Santa's Magical Switch Will Turn On Utah's Hogle Zoo's ZooLights!

By Holly Braithwaite

Salt Lake City, UT - With Santa’s magical flip of a switch, Utah’s Hogle Zoo will be transformed into a glowing wonderland from November 28 to December 31 with ZooLights! open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 pm. (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) There will be an opening celebration ceremony on Saturday November 28 at 5 pm.

ZooLights! is Utah’s largest animated light display, and coupled with the one of a kind Zoo setting, it will be an experience completely different from any other in this area. This year, ZooLights! features over one million lights and nearly 200 colorfully lighted, animal sculptures, most of which are animated—the largest animated holiday display in the state of Utah. Two years ago, Hogle Zoo started something really wonderful for the holidays, and this year is even bigger. Not only does it fit a niche in the community for non-secular events, but it also has the potential to grow into a family tradition for many generations.

“It’s the holiday season, and we want to provide a fun, family-friendly activity to remind everyone the Zoo is open all year,” said Executive Director Craig Dinsmore. “The special lighted animal sculptures, many of them animated, will make ZooLights! unique.”

In addition to the brilliant lights, there are other things to see and do. Visitors can get exclusive foods they would not find at Hogle Zoo in the summer: delicious deep-fried s’mores, hearty soups and steaming hot chocolate. Also, live entertainment from various local performers will be offered every Friday, Saturday and Monday.

This year, continue the family tradition where wildlife meets wild lights— ZooLights! at Hogle Zoo! Admission prices for ZooLights! are $6 for adults ($5 for members), $4 for children and seniors ($3 for members) and kids two and under are free. Visit Hogle Zoo online at www.hoglezoo.org  or for more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Holly Braithwaite by email at hbraithwaite@hoglezoo.org  or call (801) 584-1729. ZooLights! is sponsored by KUTV, Coca-Cola, Meadow Gold Dairies, Service Systems Associates, Utah Educational Savings Plan, Red Robin, The Deseret Morning News, The Salt Lake Tribune, 97.1 ZHT, KOSY 106.5, and 94.1 KODJ.

About the Association of Zoos & Aquariums:
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is one of only 221 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.

To view Hogle Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-1203-Utah's_Hogle_Zoo