The Gladys Porter Zoo’s 31st annual Boo at the Zoo returns as an in-person event this year to the delight of all the little ghost, goblins, princesses, and zoo staff.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted zoo officials to cancel the event in 2020 and to offer the Thrills and Chills train tour in 2021, where those attending were given train rides in the zoo.
“Our deputy director said that some people still showed up at the gate in (2020) hoping that Boo at the Zoo was going to happen,” said Cynthia Garza-Galvan, director of marketing for the Gladys Porter Zoo. “It was kind of sad not to do if for the general public, but we just couldn’t do it safely.”
Fast forward to Boo at the Zoo 2022, Garza-Galvan said there has been a great response from the public with about 1,200 tickets already purchased online.
Boo at the Zoo will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the zoo at 500 E. Ringgold St.
From Thursday to Saturday, tickets can be purchased online for $2.50 per person. Tickets purchased on the days of Boo at the Zoo will be $3.50 per person. Zoo members with a zoo membership card get in free to the event.
Zoo members will be able to enter Boo at the Zoo at 5 p.m. both days.
“We are selling tickets online and people are snatching them up at that presale price,” Garza-Galvan said. “This time, really in advance, they have been getting their tickets. I think it is going to be a good turnout.”
At this year’s Boo at the Zoo, children and their parents will get to walk around various designated areas where they will be treated to free treats. They will also have the chance to play several games such as a fan favorite, the cake walk, at the event by purchasing tickets for the games and for food at the event.
The mermaids will also be swimming in the deep-water exhibit.
Officials anticipate a minimum of 12,000 people will attend the event with people coming down from the Upper Valley. Those attending are urged to arrive early to find parking, to carpool or have someone drop them off and then picked up.
Parking will be available in the Mitte Cultural District and in the parking lot across the street from the federal courthouse.
“I am super excited,” that we are bringing it back, Garza-Galvan said, “and I know that the public of well has been clamoring…they are ready to go back out trick-or-treating and have their normal Halloween.”
One thing that will be different at this year’s event will be that zoo officials are extending the area where Boo at the Zoo is held to provide more space for those attending.
Everyone attending Boo at the Zoo is encouraged to wear costumes but are reminded that is a kid friendly event and to not wear costume that will spook the small children.
Most of the zoo animals will be placed inside their night exhibits so the public won’t be able to see them, Garza-Galvan said, because some of the animals are sensitive to noise. The nighttime Gorilla exhibit will also be closed because the masks scare the primates.
“By the time they (the public) get her at 6 the animals have been put away,” Garza-Galvan said.
For more information, contact the Gladys Porter Zoo at (956) 546-7187.
