October 26, 2025

Boo at the Zoo Celebrates Halloween with Record Attendance

Albuquerque, October 26, 2025

The Boo at the Zoo event at Albuquerque BioPark drew over 5,000 attendees, featuring fun activities like trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and educational sessions with nocturnal animals. Despite chilly winds, families participated in various Halloween-themed events, while proceeds supported conservation efforts. This beloved tradition highlights wildlife education along with seasonal festivities.

Albuquerque

Over 5,000 people attended the annual Boo at the Zoo event at the Albuquerque BioPark, turning a chilly October afternoon into a festive Halloween celebration filled with family activities and educational animal encounters.

The event drew record attendance despite brisk winds, offering trick-or-treating along themed pathways, pumpkin carving stations, and interactive sessions with nocturnal creatures. Families arrived early, with children dressed as wizards, superheroes, and other characters, eagerly collecting candy from various stops around the zoo grounds.

Event Highlights and Activities

Key attractions included a haunted hayride that combined spooky storytelling with scenic views of the BioPark’s exhibits. Visitors also enjoyed photo opportunities featuring animals in costumes, such as pumpkins or capes on select critters, providing memorable snapshots for participants.

Zookeepers led guided talks on nocturnal animals, sharing facts about their behaviors and habitats to educate attendees about wildlife conservation. These sessions highlighted species like owls and bats, emphasizing their roles in ecosystems while tying into the Halloween theme.

The pumpkin carving area allowed families to create designs together, with tools and templates provided for safety. This hands-on activity proved popular, as groups gathered around tables to craft jack-o’-lanterns amid the autumn setting.

Attendance and Community Impact

The BioPark saw its highest turnout for the event in recent years, surpassing previous records and reflecting strong local interest in family-oriented Halloween programming. Organizers noted the event’s success in fostering community engagement while promoting safety during the holiday.

All proceeds from ticket sales supported ongoing conservation efforts by the BioPark, including habitat preservation and animal care programs. This financial boost aids initiatives that protect both local and global wildlife, aligning with the educational focus of the day.

Weather and Visitor Experience

Chilly winds did not deter crowds, as attendees bundled up in layers beneath their costumes. The event’s timing in late October capitalized on the seasonal weather, adding a crisp edge to the outdoor activities. Pathways were designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities.

From morning hours into the afternoon, the BioPark buzzed with energy as families navigated the exhibits. Themed paths led through animal enclosures, where treats were distributed at intervals, encouraging exploration of the zoo’s diverse collection.

Background on Boo at the Zoo

The Boo at the Zoo has become a staple Halloween tradition in Albuquerque, running annually for over a decade. Held at the ABQ BioPark, which encompasses the zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden, the event transforms the 64-acre site into a whimsical, kid-friendly spectacle.

Past iterations have grown in scale, incorporating more interactive elements to engage visitors beyond simple candy collection. This year’s edition maintained that evolution, blending fun with learning to appeal to parents seeking enriching experiences for their children.

The BioPark’s commitment to conservation remains central, with events like this funding research and protection for endangered species. Attendance figures underscore the program’s popularity, drawing families from across the region to participate in a controlled, enjoyable environment.

As the day wrapped up, many visitors expressed satisfaction with the balance of entertainment and education, noting it as a highlight of their Halloween plans. The event’s structure allowed for flexible pacing, letting groups linger at favorite stations or move quickly through the treats.

With its mix of seasonal cheer and wildlife awareness, Boo at the Zoo continues to serve as a model for community events that prioritize fun and purpose. Organizers already look ahead to next year, planning potential expansions based on this year’s feedback.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the attendance at Boo at the Zoo?
Over 5,000 people attended the annual Boo at the Zoo event at the Albuquerque BioPark.

What activities were available at the event?
Activities included trick-or-treating along themed pathways, pumpkin carving stations, and interactive sessions with nocturnal creatures.

What costumes did children wear?
Children dressed as wizards, superheroes, and other characters.

Were there any educational elements?
Zookeepers led guided talks on nocturnal animals, sharing facts about their behaviors and habitats.

How did the weather affect the event?
Families braved chilly October winds for the annual Boo at the Zoo event.

What highlights stood out?
Highlights included a haunted hayride and photo opportunities featuring animals in costumes.

How do proceeds from the event benefit the BioPark?
Proceeds funded conservation efforts by the BioPark, including habitat preservation and animal care programs.

Key Features Chart

The following table outlines the key features of the Boo at the Zoo event:

Feature	Description
Attendance	Over 5,000 visitors enjoyed the event.
Main Activities	Trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and animal encounters.
Educational Component	Talks on nocturnal creatures and conservation facts.
Highlights	Haunted hayride and photo ops with costumed critters.
Proceeds Benefit	Funding for habitat preservation and animal care programs.
Weather Conditions	Chilly October winds did not deter attendance.