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CREATURES OF THE NIGHT COME OUT AT TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO

Find Eerie Frights and Creatures at Night During Extended Hours in October

By Lowry Park Zoo October 14, 2016
As fall draws near, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will transform into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure for the whole family with the all-new Creatures of the Night. On Fridays and Saturdays from October 7-29, the Zoo stays open late and animals lurk in the night until 10 p.m. with a wide-range of Halloween-themed activities sure to have guests of all ages howling at the moon. Event admission is included with a one-day ticket on event dates (valid for full day 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.) or guests can purchase a discounted “after 4 p.m.” ticket for only $19.95. Creatures of the Night is free for Annual Zoo Members and “pay for a day, come back all year” ticket holders.

“Our seasonal event series offers Zoo guests new and engaging encounters throughout the year, and new ways to make unforgettable connections,” said CEO Joe Couceiro.  This October, Creatures of the Night will provide eerie frights for the whole family with a wide-range of Halloween experiences designed for youngsters to early teens, and adults too. There is no telling what peculiar encounters you will find in the Zoo after dark as you are surrounded with startling surprises and wildlife all around.”

As the sun goes down, guests can get a glimpse into the nighttime habits of animal residents and discover which nocturnal creatures are most active. New this year, animals have been carefully and safely acclimated so that habitats in the Asian and African realms of the zoo, along with Primate World, are illuminated for night viewing.
Creatures and characters of a different variety emerge at dusk with spooky surprises around every corner. Howl and hangout in Wolf Haven village, home to where the werewolves roam. Slither through a swamp and creep past the carousel to explore a ghostly graveyard. Wander through the critter canal inspired by creatures that creep, crawl and swoop. Encounter an Egyptian tomb and mingle with mummies, or party the night away at a ghoulish dance party. 

There’s a special sanctuary set aside for little “boos” and “ghouls” when Wallaroo Station transforms into a festive fall harvest complete with pumpkin patch, scarecrows and friendly farm animals. Up-close animal interactions and fun fall photo opportunities will be abundant.

Specialty dining will also be available featuring seasonal flavors and a variety of refreshments including beer, wine, frozen drinks and Coca-Cola products. The Zoo’s new Beer & Wine Garden provides an entertaining retreat for older goblins from the Halloween hoopla.

This all-new Halloween experience includes heavily themed areas with extensive decorations, lights, fog, mysterious music and sound effects. A colorful cast of theatrical character actors and performers will mingle with guests and provide atmospheric entertainment. The event has no horror or gore, just spooks and startles for one and all.

Creatures of the Night is every Friday and Saturday evening, October 7-29, until 10 p.m. A variety of event admission options are available online or at the Zoo’s front gate:
  • Free and unlimited entry for Annual Zoo Members;
  • Free and unlimited entry for “pay for a day, come back all year” ticket holders;
  • Purchase a one-day ticket on an event dates (valid for full day including event);
  • Purchase a special “after 4 pm” ticket on event days for $19.95 (ages 3 and up).
Children (11 and under) are invited to arrive in their most spooktacular attire. For the comfort and safety of all guests, adults (ages 12 and up) may not wear masks, wigs, face paint or costumes of any kind. Toy weapons are prohibited.

The Zoo gratefully acknowledges beverage partner Fanta for its sponsorship of the event. Following Creatures of the Night, the Zoo will introduce an all-new winter festival known as Christmas in the Wild (select nights November 25-December 31).
 
About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, recreation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is featured among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor (2015). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours for special events. Parking is free. For more, visit www.LowryParkZoo.org or call (813) 935-8552.  Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.