AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

10 October 2006

Calling all creatures of the night to Auckland Zoo

Nickelodeon Boo at the Zoo is back by popular demand this year on Saturday, 28 October. So grab your witch’s broom and fly into Auckland Zoo for the best place to trick or treat this Halloween. Expect an unforgettable night of adventure, as the zoo becomes a hive of spooky activity, with music, monsters, stilt walkers, fire dancers, fairies, face painters and so much more. Every grown-up and child will receive a goodie bag full of treats, and be in with a chance to win a trip for four (including flights) to Dreamworld Australia.

Those who dress up will also have the opportunity to win spot prizes. While trick or treating Halloween adventurers will encounter weird and wonderful creatures of the night, including scary roving characters.

Don’t miss the Cave of Spiders and the Butterfly Grotto. And for some really scary fun, take on the challenge of making it past the swamp creature of Willow Island to help rescue the princess, and visit the alien spaceship. 2006 marks the third year Nickelodeon has joined forces with the zoo to bring Aucklanders the hugely popular Boo at the Zoo featuring entertainment with favourite Nick characters - Dora the Explorer, Patrick Star and SpongeBob SquarePants.

“Nickelodeon went 100 per cent kiwi in August this year and we are delighted to be involved in an event where kiwi kids can, in the Nickelodeon tradition of having loads of fun, dress up and let their imagination run wild for the evening," says Lauren Nola, marketing manager NZ.

"We welcome everyone down to the zoo where kids can gather treats and play some games with Nick at the cheetah spot, and best of all, can get their picture taken with their favourite Nick characters at the band rotunda.” Auckland Zoo is a safe, family friendly, and exciting environment for children to trick or treat in. “We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations and zoo environment to the max, but to also be aware of their impact on the environment,” says Auckland Zoo events co-ordinator Jackie Sanders.

“As a zoo, we’re committed to sustainability practices in everything we do, and we’ll be encouraging everyone to embrace our “Sustainability isn’t scary” tips for the night, and beyond. Taking public transport, or if you live locally, walking to the zoo, is one easy way to help the planet.”

“Sustainability isn’t scary” Walk, use public transport, or car pool to get to Nickelodeon Boo at the Zoo Make your Halloween costume from things you already have in the house and/or garden Reuse your Nickelodeon Boo Goodie Bag Recycle waste on the night at the zoo’s recycling bins Recycle your Nickelodeon Boo at the Zoo entry ticket

Help preserve the planet by reducing your environmental footprint

Helping to make this fabulous event possible are Nickelodeon, Sky TV, Classic Hits, Nice & Natural, Fresh 'n Fruity Splatz, Cookie Bear and Dreamworld Australia. Event Date: Saturday, 28 October from 6pm to 9.30pm. Tickets are limited to 4000 and should be pre purchased to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased from Auckland Zoo www.aucklandzoo.co.nz or phone (09) 360 3805 and from Ticketek www.ticketek.co.nz or phone (09) 307 5000. Adults $22, children (4-15 years) $15, under four years free. Family passes and concessions available. Rain date is 29 October. Please note the Zoo will be cleared by 5.30pm and reopen at 6pm. Nickelodeon Boo at the Zoo is guaranteed to sell out, and with numbers reduced from previous years, pre-booking is essential.

ENDS

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