Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn more about wildlife during the Oregon Zoo's annual "Howloween" event, scheduled for this coming Saturday & Sunday, October 25th & 26th.

The celebration will take place from 11:00am to 4:00pm both days and is free with zoo admission.

In keeping with the zoo's mission, “Howloween” aims to be educational as well as fun, highlighted by a scavenger hunt that directs trick-or-treaters to easily accessible activity stations throughout the zoo to collect candy or prizes.

"Kids of all ages can hunt for candy and prizes while in the company of some of the world's most exciting and exotic animals," said Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "When people visit the zoo, we hope they make a connection with the animals that promotes caring about their future."

Throughout the weekend, visitors can also watch the zoo's enrichment team provide animals with tasty holiday-themed treats:

Saturday, Oct. 25

1:00pm – tigers receive a spider piñata

Sunday, Oct. 26

8:45am – black bears receive ice treats

10:30am – hippos receive ice treats

12:00pm – sun bears receive ice treats

More Halloween-themed Events

On Friday, October 31st at 10:00am the zoo celebrates the 10th birthday of its Amur tigers, Mikhail and Nicole. Guests can sign a birthday card for the twins and watch the brother/sister pair receive a papier-mâché cake filled with tiger treats.

To see a video of last year's celebration, check out www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/TigerBdayHalloween.htm.

The zoo's polar bears will also celebrate Halloween. On Friday, October 31st at 11:00am, Conrad and Tasul will receive ice treats shaped like candy corn as a form of enrichment.

For more information on these and other Zoo events, check out the Oregon Zoo’s official website.