Johannesburg Zoo came creepily alive on Friday night, 31 October 2025, as over 5 000 visitors in the form of ghouls, ghosts, goblins and more filled the pathways for the city’s most anticipated Halloween spectacular. The visitors were almost double last year’s 3 000.
The zoo shimmered under flickering lanterns, filled with giggling witches, tiny vampires clutching candy buckets, and families who came ready for fright and fun.
The zoo had transformed into a spooktacular wonderland, divided into six themed zones that stretched the imagination. There was the Weeping Hollow, where fog rolled low and ghostly whispers drifted through the trees; the Adams Family Home, and the Spooky Tea Garden, where cobweb-covered tables served eerie treats that looked frightfully delicious.
Children dashed from stall to stall on trick-or-treat trails, their laughter echoing between the howls of costumed werewolves. Parents joined in the fun, some daring to enter the haunted maze, others dancing along or lounging by outdoor movie screenings that played Halloween classics. The air was thick with the smell of popcorn, pumpkin spice, and something sizzling from Stages Restaurant and the zoo’s many kiosks.
Among the crowd, the Zimbili family stood out in full Halloween regalia. “The kids loved the trick-or-treating. It’s so special to have a place where we can all come together safely, and the kids can live out their dress-up dreams for the night,” said mom Msomi Zimbili.
Another Halloween goer Cairo Joseph said everything looked real and scary. “Mommy always tells me there is no such thing as ghosts but tonight I saw so many scary ghosts,” he said.
As the moon rose higher and the night deepened, the Zoo sparkled with glow sticks, laughter, and the soft hoots of real owls joining the celebration. By the end of the evening, even the ghosts seemed to be smiling.
“We are thrilled by the incredible turnout and community spirit shown at this year’s Halloween Spectacular. Despite the drizzle at first, Joburgers showed their resilience and love for the Zoo. It was wonderful to see so many families having fun, laughing together, and creating unforgettable memories,” said Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph