Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom
Johannesburg — 31 October 2025
The roars of lions mixed with laughter, the hoots of owls with the excited squeals of children — and somewhere between the howls and giggles, a little magic took over the night.
This year’s Halloween at the Joburg Zoo was nothing short of spectacular. On Friday evening, 31 October 2025, the historic zoo in Parkview became a twilight wonderland of glowing pumpkins, trick-or-treat trails, eerie animal encounters, and spine-tingling fun for the whole family.
Under the theme “Wildly Wicked Halloween”, the city’s most beloved animal sanctuary turned into a safe and spellbinding space for families to celebrate the spooky season — blending conservation, creativity, and community spirit in a way that only Johannesburg can.
🕸️ A Night Where Nature Meets the Supernatural
As dusk settled over the zoo’s ancient trees, the grounds came alive with glowing lanterns, fog machines, and eerie soundscapes. Ghouls, ghosts, and superheroes walked side by side along the zoo’s pathways, guided by flickering jack-o’-lanterns and the occasional cackle from a costumed volunteer.
Children dressed as witches, pirates, and vampires darted between candy stations set up along the Trick-or-Treat Trail, their laughter echoing through the night. Parents, just as enthusiastic, joined in with face paint, glow sticks, and even a few inflatable dinosaur suits.
“It’s one of the few places in Joburg where families can experience Halloween in a fun, safe, and wholesome way,” said Nthabiseng Mokoena, the zoo’s Events Coordinator. “We wanted to create an event that lets children learn about wildlife while embracing the spirit of Halloween — laughter, imagination, and a little bit of fright!”
🐅 Wild Encounters After Dark
While ghosts and goblins took over the lawns, the real stars of the show — the animals — weren’t left out. Visitors enjoyed night tours led by zookeepers, offering rare glimpses of nocturnal creatures in their natural behaviour.
From leopards pacing under moonlight to the low growl of lions settling for the night, the experience was a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the animal kingdom.
“Seeing the animals at night was magical — and slightly spooky!” laughed 10-year-old Ethan Pillay, dressed as Spider-Man. “The lions sounded like monsters in a movie!”
The Reptile House was a major hit, with its dimly lit corridors and slithering residents adding a thrill to the evening. For those seeking gentler fun, the Pumpkin Patch Picnic Zone offered storytelling sessions, face painting, and live performances by local entertainers.
👻 A Family Affair That Gives Back
Beyond the fun and frights, the event also carried a message of giving back. Proceeds from ticket sales supported the Joburg Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation and Education Programmes, helping fund animal care, breeding initiatives, and environmental awareness activities throughout the year.
“Halloween at the Zoo is not just about candy and costumes,” explained Zoo Director, Dr. Thabo Molefe. “It’s about connecting families with nature and reminding everyone that real magic lies in protecting the wild creatures we share this planet with.”
The evening ended with the “Monster Mash Dance-Off”, where families danced beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by glowing pumpkins and the distant calls of night birds — a fitting finale to a night that blended fun, family, and the wonders of wildlife.
🦇 More Than Just a Scare — A Celebration of Imagination
The Joburg Zoo’s Halloween celebration has become one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, drawing thousands of visitors from across Gauteng. It’s a testament to Johannesburg’s ability to turn tradition into an inclusive, community-driven experience — where creativity, conservation, and culture collide.
And as the gates finally closed at midnight, a little witch tugged her father’s hand and whispered, “Can we come back next year?”
That simple question summed it up best: Halloween at the Joburg Zoo wasn’t just an event — it was an unforgettable memory under the African moon.
🎃 Event Snapshot:
- Event: Halloween at the Joburg Zoo 2025
- Date: Friday, 31 October 2025
- Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Parkview
- Theme: Wildly Wicked Halloween
- Highlights: Trick-or-treat trail, night animal tours, Monster Mash Dance-Off, live shows, reptile encounters, pumpkin patch picnic
- Beneficiary: Joburg Zoo Conservation & Education Fund
