Boo at the Zoo in Racine mixes animals with Halloween fun



RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine Zoo hosted its annual Boo at the Zoo event on Saturday, October 26th featuring the thrills of Halloween mixed with wonders of the animal kingdom.

During the past 15 year, Boo at the Zoo has evolved from frightening to family focused fun, including trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and a "Jungle Jay" look-a-like contest.

"Like so many of our special events, it really is an excuse for people who ordinarily might not come to the zoo, to come," said President and CEO "Jungle Jay" Christie.

The event also gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some of the critters.

"We do have some animals that people might be, you know, scared about because they don't know about them," said Maggie Terasewicz, Curator of Conservation Education.

Terasewicz says part of Boo at the Zoo is helping people get familiar with animals, and possibly getting over their fears.

"They can come ask us questions and see them up close, that they're really not that scary or they have a reason for being how they are," explained Terasewicz.

The Racine Zoo teamed up with the Blood Center of Wisconsin during October to provide a two for one admission to anyone who donated blood at select locations.