Halloween is a hoot at the Virginia Zoo

NORFOLK, VA - Visit the Virginia Zoo this October to enjoy Halloween fun with your favorite zoo animals at their family-friendly event, ZooBoo; 21+ only event, Adult Night: ZooBoo Edition; and dog-friendly event, Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo!

ZooBoo is the pick of the patch Halloween event you won't want to miss. Hosted on Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event provides eerie-sistible fun for guests of all ages. Watch animals enjoy their pumpkin enrichment, trick-or-treat with incredible local vendors, meet Animal Ambassadors, compete in costume contests to win fa-boo-lous prizes, meet unforgettable characters, and more! Make sure to bring your own reusable treat bag or bucket to support the Zoo's sustainability initiatives.

Advanced tickets for ZooBoo are highly recommended, but timed reservations are not required this year. Virginia Zoo member adult (18+) tickets cost $16 and member child (2-17) tickets cost $13. Non-member adult (12+) tickets cost $35 and non-member child (2-11) tickets cost $29. Children under 2 enter free of charge, but a ticket reservation is required. Learn more and purchase your ZooBoo tickets today at https://virginiazoo.org/event/zooboo/.

The Zoo is also still seeking for local vendors to hand out trick-or-treat candy during ZooBoo. Organizations are given booth space at the event to share information and engage in community outreach. Interested vendors should fill out this form on the Zoo's website by Wednesday, October 8th: https://virginiazoo.org/zooboo-vendor-application/. There are also volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups with applications due by October 13: https://virginiazoo.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

Adult Night: ZooBoo Edition is for adults ages 21+ who were bone to be wild! On Friday, October 24th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests can see our creepy-cool creatures in the World of Reptiles after dark, encounter mystery Animal Ambassadors around the Zoo, catch a glimpse into their future with tarot readings included in the cost of their ticket, enter costume contests to win scary good prizes, and more. There will also be a spooky vendor market and themed specialty cocktails available for an additional cost. Virginia Zoo member tickets cost $13 and non-member tickets cost $28. Learn more and purchase your Adult Night: ZooBoo Edition tickets today at https://virginiazoo.org/event/adult-night-zooboo-edition/.

For the first time ever, the Zoo is also hosting Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo on Thursday, October 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This new event is your chance to dress up your pup in their best Halloween costume for the chance to win pawsome prizes and have a ball while exploring

the Zoo. To ensure this event is safe for everyone, all dogs must be well-trained and vaccinated. Dogs behaving in an unruly or aggressive manner (i.e. excessive barking, growling, lunging, biting, etc.) will be required to leave without a refund. Ticket registration is required by October 16 at the latest to allow staff to review your dog's veterinary records. The bonus of this event? It provides exciting enrichment for both your canine friends and the animals who call the Zoo home!

Dog tickets cost $18. Virginia Zoo member adult (18+) and member child (2-17) tickets cost $8. Non-member adult (12+) tickets cost $18 and non-member child (2-11) tickets cost $13. Children under 2 can enjoy the event for free, but a ticket reservation is required. Learn more and purchase your Howl-o-ween tickets today at https://virginiazoo.org/event/dog-days-2/.

All events will be hosted rain or shine. Advanced tickets are required for entry.

Special thanks to ZooBoo sponsors, Green Clean Express Auto Wash, and PRA Group. About the Virginia Zoo The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 150 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and welfare. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families, and school children with the natural world and its wildlife. The Virginia Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last admission at 3 p.m. For admission prices and to learn more, visit virginiazoo.org.