News and Stories

So much fun, it’s scary!

CINCINNATI, OH (October 14, 2021) – The Cincinnati Zoo & BOO-tanical Garden’s family-friendly HallZOOween, presented by T-Mobile, kicks off this weekend! Enjoy treat stations, photo opportunities, and festive fun from noon – 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October.

“We’re happy to be able to bring the treat stations back this year,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s special events manager, Kim Denzler. “It’s just more fun when kids get to walk around the Zoo and experience the “trick-or-treat” moment.  We are asking people to bring their own bags for treat collection. There won’t be any tricks!”

New this year! Two tablet-sized T-Mobile phones, painted pink and made of paper mache, will be hidden in the Zoo each day of HallZOOween! The finders will win a family membership to the Cincinnati Zoo!

Other HallZOOween activities include train rides on the Hogwart’s Express, festive fall-themed foods, and fun photo stations throughout the Zoo.  Animals will receive pumpkin enrichment, thanks to Pumpkin Pandemonium sponsor Frisch’s, throughout the day (pumpkin schedule). Catch Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion Shows at 1pm & 3pm in the Zoo’s amphitheater.

Costumes are encouraged.  Masks, Halloween-themed or not, that adhere to CDC guidelines are required for giraffe and goat feedings.  Click here for costume guidelines.

HallZOOween festivities happen from noon – 5 p.m. on October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31, and is FREE with Zoo Admission.  The Zoo opens at 10 a.m.  Members can enjoy Early Entry at 9 a.m.(through 10/31) and discounts on food and retail.  The Zoo’s fall membership sale started October 1, so this is a great time to join the Zoo family!

Last chance to try Kanga Klimb! The Zoo’s new adventure course closes for the season on October 31.  Plan to spend a little extra time at the Zoo to swing like a monkey or hang like an orang!

Animals like the Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered species due in part to the palm oil industry.  Palm oil is used in many of the foods and products we consume every day from frozen vegetables to shampoo. Oil palm plantations are spreading across Indonesia, which produces 85% of the world’s supply of palm oil, often to the detriment of its rainforests and wildlife. As consumers, we can choose to buy products made with sustainable palm oil as certified by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The Cincinnati Zoo has created a handy shopping guide to help consumers make orangutan-friendly choices.