News Release

September 16, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: Images of Creatures of the Night at Brookfield Zoo may be downloaded at http://czs.org/pressroom

Thrills, Chills, and a Frightfully Fun Time Awaits Guests at Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night
New Halloween Evening Event for Spirits of all Ages

      Brookfield, IL—This Halloween season, venture to Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night, nine haunting evenings of ghoulish fun featuring two attractions for all levels of bravery. Geared toward tweens and teens as well as families, the frightfully fun event takes place on Fridays-Sundays, October 15-17, 22-24, and 29-31, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Those daring enough can take their chances on “The Trail of Terror,” a winding pathway that will take guests through the woods, where a ghastly tale unfolds in a dozen hideous scenes featuring monsters and gruesome-looking mutations. Along the trail, suspenseful surprises and utter mayhem unfolds as zoogoers will be intruded upon by grotesque creatures of the night, all spawned from a make-believe virulent pathogen that was released into the atmosphere.

On “The Haunted Tram” a dense fog will envelope as unsuspecting passengers begin their adventure along a darkened trail where they will encounter scary and chilling tales of gory scenes with monsters, goblins, and other possessed beasts that come out when least expected.

For families with younger children and the faint of heart, the zoo’s Pavilions will feature not-so-scary activities. The Pavilions will be rocking all night long with the Monster Mash Dance Party led by a DJ who will be playing a variety of Halloween-themed music throughout each evening. Kids can bounce around to their hearts content in the Ghost Ship Galleon Jumpee and enjoy the antics of stilt walkers and jugglers. In addition, there will be pumpkin carving and cookie decorating. Guests can also take a spin on The Carousel or try to find their way through a 7,000-square-foot corn maze, which will be located on the East Mall.

In Hamill Family Play Zoo, youngsters can participate in Halloween-themed craft activities and games that include creating paper bats and even a glowing work of art (while supplies last)! In the Play Zoo’s backyard area, staff will lead a nightly scavenger hunt.

Additionally, zoogoers can encounter some more familiar creatures of the night in The Swamp and Australia House, from toothy alligators and slithering snakes to Rodrigues fruit bats with a 3-foot wingspan and an Argus monitor lizard. (Indoor animal buildings close at 9:30 p.m.) During Creatures of the Night, several of the zoo’s restaurants and gift shops will also be open.

Guests should park in Brookfield Zoo’s main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Activities are free (with the exception of cookie decorating, pumpkin carving, and The Carousel) with paid admission of $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. (Brookfield Zoo members pay half price.) Children 2 and under are free. Parking is free after 6:00 p.m. Those wishing to enjoy the whole park before the evening Halloween event may purchase tickets that include general admission to the zoo plus Creatures of the Night. The cost for a combo ticket is $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. (The combo ticket does not include parking, which is $9.)

Creatures of the Night is sponsored by American Airlines. For further information, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

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.

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