Spooktacular Halloween at Auckland Zoo

16 October 2008

Get set for a frightfully fang-tastic night at Nickelodeon Boo at the Zoo this Halloween.

Creatures great and small are invited to share a night of great non-stop en"terror"tainment at a transformed Auckland Zoo, where bugs and bats rule and guests should expect the unexpected!

Start your frightfully fun adventure as you enter the zoo and make your way around the themed "Boo" stops. There will be treats to collect along the way and surprises around each corner with fairies, stilt walkers, face painters and more. Are you brave enough to make it through the cave of spiders, or take on Spider Island? Will you dare to put your hand in the "crate of terror" or ride through a tiger's mouth?

The Band Rotunda is the place to park your broom for the night and groove to the Boo Band and "The Funky Monkeys" – New Zealand's answer to "The Wiggles". The ghoul times continue with the chance to meet Nickelodeon's SpongeBob "Spooky"Pants, Patrick Star, super fairies Cosmo and Wanda, devilish Dora the Explorer, and master of "scare-a-monies" Glampire the vampire.

Every child over four years old will receive a goody bag packed with loot and grown-ups will receive an eco-bag packed with treats. The eco theme continues with the major prize on the night being awarded to best recycled costume. In addition, proceeds from the sale of ASB Kashin Dollars will go to the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund in aid of endangered native bugs and bats.

"Conservation is at the heart of what we do, so to be able to promote sustainability and assist local conservation projects is a great win-win for us", says Auckland Zoo conservation officer, Peter Fraser.

Tips for making a recycled Halloween costume:

• think about what you have that can be reused, like old clothes
• the home office is a great starting point for shredded paper, cardboard and coloured paper
• the kitchen is a great source of materials such as rubbish bags, milk bottles and egg cartons
• use decorative flowers and fronds from the garden to add colour and texture
• mum's make-up and water-based paints are great for fake tattoos and face paint
• make props like swords and wands from scrap wood or toilet rolls

Helping to make this fabulous event possible are Nickelodeon, Pascall, SKY TV, Classic Hits, ASB and McDonald's.

• Friday 31 October - 6pm to 9.30pm
• tickets are limited to 4000. Pre purchase to avoid disappointment
• tickets can be purchased from Auckland Zoo phone 09 360 3805 and from Ticketmaster or phone 09 970 9700 (service fee applies)
• adults $22, Children (4-15 years) $22, under four years free. Family passes and concessions available. Rain date is Saturday 1 November
• The Zoo will be cleared at 5.30pm and will reopen at 6pm.