NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF SOUTH AFRICA
23 October 2012
National Zoo to host ghoulish weekend of Halloween festivities
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa will be hosting a Halloween weekend
on 3 and 4 November 2012. The mini-festival will feature a traditional ghost house,
family activities and some interaction with animal critters.
The zoo's first Halloween weekend attracted record numbers last year.
"It's all about fun, with an educational edge" says National Zoo Business
Development Manager, Craig Allenby. "Halloween is an excuse to get out the
pumpkins, brave the ghost house and learn about some of the scarier species in the
natural kingdom."
He further notes that the zoo's commitment to upgrade and improve its animal
habitats over the past two years has dramatically enhanced the visitor experience.
"The developments of the Zoo Loop trail, refurbished and new enclosures, as well as
larger picnic and leisure facilities is creating a fantastic environment for family fun",
says Allenby.
Boo at the Zoo takes place on Saturday, 3 November and Sunday, 4 November 2012
at the National Zoo in Pretoria. Entrance fees are R60.00 per adult and R40.00 per
child and all additional attractions related to the Boo at the Zoo event are free of
charge to visitors.
Halloween trivia
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The Jack-'o-Lantern, or carved pumpkin, is thought to have been brought to
North America by Irish settlers. The pumpkins were traditionally carved and
had a candle placed inside. The pumpkin was then placed in the house's
window in the belief that the shining pumpkin would ward off any evil spirits.
The very first Jack-o'-Lantern was made out of hollowed-out turnips.
The word "Halloween" is a contraction of the original festival name of All
Hallow's Eve - a ceremony believed to have originated from harvest festivals
and festivals of the dead.
Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in the world, dating back more
than 2000 years to the time of the Celts in Britain.
See our exciting Boo in the Zoo Halloween festival programme below:
Programme:
Saturday, 3 November 2012
All day
09:00
exhibit
10:30
11:00-15:00
12:00
12:00-15:00
13:30
Farmyard
Best Dressed Competition all around the Zoo
Slimy Feast (komodo dragon feeding) at the Dragons & Monsters
Giant Monster Smash (elephant feeding) at the elephant enclosure
Ghost House at the VIP room restaurant
Water Monster Fun! Seal demonstration at the seal enclosure
Become a Monster! Face painters at the cafeteria
Domestic Animal Demons - Farmyard Children's Fun at the Zoo
Sunday, 4 November 2012
All day
09:00
exhibit
10:30
11:00-15:00
12:00
12:00-15:00
14:30
Best Dressed Competition all around the Zoo
Slimy Feast (Komodo Dragon feeding) at the Dragons & Monsters
Giant Monster Smash (elephant feeding) at the elephant enclosure
Ghost House at the VIP room restaurant
Water Monster Fun! Seal demonstration at the seal enclosure
Become a Monster! Face painters at the cafeteria
Creepy Carnivores - Lion or tiger feeding at the lion or tiger enclosure
For further information, please contact Craig Allenby on [email protected] or +27 12
339 2770.
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