TAMPA, Fla. -- Creatures of the Night is returning to ZooTampa at Lowry Park with all new experiences, including a new animal show.

• New scare zones, treats added to Creatures of the Night 
• Halloween event runs Fridays, Saturdays Oct. 5-27
• Visitors can also enjoy animal encounters, shows and a pumpkin patch

The nighttime Halloween-themed event will take place on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 5 to Oct. 27. The zoo will be open until 10 p.m. on event nights.

Creatures of the Night includes themed areas featuring decorations, lights, fog and sound effects. Animal ambassadors will bring out special zoo animals to educate visitors about some of the most fearsome-looking species.

The event will feature new scare zones, including one with older children and adults in mind. In the "Fairy Frightful Forest" visitors will encounter frightening trolls and menacing trees as they wander through an enchanted woodland.

Also new this year is Medusa's Stone Cold Cave, a scare zone where attendees can meet Medusa and learn about snakes.

Other activities include nightly animal shows, a pumpkin patch, and animal encounters and more.

Visitors can also enjoy several Halloween-themed treats that include a Tombscone, "delicious black ice cream," and revamped Beast Burger called Curse of the Beast Burger.

For more information about tickets for the event, visit zootampa.org.