FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                  October 9, 2009

CONTACTS:

Candice Rennels:  (405) 425-0298, (405) 412-6172, cell or crennels@okczoo.com

Tara Henson:  (405) 425-0219, (405) 919-9038, cell or thenson@okczoo.com

OKC ZOO TO HOST 26^TH ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO FOR HALLOWEEN

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is counting down the days until the start of the biggest Halloween event in town–Haunt the Zoo for Halloween! Presented by the Children’s Hospital Volunteers and Kohl’s Cares for Kids, the 26^th annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween runs Monday, October 26 through Saturday, October 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly rain or shine.

Haunt the Zoo provides a safe and fun atmosphere for trick-or-treaters. Each night begins with children being greeted by mascot characters in the Zoo’s Global Plaza. Then little ones can venture among the various themed booths and festive props to collect tasty treats from friendly volunteers. Decorations are designed to be “just right without the fright” for younger children. Grounds are patrolled by Zoo personnel, and candy is securely stored and distributed from point of purchase to the children’s treat bags.

Photography professionals from Party Pics will be roaming the Zoo taking digital photos of children in their costumes. All photos will be available on-line for guests to view and purchase. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Zoo.

Admission for Haunt the Zoo is $6 per child for tickets pre-purchased from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. through October 31. Or, $7 per child for tickets purchased during the event. Discount coupons for $1 off event admission are available (while supplies last) at all metro-area Kohl’s stores. Admission includes an official treat bag. Accompanying adults, 18 years of age or older are admitted free. Stroller rental will be available. Haunt the Zoo is a special event that requires separate admission–ZooFriends memberships do not apply.

Event sponsors as of October 7, 2009: Allegiance Credit Union, American Income Life Insurance Company, AT&T Pioneers, OK 1^st Chapter, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, Bank of Oklahoma, Brown’s Bakery, Cher A. Bumps & Associates, Inc., Chesapeake Energy, Cox Communications, Delaware North Co., First Security Bank, Fred Jones Family Foundation, Frito-Lay, Great Plains Coca-Cola, Great Plains Dr Pepper, Lippert Bros, Inc., Magic 104.1 KMGL/92.5 KOMA/Frito-Lay, McDonald’s, OKDHS Child Support, Walmart and ZooFriends.

Come on and Haunt the Zoo, the candy is calling! Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three family friendly zoos in the nation, the Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44 in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Hours of operations are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages three to 11 and seniors ages 65 and older. Children two and under are free. For more information, call (405) 424-3344 or visit www.okczoo.com.

-okczoo-