This Saturday and Sunday mark the opening of the two-weekend 2015 Boo at the Zoo
The merry-not-scary Boo at the Zoo at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo has become Baton Rouge’s largest trick-or-treat event.
“The best idea to beat some of the crowds is to come early in the day, or on our first weekend. The second weekend is usually [the] busiest,” says Director of Marketing and Development Kaki Heiligenthal. “Another good plan would be to carpool with friends and family.”
During its two-weekend run, Boo at the Zoo draws more than 30,000 visitors. This October event, designed for children ages 12 and younger, gives families the opportunity to see 1,800 awesome animals from around the world and visit 20 trick-or-treat stations, where 900 volunteers distribute 1 million pieces of candy.
On the boardwalk outside the Atchafalaya Basin exhibit, intrepid adventurers can explore the Enchanted Swamp’s haunted habitat (formerly known as the Boo Den). The EdZooCation station at the Amphitheatre offers hands-on animal encounters at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. shows. Between shows, volunteers and zoo educators provide games and other activities.
In addition to those activities (which involve additional nominal fees), there’s a Halloween hay maze, spooky train ride and safari photo booth.
This year’s Boo at the Zoo takes place Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25. Gates are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Zoo grounds close at 5 p.m. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, please visit brzoo.org/booatthezoo or call 775-3877.
Creature feature
If a trip to the zoo inspires your family to seek a furry friend for your home, Companion Animal Alliance has many adorable adoptable animals, including:
Nanook (foster care) is a gorgeous male yellow lab mix puppy.
Bambalam (foster care) is a soft fluffy male Siamese mix kitten. And, yes, he is up for adoption with Black Bette, his littermate.
Pam (#57674) is a spunky, adult female brown tabby.
Buster (foster care) is a young male cocker spaniel mix with a shiny black coat.
Henry (foster care) is a large, easygoing 3- to 5-year-old beagle/shepherd mix. At his foster home, Henry plays with the other pups. He is already house-, kennel- and leashed trained. Henry is very gentle, so he would probably do wonderfully in a home with some two-legged siblings and other dogs.
William (foster care) and his three brothers live in a foster home, where they have constant fun. William loves to wrestle with his brothers and snuggle with his foster mom. When any of the boys are picked up, they purr like motorboats. While they would love to be adopted in pairs, William and his brothers would probably adapt well to just about any environment.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available from Companion Animal Alliance.
“The best idea to beat some of the crowds is to come early in the day, or on our first weekend. The second weekend is usually [the] busiest,” says Director of Marketing and Development Kaki Heiligenthal. “Another good plan would be to carpool with friends and family.”
