News Release

September 17, 2010
Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Images of Boo! at the Zoo activities at Brookfield Zoo may be downloaded at http://www.czs.org/pressroom


Frightful Fun Awaits at Brookfield Zoo’s Annual Boo! at the Zoo Halloween Celebration

      Brookfield, IL— Costumed guests of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time at Brookfield Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo Halloween celebration on Saturdays and Sundays, October 16-17 and 23-24. The fun-filled event features spooktacular fun for the entire family from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

Guests can get some pumpkin-carving tips from professional carver Steve Dahlke, who will use a variety of tools to create masterpieces out of gigantic pumpkins. During his demonstrations, guests will be able to ask questions and get some carving tips they can try at home.

At 1:00 p.m., the zoo’s popular costumed parade kicks off at the North Gate entrance. Joining in the parade on October 17 will be Lyons Township High School Color Guard and Drum Line, accompanied by authentically costumed Star Wars characters, including Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Jedi, Biker Scouts, Tie Pilots, X-Wing Pilots, and even R2-D2. On October 23, the Palatine Area Community Marching Band will be leading the procession.

Afterwards, guests of all ages are encouraged to flaunt their Halloween attire in the Costume Showcase beginning at 1:30 p.m. on the East Mall. Judges will choose first- and second-place winners in four categories: scariest, best animal theme, most original, and best group theme. All winners must be present and will receive prizes courtesy of Fisher-Price®. All first-place winners are eligible to receive a $100 contribution towards a Bright Start account courtesy of the Bright StartSM College Savings Program. The Bright Start College Savings Program is administered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

A Halloween celebration would not be the same without some creepy critters. Young ghosts and goblins can discover interesting facts about some of the zoo’s animals during special Zoo Chats throughout each weekend. Those who venture to Australia House can hang around for a chat about Rodrigues fruit bats at 11:45 a.m. and Argus monitor lizards at 1:15 p.m. In The Swamp’s classroom, get up close and personal to a black widow spider during chats at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. Then swoop over to the Nature Stage, located just south of The Carousel, and give a hoot for Tex, a great-horned owl, during a 2:00 p.m. Zoo Chat. At 3:30 p.m., guests can slink their way over to The Fragile Kingdom for an informal talk about one of the zoo’s longest animals: a Burmese python. Finally, zoogoers can watch the Mexican gray wolves get a Halloween treat at 3:45 p.m.

In Children’s Zoo until 3:00 p.m., youngsters can participate in not-too-scary activities, including “pin the nose on the cat” and “pin the eye on the owl,” as well as making scarecrows. In addition, the festivities will include appearances by the Teddy Turkey costumed character from the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fisher-Price® will also have a super-sized play area filled with its coolest new toys—perfect for children 6 months to 6 years old. Plus, a Fisher-Price® Power Wheels® driving track will be ready with kid-sized vehicles for little cruisers to take for a whirl.

For further information about Boo! at the Zoo activities, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. Boo! at the Zoo is presented by Fisher-Price®, the Bright StartSM College Savings Program, and American Airlines.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

# # #