“BOO at the L.A. Zoo!”

-Photo by Terry Miller

Trick-or-treating, jack-o-lantern-carving demonstrations, strolling “pirate,” “princess” and “vampire” characters, entertainment and up-close encounters with “crawly” insects and reptiles are just some of the Halloween family adventures for visitors at “BOO at the L.A. Zoo” on Saturday, October 18; Sunday, October 19; Saturday, October 25; and Sunday, October 26, 10 am to 4 pm, at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Sponsored proudly by 99 Cents Only Stores, the two “spooky and safe” weekends also include the opportunity to see special feedings for gorillas, elephants, orangutans, giant otters and other Zoo residents as they enjoy pumpkins filled with treats to eat and play with; spider-themed crafts such as make-your-own paper headbands and pipe-cleaner rings; strolling magicians and jugglers; and a live karaoke band that invites Zoo youngsters to perform favorite songs. Other fun ranges from a Pumpkin Patch photo op and a “scarecrow” stilt walker to a live “Campfire Cathy” interactive, musical show starring Zoo guests who become lions, tigers and bears before audiences’ very eyes. “Scariest” of all, perhaps, are special touch-if-you-dare Creepy Cauldrons filled with “worms, “maggots,” the Frankenstein monster’s “brain” and “zombie eyeballs.” All activities are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $19 for ages 13 to 61; $16 for seniors (ages 62+) and $14 for children ages 2 to 12. No ticket is required for children under 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.
“BOO at the L.A. Zoo” is presented by the landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which draws 1.6 million visitors each year and is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered. Its lush grounds on 113 acres feature a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. Among its most popular habitats are the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), Elephants of Asia, Campo Gorilla Reserve and Rainforest of the Americas. The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 65,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children. As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles. The Zoo’s location in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways ideally positions it as a convenient destination enjoyed by locals and vacationers of all ages who can visit every day of the year except Christmas Day.
“BOO at the L.A. Zoo” activities are free with paid Zoo admission. Zoo admission is $19 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $16 for seniors (ages 62+), and $14 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under 2. Zoo admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free parking is available every day, and Preferred Parking ($6) is offered most weekends and holidays. For additional information, contact (323) 644-6042 or visit www.lazoo.org

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