PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

The Detroit Zoo will light up the night this holiday season with Wild Lights, a spectacular light display presented by Bank of America.  More than five million twinkling LED lights will brighten the evening sky and illuminate buildings, trees and more than 200 animal sculptures on a trail through the front half of the Zoo.

“The Detroit Zoo is a magical place in winter and even more so in the glow of holiday lights,” said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society executive director and CEO.  “The enchanting assortment of illuminated exotic animal sculptures – many representing species found at the Zoo – sets this display apart from others and celebrates wildlife.”

Wild Lights will be held 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 18-20 and 25-27 and Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-23 and 26-31, 2016.  Admission is $10 in advance and $13 at the gate for guests ages 2 and older (children under 2 are admitted free); parking is $6.  Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online or at Detroit Zoo main admissions.  A limited number of tickets are also available at all Michigan Kroger stores.

Wild Lights guests can take in the lights and sights while enjoying holiday entertainment and activities for kids of all ages, including figure skating and choral performances in front of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center as well as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Ford Education Center.  A craft station in the Events Pavilion will allow children to make holiday cards for distribution to pediatric patients in local hospitals.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D” will be showing at the Wild Adventure Zone’s 4-D Theater ($5 with admission).  New this year, guests can purchase a package for $15 that includes admission to Wild Lights and “Rudolph 4-D”, a pair of 3-D glasses that turn the LED lights into snowflakes or snowmen, and a red foam Rudolph nose.

Carousel rides, seasonal refreshments, holiday spirits, photos with Santa Claus (until Dec. 23), Wild Lights souvenirs and zoo-themed holiday gifts will also be available for purchase.

The Holden Reptile Conservation Center, Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat and Jane and Frank Warchol Beaver Habitat will be open during Wild Lights; the remainder of the animal habitats and buildings will be closed.

Wild Lights is also sponsored by DTE Energy, Kroger and Royal Oak Ford.