As you spend the final night at Boo! at the Zoo on Friday, October 30, take a moment to look beyond the costumes, candy and colorful displays. Some of the Halloween magic at Zoo Knoxville has a story of its own — one that reflects the zoo’s commitment to conservation.

Those larger-than-life pumpkin animals, creative decorations and interactive characters aren’t just there to entertain. Many were designed to be reused year after year, reducing waste while creating traditions families can enjoy for generations.

Halloween decorations with a purpose

Zoo Knoxville Special Events Manager Suzi Hall has worked to make the popular Halloween celebration both memorable and sustainable.

Rather than purchasing decorations that might last only one season, the zoo has invested in durable fiberglass displays and adaptable treat stations that can be used for different events throughout the year.

The whimsical pumpkin animals are especially popular. Created by East Tennessee’s Brainchild Creative, led by Steve Brauch, the custom displays celebrate some of the animals that make Zoo Knoxville special.

They’re also designed to become familiar family photo spots, allowing parents to capture memories as their children grow from one Halloween to the next.

Even the Queen of Hearts gets a second act

One of the event’s most entertaining attractions demonstrates how a little creativity can give old materials new life.

An animated head originally created for a local Lighthouse Youth Theater production of The Wizard of Oz has been transformed into the Queen of Hearts along the Storybook Trick-or-Treat Trail.

The original theatrical creation, designed by Brian Perry, was adapted by the zoo’s team into an interactive character whose mouth moves in response to a live performer’s voice.

Instead of ending up in storage or being discarded after the theatrical production, the elaborate prop found a new audience at the zoo.

Conservation can begin at home

Zoo Knoxville encourages families to carry that same resourcefulness into their own Halloween celebrations.

A few simple choices can make a difference:

  • Reuse costumes or exchange them with friends and neighbors.
  • Decorate with natural materials such as pumpkins, leaves, cornstalks and pinecones.
  • Choose reusable trick-or-treat bags instead of disposable plastic containers.
  • Compost pumpkins after Halloween or donate them to an organization that accepts them.
  • Avoid artificial spiderweb decorations outdoors because they can endanger birds and other wildlife.

The message is simple: Celebrating a holiday doesn’t have to mean creating unnecessary waste.

One last night of Halloween fun

Boo! at the Zoo, presented by Chick-fil-A Knoxville, concludes Friday, October 30, from 5:30–9 p.m. The last zoo entry is at 8 p.m., and the last entry to the trick-or-treat trail is at 8:15 p.m.

As families enjoy the Storybook Trick-or-Treat Trail, HallowGlow Forest, Monster Mash Dance Party and Halloween carnival games, they can also appreciate the creativity and conservation-minded planning behind the celebration.

After all, protecting the natural world doesn’t have to begin with a grand gesture. Sometimes it begins with finding a new purpose for something old — even a talking Queen of Hearts.

Visit Zoo Knoxville for event information and tickets.

Information and inspiration provided by Zoo Knoxville.

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