There is a crispness in the morning air these days as the sun gently rises over the horizon here at the Abilene Zoo. Everything seems a little more in focus and sharper, while the clouds move gently across the sky in the morning breeze. The animals sense a change is coming as well and are more active as the summer heat fades away. Without a doubt, fall is on its way to the Big Country.

This can mean only one thing: Boo at the Zoo is coming! For the past few months, members of the Abilene Zoological Society and volunteers have already been making preparations for this time-honored event here at the zoo. Everyone is working hard to esure that this will be the best Boo ever.

Soon the grounds will be filled with the sounds of children excitedly running from one treat station to the next. They will eagerly hold out their bags and call out “trick or treat!” There is something that is just priceless about happy children. Like spring showers or a light snowfall, the joy of a child is simple and pure.

While Boo at the Zoo is a child oriented event, it truly is geared toward children of all ages to ensure that it’s an adventure for the entire family. At the heart of it all, that’s really what the entire zoo itself is, a safe family environment where our patrons can learn about conservation and meet our animals up close and personal.

That’s what the staff at the Abilene Zoo are dedicated to providing both our residents and visitors to West Texas, a quality experience that creates special memories for the guests at our facility. At the same time, the funds we raise from our special events directly help us with zoo improvements such as new or renovated exhibits which in turn allow us to bring in new animals. I would like to encourage everyone in our community to come out and support our “ever changing world” at the 2008 Boo at the Zoo!

Boo at the Zoo will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18, with the entry gate closing at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Zoo Gift Shop for $2 each until 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17. There will be a separate entrance gate to allow easy entry for those who purchase an advance ticket. Tickets will go back on sale at 4 p.m. Oct. 18.

Bill Baker is the director of the Abilene Zoo.