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Date: 10/19/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The Zoo in Forest Park is back with their annual Spooky Safari taking place on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Families can dress in costume and enjoy some friendly Halloween fun complete with a trick-or-treat trail for kids ages 0 to 12 and on-site activities such as crafts, a DJ, face painting, read-alongs and appearances from some special friends. The event will also feature a virtual costume contest and discounts in their gift shop.
“Spooky Safari is a family-friendly Halloween event for all ages,” said Gabry Tyson, development manager of the Zoo in Forest Park. “It caters to both kids and adults, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Spooky Safari has really grown into a beloved event in the community that gives families a chance to do something for Halloween.”
The Zoo in Forest Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, conservation and rehabilitation. They work with wildlife rehabilitators all across the country to provide homes for animals that have been deemed non-releasable to the wild. The Zoo closes for the season at the end of October and the money raised from this event goes towards their winter animal care which includes enrichment activities for the animals, veterinarian services, heat and food.
“Spooky Safari is always special as it’s our last big hurrah before we close our doors for the season.” Executive Director Sarah Tsitso said. “We love this event, welcoming families for a day filled with candy, crafts, entertainment and, of course, quality time with everyone’s favorite animal friends.”
She went on to say, “The 225-plus animals that call our Zoo their home live here year-round, so even when the gates are closed, our staff is here providing high-quality care 365 days a year. Events like Spooky Safari help ensure we have the funds we need in our off-season. We are so grateful to the guests and sponsors who make this event possible.”
This event is rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the event will be on Oct. 30. The cost of tickets for members is $6 for adults, $3 for children and $5 for seniors or military. For non-members the cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and $7 for seniors or military. Children under one year of age who wish to collect goodies along the trick-or-treat trail must have a pre-purchased ticket. Children under one who do not want to participate in the stations are free and do not need a ticket to attend.
“The Zoo in Forest Park has been a member of this community for over 100 years,” Tyson said. “We would not have been able to exist as long as we have without the support of the community. We want to continue being a place where families can make memories and one way we try to do that is by offering fun events like Spooky Safari.”
She continued, “We want to remain a pillar of the community to both continue offering families these fun events and also provide an opportunity to learn about the native wildlife around them.”
Guests can go on their website at www.forestparkzoo.org/spookysafari to learn more about the event and purchase tickets.