Fright-filled evening at the zoo

In the dark of night, ghosts and fairies walk; there is witches’ brew and a shocking operation – it’s Howl’oween at the Joburg Zoo.
EXPECT scary faces, flying witches and blood thirsty vampires at the zoo’s annual Howl’oween fright night on Saturday, 29 October.

Several spooky activities have been lined up from 6pm to 9pm to celebrate Halloween. Staff members will be dressed to scare, and visitors are urged to get into the swing of things and wear Halloween costumes.

Among other activities, there will be a tour of the zoo’s most creepy locations to get the adrenalin flowing.

Letta Madlala, the zoo’s brand and communication manager, says the first stop will be Dr Evil’s Theatre for a shocking operation. Watch out for the rattle of skeletons.

The next destination will be the haunted forest, but only the brave are advised to enter. Should you survive the forest, she says, you will get to meet the zoo fairies. Look out for dancing hippos and giraffes.

Meet the entire family at the devil snake pit for a live snake demonstration. Or try the spooky ghost house, home of the zoo’s phantom. Or feel the spirits of the lions, tigers and hyenas in the old carnivore enclosure. But first, you will have to drink the witches brew.

When all the scares are overcome, the journey will end at the Fun Factory, with jumping castles and animal characters. Ecosolutions, which sells bat and owl boxes, will be on hand to tell visitors how to attract the creatures of the night to their own homes.

Madlala encourages the public to dress up and spend the evening at the zoo. And don’t forget a picnic basket so you can eat your dinner under the stars.

Normal entry fees will apply: adults pay R55; pensioners and children under the age of 12 pay R34.