Hipppos celebrate Halloween at zoo

Karen S. Kim

GRIFFITH PARK -- Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy this

year. It's about hippos, according to the Los Angeles Zoo.

Maggie and Otis, Griffith Park's resident hippopotamus amphibius, will

be hosting a "Stomp and Chomp" to kick off Boo at the Zoo for Halloween.

The strictly vegetarian animals will stomp and chomp on holiday

pumpkins, apples, corn stalks and gourds. An emperor scorpion and a

tarantula will also make a brief appearance during the event to celebrate

the spooky holiday.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. today at Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo

Drive, Griffith Park. Admission for the zoo is $8.25 for adults and $3.25

for children.

For more information, call (323) 644-6400.