Baby Boo at the Zoo is back featuring a parade, animal encounters and costume contests!

A sure sign that Fall has arrived is that the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society is busy preparing for its annual BOO at the Zoo, which promises “spooktacular” fun for the whole family. A fall tradition for local families, one aspect of the event that will be different this year is that it will be held during the day as the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is still at a critical level in the New Bedford area. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and concern for the well-being of all Zoo visitors, volunteers and staff members. Sponsored by Bristol County Savings Bank, BOO at the Zoo will start on Saturday and Sunday, October 12th & 13th during the daylight hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and then continues the weekends of the 19th & 20th and 26th &27th.

“Making changes to a well-established event like BOO at the Zoo is never an easy decision,” said Sarah Henry, Development and Marketing Officer at the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society. “We want to be true to what our guests have come to expect of this annual event but we are also excited to be able to add activities that are best experienced with daylight. This allows us to create opportunities for some of our Zoo residents to get in on the Halloween fun as well.” Henry added that all proceeds from BOO at the Zoo support the Zoo’s educational and family programs.

Dress the kids in their favorite costume and explore 10 trick or treat stations, Halloween-themed animal enrichment, up close personal encounters with the zoo’s animal ambassadors and fall themed crafts and activities for children of all ages. Families are encouraged to bring their own “trick or treat” bags.

Also back for another year is Baby BOO at the Zoo, which will take place on Thursday, October 31st from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The daytime event is geared toward the littlest ghosts and goblins with a popular Halloween parade which weaves through the Zoo. Contests for Cutest Costume, Best Animal Costume, Best Parent-Child Costume and Most Creative Costume will also be featured.
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The Zoo is once again anticipating a high level of volunteer engagement by Bank employees, students and community groups. “We are sponsoring BOO at the Zoo for an eleventh straight year so I know I speak for our entire team of volunteers when I say we’re proud to be part of this fun Halloween tradition for local families, especially knowing the proceeds go a long way towards supporting the zoo’s annual education programs,” said Patrick Murray, President & CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank.

Admission to BOO at the Zoo is as follows: Members: $12 for adults and $8 for children; Non-members: $18 adults and $14 children; and under age two is FREE. As a token of appreciation, all Zoo members who purchase tickets to BOO at the Zoo will be granted complimentary admission to all other weekend BOO (Baby BOO excluded) activities for the remainder of October. 

Buy once and enjoy up to six BOO at the Zoo days! For Baby BOO at the Zoo, admission is: Members: $10 for adults and $5 for children; Non-members: $15 adults and $10 children; and under age two is FREE. Buy a Bat Pass, a single-use, non-refundable ticket that can be used for any day of BOO at the Zoo in advance and enjoy separate gate access that offers direct entry to the event.

Advance tickets can be purchased by visiting www.bpzoo.org or by stopping into the North Woods Gift Store. Attendees must print out their ticket or show their e-ticket on their smartphone for access. For more information, visit www.bpzoo.org or call (508) 991-4556 Ext. 118. Buttonwood Park Zoo is located at 425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.