Zoos, Communities Host Boo at the Zoo Events

Halloween-themed community events — many billed as "Boo at the Zoo" — drew costumed families for trick-or-treating, costume contests, educational activities and animal encounters across the U.S. and in Dublin. Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C., added private Haunted Hideaway Igloos and said planning begins months in advance, including stringing more than 13 miles of lights while prioritizing animal care. A Texas zoo reported a record turnout of over 1,000 visitors with 16 trick-or-treat booths, while Zoo Boise, Caldwell and the Zoo in Forest Park also staged busy family-friendly celebrations. Henry Vilas Zoo combined conservation education with Day-of-the-Dead marigold crafts and milkweed seed giveaways and relied on dozens of volunteers, while Albuquerque’s BioPark used its Boo at the Zoo as a fundraiser with themed crafts and games. Elsewhere, Colorado Springs’ May Museum hosted a "BOOO with the Bugs" night showcasing its insect collection, and Dublin’s Dogs Aid Spooktacular paired costumed dogs with a volunteer plea to microchip pets before Halloween.