Staff Report

Although the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual Halloween event Boo at the Zoo is canceled this year due to COVID-19, guests can still get into the spirit with Spooky Zoo, an outdoor Halloween spell-ebration, Oct. 16–31.

Guests are encouraged to wear their costumes and experience Spooky Zoo during the two-week period. Families can discover frightfully fun decor and themed photo-ops while visiting their favorite animals. Tasty treats and boo-zy adult beverages will be available for purchase.

Spooky Zoo is free with zoo admission or membership; online reservations are required. To make reservations for Spooky Zoo, visit https://reservations.sbzoo.org/Info.aspx?EventID=3.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face coverings that cover the nose and mouth must be worn by all guests over the age of 2 while in the zoo; no costume head or face masks are permitted. Costumes should be child-friendly — no gore or realistic weapons.

The zoo will be open for regular operating hours in line with the modified COVID-19 safety measures, including limited capacity.

Spooky Zoo is sponsored by Cottage Urgent Care, California State University Channel Islands, Montecito Bank & Trust, Northern Trust and Community West Bank. The zoo is seeking additional sponsorships to help recover from financial hardships due to the COVID-19 closure earlier this year.

For more about sponsorships, contact Lauren Winnewisser by emailing to donate@sbzoo.org. For more about the Santa Barbara Zoo, visit sbzoo.org.