5 things to expect from Tucson zoo's 'Pokemon Go' nights

Reid Park Zoo is where the wild things are — that is to say, where the Pokemon are.

And that’s a good thing for the zoo, during summer’s slower months.

In case you missed your chance to catch ’em all at the zoo’s first two “Pokemon Go” Safari Nights, never fear. You have the next three Saturday evenings to try again.

Here are five things to expect:

Crowds: The twist on the zoo’s annual Summer Safari Nights attracted about 3,000 people each night Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24. Compare that to the usual 1,000 guests that swing by for the typical Friday Summer Safari Nights or the 2,000-guest limit for Brew at the Zoo. The “Pokemon Go” event numbers are similar to Halloween and some nights of Zoo Lights. Those to-dos can attract more than 3,000 guests on busier nights, said Gail Brown, the marketing and events director for the Reid Park Zoological Society.

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Pokestops: The zoo has 13 Pokestops but no gym, Brown said. Lures will be dropped at all locations throughout the night.

A few animals: While Pokemon roam the grounds, most of the zoo’s usual denizens will be off exhibit and out-of-sight. A few animals with access to their public exhibits may be visible. Elephants, lions and tigers made appearances last weekend, Brown said.

Plenty to keep you busy: Even if catching Pokemon isn’t your thing, you can catch a ride on the carousel or a camel — for an added fee. The gift shop and café will also be open, and there will be face painting along with a Heroes and Villains comic book store table. And if all else fails, people watch. Definitely, people watch. Pokemon cosplayers get an admission discount.

Other opportunities: The zoo isn’t the only one with Pokemon plans. Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, is hosting a “Pokemon Go” Trainer Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 28. This slice of wild west has eight Pokestops, free admission and is offering $1 off amusement wristbands for trainers. For more information, call 296-4551 or visit the Trail Dust Town Facebook page.

Trainers can also play for free at Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 29, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30 as part of the nature preserve’s Monsoon Madness Plant Sale. So far, there are about 20 known species of Pokemon strolling the gardens, along with 13 Pokestops and one gym, according to press materials. If this weekend is a no-go for you, Tohono Chul will offer half-off admission through August to trainers who present their “Pokemon Go” app. For more information, call 742-6455 or visit the Tohono Chul Facebook page.