Halloween Comes to Fota Wildlife Park This October Midterm
There has been plenty to celebrate at Fota Wildlife Park in recent months, with a succession of exciting birth announcements. Among the newest arrivals are Asian lion cubs, Sumatran tiger cubs, a Nubian giraffe calf named Fiadh, an Indian rhino calf, red panda twins, two European bison, and two Kafue lechwe calves.
Apart from seeing these active young animals, visitors have even more reason to explore Fota Wildlife Park this October midterm, with a programme of family-friendly Halloween activities running from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.
Follow the Púca Trail
Starting at the main entrance, visitors will follow a trail of riddles around the Park.
The mysterious Púca has been shapeshifting into animals all around Fota Wildlife Park. Solve each clue, identify the Púca’s animal form and follow the trail to reveal his final disguise.
Then, submit your answer in the Serengeti Shop for a chance to win a Conservation Annual Pass.
The Púca Trail will run throughout the October midterm break, from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, giving families the opportunity to explore Fota’s 100 acres while discovering the species and habitats along the way.
The Science of Samhain
Families can also discover more about some of Halloween’s most well-known species at The Science of Samhain, a public engagement event delivered by Fota Wildlife Park’s award-winning Education Team.
Taking place in the Atrium of the Education, Conservation and Research Centre from 11am to 4pm on Thursday 29, Friday 30, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, the event will feature Halloween-themed arts and crafts, interactive educational stands with opportunities to discover more about the real animals behind some of our favourite spooky stories and traditions.
Children are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes and join in the fun.
Twice each day, families will also have the opportunity to step into the Auditorium for special storytelling sessions, revealing the magic behind the myths of Samhain.
Running at 12:30pm and 1:30pm, each approximately 20-minute session will explore the science behind the legends of Halloween and the natural world.
Adding to the atmosphere, Halloween-themed face painting will be available in the Atrium from 12pm to 2pm on each of the four event days and will be suitable for children aged three and over.
All activities are included with standard Park admission, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a full day of immersive wildlife exploration this Halloween.
Event Information
The Púca Trail
Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November
Follow the Púca’s riddles around Fota Wildlife Park’s 100 acres
The Science of Samhain
Thursday 29 October – Sunday 1 November
11am–4pm
Atrium
Education, Conservation and Research Centre
Including Spooky Storytelling
12:30pm & 1:30pm
Auditorium
Education, Conservation and Research Centre
Including Face Painting
Thursday 29 October – Sunday 1 November
12pm–2pm
Suitable for children aged 3+
Atrium
Education, Conservation and Research Centre
Come along this October midterm and discover Fota’s newest arrivals, follow the Púca’s trail, discover more about some spooky species and explore where Halloween folklore meets the fascinating world of wildlife.
