Photo by: Bill Bernard
Offering the community a chance to come together during the Halloween season, Sunset Zoo has continued their annual tradition of “Spooktacular” from Oct. 22 through Oct. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This event, held for over 20 years, was sold out as scores clad in cloaks, coats, blankets and most importantly masks weathered the chill to come connect with the variety of species on Sunset Hill.
Contending this year with the pandemic, attendance is limited to 240 guests per evening and face coverings are mandatory. Instead of trick or treat stations like everyone’s typically used to, with this event, patrons get a pre-bagged bag of candy and treats as they depart to try to keep everyone safe and healthy. Personnel clean and sanitize the zoo three times every day to not only protect visitors, but also the Zoo’s animals.
As part of changes implemented, those who take care of the animals, (Curator and Keepers), who used to be able to do keeper chats with the public have ceased this activity ever since COVID hit just to keep their essential staff safe and healthy.
Marketing and Development Officer Melissa Kirkwood explained the move to Virtual activities have allowed for more interaction with the public.
“We’re doing virtual birthday parties, virtual chats about different animals. So we’re still here. It’s just in a way different way. I think not only Sunset Zoo, but all zoos or, local enrichment activities for families and the public have had to think of ways to think outside the box to still, communicate and reach out to our visitors and especially to our members. So we’re making it through and we’re happy to be open. And I think the community is happy that we’re open,” she said.
Photo by: Bill Bernard
As temperatures decrease and snow freezes festivities elsewhere, the Zoo will maintain pathways are clear and safe for everyone and activities go on accordingly; leaving families who have purchased tickets previously to decide whether to come or not, as refunds will not be offered.
Kirkwood highlighted Spooktacular traditionally is two days long, running on a weekend that are their highest attended days of the year, attracting between 5,000 and 8,000 people.
“It would have been great to be able to accommodate that many people that I feel like we would have had to have a Spooktacular for a month. We wanted it to be convenient for families, and convenient for the kiddos. So we did stretch it out, but are doing it to stay healthy and safe,” she said. “We wish Corona virus, wasn’t a factor, but we know that it is, and we know that it probably will be in the foreseen future. We’re here, we’re open, we’re a safe place for the community. We will remain a safe place for the community and our animals and invite everyone to come out and be a part of it, be a part of Spooktacular and be a part of your zoo because it is your zoo.”
Photo by: Bill Bernard
More details can be found at sunsetzoo.com or on their Facebook page.
