The Philadelphia Zoo Unveils New Amazon Rainforest Carousel During Boo at the Zoo
At 10:00AM Thursday, October 23rd, the Philadelphia Zoo will unveil its brand new and “green”
Amazon Rainforest Carousel. The new carousel, which uses FSC-certified wood and LED lighting, will officially open to the public during the Zoo’s two-day family-friendly Halloween costume event,
Boo at the Zoo, Saturday and Sunday, October 25th and 26th.
During Boo at the Zoo, children (and adults) can come in costume to visit with all of their favorite animals and “trick-or-treat” at candy stations throughout the Zoo. Boo at the Zoo will also feature storytelling, a chance to meet the cast of “Hairspray” from the Walnut Street Theater, games, music and more. Guests who want to visit the Zoo will have one final chance to ride the Zoo’s $2 Halloween-themed trolley which will transport people between the Independence Visitors Center, 30th Street Station and the Zoo. Sweets and treats for Boo at the Zoo were generously donated by Peanut Chew, M&M’s® Milk Chocolate Candies, J&J Snackfoods, Endangered Species Chocolate, Herr’s, Cabot Creamery and R.M. Palmer. B101 FM will also be on hand with music and games to host a costume parade at noon on both days of the event.
The Zoo’s new and enchanting all-wooden, hand-carved and hand-painted carousel is the first of its kind in the United States featuring endangered species found within the Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon Rainforest Carousel includes 30 bird, reptile, mammal and amphibian "seats,” as well as a spinning snake chariot. Riders of all ages will have fun discovering and understanding the importance of preserving the Amazon Rainforest while being treated to music and sounds of the Amazon, gliding along on animals such as jaguars and anacondas right outside the Zoo’s historic Treehouse building. Several animals featured on the carousel are also part of the Zoo's animal collection, with many of their wild cousins protected by the Zoo’s conservation programs.
Boo at the Zoo activities are included with zoo admission. The Amazon Rainforest Carousel is $3.00 per person.