Santa Barbara Zoo hosts Spooky Zoo

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara Zoo's annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, has been canceled this year due to COVID-19. 

However, guests can still get into the fall spirit with Spooky Zoo, an outdoor Halloween spell-ebration lasting until October 31. 

“We didn’t want the kids to lose Halloween,” Santa Barbara Zoo guest service manager Melinda Morgan-Stowell said. “Instead, we put together a bunch of sets that we offer as photographic experiences for the families.”

Guests are encouraged to wear their costumes and experience Spooky Zoo any time during the two-week period. 

Families can discover frightfully fun decor and themed photo opportunities while visiting their favorite animals. 

Tasty treats and boo-zy adult beverages will also be available for purchase. 

“We also have a spookgarita and a fuzzy navel drinks that we’re doing,” Santa Barbara Zoo food and beverage manager Mark DiTomassi said. “Then we have yahwi gummy candies that we’re giving away.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face coverings that cover the nose and mouth must be worn by all guests over the age of two.

The Zoo is currently open for regular operating hours with modified COVID-19 safety measures, including limited capacity. 

Although Halloween will be far from normal this year, this event gives everyone the opportunity to continue celebrating safely. 

“It is so much fun to see kids in costumes excited,” Morgan-Stowell concluded.

Spooky Zoo is free with Zoo admission or a Zoo Membership.

To make online reservations, click here.