First off, it’s all happening at the zoo:

On Wednesday, October 31st the animal residents of Reid Park Zoo will receive special Halloween treats. A schedule will be provided at the front gate for guests. Pumpkins will be delivered from 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Otters may nibble them, lions may roll them, and elephants will smash them. Many animals will have the opportunity to enjoy the unusual surprises. Staff will be on hand (some in costume!) to answer questions as animals discover the new items. There will be treats for the kids too!

Keepers regularly introduce a variety of foods, changes in physical environment, smells, and even sounds as enrichment. Items that are not part of a daily routine can improve an animal’s wellbeing by increasing exercise, and providing behavioral and mental stimulation. Creating a varying environment for Zoo residents has become an important aspect of animal care. For some animals, the pumpkins will be a tasty, healthy snack. For others, the source of enrichment is the presence of a new smell, shape, or texture.

Reid Park Zoo is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Regular admission fees apply.
For more information, visit www.tucsonzoo.org or contact
Kristen Metzger
Education Supervisor
837-8088 x 12

If you have children, enjoy a Halloween Extravaganza at Himmel Park branch library, 5 to 6:30 p.m., 1035 N. Treat Ave. (SW corner of E. 1st St.), in the NE corner of Himmel Park.

“Enjoy making your own treats and spooky crafts; listen to howling good stories and trick-or-treat around the library.”

Himmel library website: http://www.library.pima.gov/locations/himmel/

And if you don’t have kids and want to get in the Halloween mood, here’s a photo gallery of Zombie Walk 2012 held on the 13th of October in spooky downtown Tucson, click here. Warning for parents: these are graphically bloody photos of zombies/”undead” people taken by me and former Tucson’s Birthday photographer Jon Scanlon, so please exercise caution & discretion. (I don’t want to cause nightmares for your children.)

Hellfire Pizza Co. food truck at Zombie Walk 2012

Happy Halloween to all — children, youth, parents, elderly, even animals & zombies. Trick or treat?