The classic Halloween tradition, ZooBoo, returned to Fresno Chaffee Zoo this October, but this year there was something new to celebrate. For the first time, Sniffari Night – ZooBoo Edition welcomed guests to bring their dogs with them to experience the Zoo in a whole new way!
Guests had the opportunity to see their four-legged friends interact with the Zoo’s seals, cheetahs, tigers, and more. The event was an enriching experience for all the animals in attendance as they got to encounter new sights, smells, and senses that provided a new stimulus.
Along with the animal interactions, guests also participated in a Pooch Parade of the best dog costumes. The parade was hosted by Vanessa Vasconcelos from ABC30 and was judged by Fresno Chaffee Zoo CEO and Director, Jon Forrest Dohlin, Zoo Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Audrey Siegrist, and from Waterhouse Animal Hospital, Dr. Waterhouse. The winning costume, awarded to human Lina and pup Zuko, was a lab dressed as a prisoner because he loves to escape. They received a Fresno Chaffee Zoo swag bag, Elaine’s Pet Resorts $100 gift card, and a Woofie’s of North Fresno $50 gift certificate. The “Paw-fect Pair” prize, a Fresno Chaffee Zoo swag bag, was awarded to a dog, Kitty, dressed as a hamburger and their human, Alejandra, dressed as an In-N-Out Burger employee.
This event was made possible by our community vendors and dedicated sponsors. Fresno Chaffee Zoo would like to thank their Top Dog sponsor, Waterhouse Animal Hospital, for helping to make this event successful. The Zoo would also like to thank their Paw Print sponsor, Elaine’s Pet Resorts, and their Bark Booth sponsor, Woofie’s of North Fresno.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is thrilled at the community’s response to the event and thankful to the community for their support at this year’s ZooBoo. Thanks to the outpouring of feedback, the Zoo is excited to bring back Sniffari Night events in the future. You can get tickets for Sniffari Night – IllumiNature Edition taking place on December 9th, 2025 on Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s website now.
