FRANKLIN
The Bear Path Acres animal sanctuary will host its first Halloween event this Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. As the evening wears on, Emma Byers, zookeeper, said it was a good time to hear the lion roar and the wolf howl. The nocturnal animals might also make an appearance.

“This is really to give back to those who have supported us through the years,” Byers said. “You can take your little one out for some Halloween fun before you take them trick or treating.”

The staff and volunteers will also have some games for the children while they are there, such as a scavenger hunt and some animal-themed questions for treats. For completing all of the items on the scavenger hunt list, you get a Halloween and animal-themed gift basket.

The park will be decorated for Halloween and the staff, volunteers and maybe even some of the animals will also be in costume. If you come in costume, it’s also half off the admission price. For 12+, typical admission is $12; $7 for children ages 4-12; and children ages 0-3 get in for free.

“It will just be a day of fun,” Byers said. “We will have plenty of animals out, so children can pet them. It’ll put them in good spirits before they go trick or treating.”

There will also be hot chocolate, cider and baked treats for sale as well. Proceeds will go toward funding a larger home for Santasia, the Bengal white tiger cub. Byers said so far they have reached half of their goal, and they are hoping to get the other half by December.

“She’s going to get big really fast,” she said.

The sanctuary will be open this year in December, though it may close for January and February.

Normal operating hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Bear Path Acres is a sanctuary made up of animals who have been abused, abandoned or neglected.

For more information, call Byers or Director Debbie Jeter at 757-516-8774.