ADVANCE, TIMED TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ALL SEVEN NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN FUN – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will feel the Halloween spirit when little ghouls and goblins attend Boo at the Zoo, starting Fri., Oct. 20, 2023. This decades-long Colorado Springs Halloween tradition is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat, enjoy Halloween festivities in a unique environment and support a great cause.
Boo at the Zoo is Oct. 20-22 and 27-29, plus Halloween night, Tues., Oct. 31 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Advance timed e-tickets are required and available at cmzoo.org/boo. Capacity is limited and some nights are close to selling out.
In addition to visiting select animal exhibits and trick-or-treating, frightfully fun attractions include a lighted pumpkin patch, a kid-friendly spooky haunted house, Ghoulish Graveyard and Pirates Cove. Attendees can also enjoy rides on the Mountaineer Sky Ride, weather permitting.
An elephant-sized amount of candy (4.5 tons) will be handed out at 25+ trick-or-treat stations throughout the Zoo. Candy is purchased from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and have committed to using sustainable palm oil for the protection of orangutan habitats in the wild.
Orangutan fans can support companies that have committed to using responsibly sourced palm oil by downloading the free mobile app, PalmOil Scan. The mobile app allows shoppers to scan product barcodes and see immediately how that company ranks in prioritizing sustainable palm oil. Learn more at cmzoo.org/palmoil.
The Zoo will close for daytime admission on Boo nights at 3 p.m. Boo at the Zoo will go on, rain, snow or shine. Be sure to bundle up on cold nights and enjoy a Colorado evening on the mountain!
- HALLOWEEN-THEMED ANIMAL ENRICHMENT AND DEMONSTRATIONS:
Fri., Oct. 20 and Fri., Oct. 27:
5 p.m. – Elephant Pumpkin Enrichment (inside elephant barn, Encounter Africa)
6:30 p.m. – African Lion Enrichment (Lion Relaxation Room, African Rift Valley) - Sat., Oct 21 and Sat., Oct. 28:
5 p.m. – Meerkat Enrichment (meerkat yard near African lions, African Rift Valley)
6:30 p.m. – Hippo Keeper Talk and Feeding (inside hippo building, Water’s Edge: Africa) - Sun., Oct. 22 and Sun., Oct. 29:
5 p.m. – African Lion Enrichment (Lion Relaxation Room, African Rift Valley)
6:30 p.m. – Wallaby Pumpkin Enrichment (inside wallaby building, Australia Walkabout) - Tues., Oct. 31 – HALLOWEEN:
5 p.m. – Elephant Pumpkin Enrichment (inside elephant barn, Encounter Africa)
6:30 p.m. – Meerkat Enrichment (meerkat yard near African lions, African Rift Valley)
SELECT ANIMAL EXHIBITS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING:
– Giraffe building
– African lions
– Budgie Buddies
– Wallaby building
– Encounter Africa elephant/rhino barn
– Domestic Goat Experience
– My Big Backyard
– The Loft
– Scutes Family Gallery
– Water’s Edge: Africa
RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING BOO AT THE ZOO:
– Grizzly Grill
– Pizza with a View
– Elson’s Place
– Cozy Goat (beverages only)
– Thundergod Gift Shop
COSTUME REQUIREMENTS:
For the safety of all guests, full-face costume masks and costume weapons may not be worn by guests 12 years of age or older. Masks worn by guests 11 years of age and younger must have openings that allow the eyes to be seen and that do not obstruct peripheral vision. Balloons are not allowed inside the Zoo (even as part of a costume) for the safety of our animals and wild animals.
TRICK-OR-TREAT BAGS:
Support the Zoo’s efforts to reduce waste by bringing your own trick-or-treat bags! Reusable bags will be available for purchase for $2 at admissions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers are crucial to the success and safety of Boo at the Zoo. Positions include handing out or delivering candy, directing traffic and staffing the haunted house. All volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Volunteers ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or school advisor at all times. We will not assign specific positions until the evening of the event. Curious about volunteering for Boo at the Zoo? Visit cmzoo.org/boo.
FAST FACTS:
Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dates: Oct. 20-22, 27-29 and 31
4 to 8:30 p.m.
Advance timed e-tickets are required.
www.cmzoo.org/boo
Boo at the Zoo is possible thanks to our generous partners, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Les Schwab Tire Centers, NAVY FEDERAL Credit Union and Toyota.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2023, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by
USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $4.5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 238 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and
donations for funding.