Shrub Oak staff recently took some of our students to the Bronx Zoo for its annual daytime Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, where seasonal fun and animal encounters came together to create an exciting, educational experience for our students. The event, held throughout October, offered a blend of Halloween-themed activities, wildlife education, and sensory-friendly exploration that perfectly matched Shrub Oak’s commitment to hands-on learning and community engagement.
Students enjoyed the costume parade at Astor Court, where participants showed off creative costumes and danced to festive music surrounded by bubbles and laughter. They also saw the Pumpkin Garden which featured larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures shaped and carved to reflect wildlife themes. These vivid displays encouraged fun and provided wonderful opportunities for observation and conversation.
Education and sensory exploration were an integral part of the day. At Giraffe Corner, students visited the “Extinct Animal Graveyard,” a thoughtful exhibit designed to highlight species that no longer exist and spark reflection on conservation. Students were also entertained by the “Creepy Crawly Mystery Wall,” where they touched different textures and materials to learn about misunderstood creatures and natural habitats. These activities helped students connect what they saw and felt to classroom lessons about the environment and biodiversity.
As a Wildlife Conservation Society property, the Bronx Zoo’s mission to inspire care for nature and animals complemented our educational goals at Shrub Oak International School. Students learned about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species, connecting classroom lessons to real-world examples. The combination of hands-on learning and sensory discovery made this trip especially meaningful.
For many of our students, this visit represented far more than a day of fun—it was an opportunity to explore new settings, build confidence, and engage with the community in a safe and supportive way. From the costume parade to the animal exhibits, every activity offered meaningful moments for communication, observation, and connection.
Our trip to Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo was a celebration of learning, inclusion, and seasonal joy. We returned to campus enriched by the experience—socially, emotionally, and academically—and grateful for opportunities that allow our students to discover the world around them in such a vibrant, accessible, and supportive environment.
