It’s that spooky time of year and John Ball Zoo is announcing they are continuing their time-treasured Halloween fun of Zoo Goes Boo. This annual family favorite will be hosted by the Zoo but with added safety and social distancing measures in place.

John Ball Zoo will again be transformed into the ultimate Halloween destination with decorations, costumes, candy, and, of course, the Zoo’s amazing animals. While keeping with recent Halloween guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in mind, John Ball Zoo does note changes to their treat and entertainment plans.

Young guests will be able to get the much prized Halloween treats but instead of the treat stations throughout the Zoo, there will be a treat trail. The treat trail will have decorated booths that are socially distanced from one another and from other guests in the Zoo. This will allow for a one-way treat trail and fewer groups of guests congregating. The treat booths will also have plexiglass between guests and staff, along with enhanced sanitization for hands and surfaces.

As throughout the Zoo’s entire 2020 season, they will continue with their enhanced health and safety measures including limited capacity and date-specific timed entries. They will also limit entertainment because of the need for guests to safely social distance and not congregate in large groups.

Guests are highly encouraged though to get in on the Halloween fun and wear costumes. Also, John Ball Zoo is always looking for ways to be a friend of the environment, so they request that guests bring their own reusable treat bag or purchase one from their gift shop.

Zoo Goes Boo runs for two weekends starting October 16 – 18 and again October 23 – 25, with each day open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets for Zoo Goes Boo are now on-sale through the Zoo’s website www.jbzoo.org/visitandtickets. Zoo Goes Boo is presented by Meijer.

Health masks are required indoors for anyone ages 5 and over, and also outside when a 6’ distance is not possible between other guests. The Zoo mentions though that it is a great opportunity to decorate a health mask to match a costume.

John Ball Zoo would like to remind guests that Zoo Goes Boo is a children’s oriented event and adults in costume are requested to dress appropriately that Halloween masks covering the entire face is not allowed for adults.

As people begin to stock up on Halloween candy, John Ball Zoo would also like to remind families to make mindful choices when shopping for chocolate and candy this Halloween. Buy from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil or chocolate products certified by the Rainforest Alliance. A quick reference guide to certified Halloween candy can be found at https://bit.ly/35Zwcxg. All the treats being handed out at Zoo Goes Boo will be certified.

You can find out more about the event online at jbzoo.org/event/zoogoesboo. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call (616) 336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.

John Ball Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1891 and located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Guided by the four core values of Conservation, Education, Community and Celebrate, John Ball Zoo accomplishes the mission to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment.