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PHILADELPHIA ZOO PRESENTS ADULT-ONLY SPOOKY SEASON EVENT 'ZOO DONE IT' AFTER HOURS SCAVENGER HUNT AND MYSTERY ADVENTURE

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* Participants will get a chance to win tickets a private tour of The Solitude building - the first time ever the Zoo has made such a tour available to the public *

Philadelphia, PA -  Philadelphia Zoo scares up spooky season fun with the debut of "Zoo Done It?," a new adults-only scavenger hunt and mystery adventure. Uncover the secrets and explore the hidden corners of the Zoo during this unforgettable evening of mystery, excitement and prizes. The past and present will collide on this captivating quest to solve a centuries-old mystery. Clues will be scattered throughout the exhibits as forgotten tales of animals, keeps and the Zoo's founding are revealed. Winners of Zoo Done It will have the chance to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of The Solitude, a famous American historic landmark which is believed to be haunted. This new event will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm, at the Zoo (3400 West Girard). Tickets are on sale now for this 21+ event for $50 per person (includes admission and complimentary parking) and $75 for a Spooktacular Bundle (includes admission, complimentary parking, complimentary beverage, popcorn and a Zoo key). Zoo members save $10 off each ticket of bundle. For tickets and more information, visit Philadelphia Zoo at www.philadelphiazoo.org/events/.

"Philadelphia Zoo is excited to debut Zoo Done It?' just in time for spooky season," said Zoo Director of Marketing Patrick McMaster. "This is a first of its kind event at the Zoo - and part of new after-hours and grown-up programming."

"The winning team will have the opportunity to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of The Solitude and experience its history and spooky side close-up. We have never offered the public a chance to win a private tour of this famous American historical landmark."

America's first Zoo scares up new spooky season fun with an all new event for adults only this October. Uncover the secrets hidden within the Zoo’s enchanting grounds as you embark on a quest to solve a centuries-old mystery. As you explore the Philadelphia Zoo’s hidden corners, clues will lead you through exhibits filled with captivating tales of animals, keepers, and the Zoo’s founding. With guidance from the ghostly apparitions of the Zoo’s former inhabitants, you’ll decipher cryptic messages and unravel the clues to unveil the truth behind the Zoo’s greatest enigma.

Participants will have the chance to win an exciting grand prize, including:

* A private tour of The Solitude building by Zoo Docents
* Two Flex Passes to the Red Rum Theatre (three shows)
* A Behind-the-Scenes Experience (for 4 to 6 guests, availability pending)

The grand prize above offers a never before offered chance to go on a private tour of The Solitude. The Solitude was built before the Zoo's inception in 1784 for John Penn, William Penn's grandson, as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This building is generally accepted as haunted by Zoo staff, and many occurrences over the years have been reported to back up the suspicion. The most common event involves the light in the attic, which often turns on seemingly on its own late at night. Sometimes it turns off in about a half hour, but at times it will remain lit until the morning.

The Solitude is a registered historic landmark and it is believed to be one of the most haunted sites in Philadelphia. It has been covered and featured by media and television programs around the world.

Ticket Options:

General Admission Ticket:
$50 (includes admission and complimentary parking)

Spooktacular Bundle:
$75 (includes admission, complimentary parking, one complimentary beverage, one popcorn, and a Zoo Key)

Members save $10 per ticket or bundle; a member login is required for automatic discounts at checkout.

The Zoo's Main Entrance (North Gate) opens at 5:30pm, with gates closing promptly at 6:00pm. Be prepared to present your ticket and a valid form of ID at entry.  Parking is available at the Zoo Garage (35th and Girard Ave) and Tiger Parking Lot (34th St). The mystery experience begins at 6:00pm with winners announced at 8:30pm. The event concludes at 9:00pm. Select concession stands will be open for food and beverage purchases.

Note: This event is separate from daytime general admission (9:30am to 5:00pm) and is strictly for adults aged 21 and over. Tickets are available online only, and due to limited space, they are expected to sell out quickly.

Don’t miss your chance to step into a world where the past and present collide. Purchase your tickets today and prepare for a night of thrilling mystery and fun at the Philadelphia Zoo. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit philadelphiazoo .org/events

FOR FAMILY FUN FOR SPOOKY SEASON

Philadelphia Zoo will announce the full season plans for Boo at the Zoo later this week. In the meantime, save the date!

Boo at the Zoo
Saturdays and Sundays, between October 12 to October 27, 2024
9:30am to 5:00pm daily
philadelphiazoo.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo/
Boo at the Zoo is included with admission or Zoo membership.

The Zoo’s annual Halloween extravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, is back for three fun-filled weekends of costumes, festive fall treats, and ghoulish fun. Gather your ghosts and goblins, put on your favorite costume, bring a bag, and trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo. Be sure to visit all our animal exhibits to see who might be munching on pumpkins or playing with Halloween-themed enrichment! Enjoy seasonal décor, photo opportunities, festive fall offerings, fun children’s activities, and more. Boo at the Zoo is included in general admission ticket or membership. Members enjoy early access starting at 8:30am on the following dates: Saturday, October 12; Sunday, October 20; Saturday, October 27. New for this year, the Zoo is offering a sensory friendly morning presented by ABA Centers of Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 19 from 8:30am-9:30am.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA ZOO

At Philadelphia Zoo, the Zoo moves around you! Pioneering Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of animal exploration trails, Philadelphia Zoo has inspired more than 70 zoos around the globe to design new ways to invite animals to travel and roam through their own campuses. Passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, Zoo360 provides Philadelphia Zoo’s beautiful big cats, playful lemurs, and lively monkeys innovative ways to explore and marvel at one another and our guests. Visit our quickly-growing sloth bear cubs in Bear Country, the new Ankole cattle hillside, Amur tigers at Big Cat Falls, western lowland gorillas in PECO Primate Reserve, Victorian crown pigeons at McNeil Avian Center, and hippos, zebras and white rhino throughout African Plains. Share a space with critically endangered lemurs as you wander through our new Lemur Island, look up as you feed the world's tallest animal at Giraffe Experience, or get up-close as you hand-serve colorful birds their meals at Wings of Asia. Philadelphia Zoo is one of the region's foremost conservation and education organizations and home to endangered, and in some cases extinct, animals in the wild. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-smoking facility.

For more information, visit philadelphiazoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; X (formerly Twitter): @phillyzoo; TikTok: @philadelphiazoo

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