Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast Zoo will host its annual Boo at the Zoo this weekend as part of its fundraising efforts. The nonprofit says proceeds help cover animal care and operations. Zoo Director of Development Paula White emphasized the importance of community support in keeping the facility running. Organizers plan family-friendly activities, meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors, and themed exhibits throughout the morning.

The event will be held Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

White said the zoo does not receive city or state funding and relies on community partners and ticket sales. “Every single ticket you buy to come into the zoo helps us feed our animals and helps us care for them,” White said. “It means the world to us because then we can care for our animals and it costs, on average, about $5,000 a week to just feed everybody.” Staff will be in costume, and exhibits will be decorated and themed for the season.

“Every area will have different enrichment for the animals and that’s usually some really cool pumpkins or really cool decorated booboxes,” White explained. “Or it could be anything that the keepers decide on. They are so creative and so wonderful at coming up with really cool enrichment items and so they try to kind of cater it around the holidays and what we’re doing.” For children, there will be bounce houses, popcorn, soda, and candy.

The zoo’s “Wild Team” will present a special stage show featuring animals. “It is an incredible morning,” White said. “We have so much fun. We have different community partners that come out and set up trick-or-treat tables.” Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and bring treat bags.

Regular admission applies. Tickets for adults (age 13–61) are $23.95, seniors (62+)/Military $20.95, children (age three–12) $15.95, and children two and under are free. Zoo members receive free admission. The Gulf Coast Zoo is home to over 300 animals and hosts other annual fundraisers including Wild Lights: Holiday Jeeps, Art on the Wild Side, and The Wine and Whiskey Stroll.

Additional ways to support the zoo include sponsoring an exhibit, purchasing honey from the zoo’s honeybee farm, or hosting an angel tree for Christmas. Guests can also participate in add-on activities such as giraffe feeding, the South American adventure with a sloth, or the lemur adventure. “We do love the fact that our zoo is so immersive and you can see the animals up close,” White said.