Lowry Park’s Creatures of the Night Opens This Weekend

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who’ve ever wondered what zoo creatures do after the sun goes down will get their chance to find out this month. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has announced Creatures of the Night will run weekends through the rest of October.

Creatures of the Night is a Halloween-themed event that keeps the zoo’s doors open on weekends until 10 p.m. A number of activities are planned as are plenty of opportunities for guests to check out the zoo’s residents after hours. The zoo plans to have its Asian, African and Primate World habitats illuminated for night viewing. In addition, the zoo has lots of spooky fun planned for visitors.

“Creatures and characters of a different variety emerge at dusk with spooky surprises around every corner,” a media release from the zoo said. “Howl and hangout in Wolf Haven village, home to where the werewolves roam. Slither through a swamp and creep past the carousel to explore a ghostly graveyard. Wander through the critter canal inspired by creatures that creep, crawl and swoop. Encounter an Egyptian tomb and mingle with mummies, or party the night away at a ghoulish dance party.”

For younger visitors, the zoo also has a sanctuary set aside in Wallaroo Station. This part of the zoo will be transformed into a fall harvest with a pumpkin patch, scarecrows and farm animals.

“Our seasonal event series offers zoo guests new and engaging encounters throughout the year, and new ways to make unforgettable connections,” zoo CEO Joe Couceiro said in a statement. “This October, Creatures of the Night will provide eerie frights for the whole family with a wide-range of Halloween experiences designed for youngsters to early teens, and adults too. There is no telling what peculiar encounters you will find in the Zoo after dark as you are surrounded with startling surprises and wildlife all around.”

Creatures of the Night runs Fridays through Saturdays from Oct. 7-29. Admission is included with regular one-day tickets to the zoo on event days. After 4 p.m. tickets are also available for $19.95.

To find out more, visit Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo online.

Photo courtesy of Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo