Nights have been featured only in the summer. But these October events dovetail with Zoo Boo, one of the zoo’s most popular annual attractions. The Halloween-themed days take place on Fridays through Sundays through the end of October. Children can paint a miniature pumpkin like a Jack-o-lantern, get temporary Halloween tattoos and walk in the Monster Mashquerade costume parade around the zoo’s reflection pool.
St. Pierre says one of the most popular offerings for both children and adults is the chance to learn the “Thriller” dance.
And, of course, there will be trick-ortreating — while supplies last. Candy offerings are made with sustainable palm oil, which St. Pierre says cuts down on harm to wildlife. Palm oil farming can cause deforestation.
It’s not just about the kids, as animals are fed pumpkins as a special treat on Zoo Boo days. Elephants are known to play with and smash the pumpkins.
A bat-themed maze aims to “highlight some of our not-so-creepy bat friends,” St. Pierre says. The interactive exhibit explains what bats do to help our ecosystem.
Howlerween educates visitors about the rehabilitation of howler monkeys in the wild, and children can earn a Conservation Hero button for participating.
On the Conservation Stage, kids can get up close and personal with snakes and spiders. Special holiday-themed zookeeper chats take place with other animals throughout the facility.
Zoo Boo and Zoovie Nights are free with zoo admission. And while costumes are encouraged at both events, toy weapons should be left at home.