Phoenix Zoo Has 2.5 Million Lights and More Than 500 Custom-made Light Sculptures

By Susan Kricun

Phoenix, AZ - The Phoenix Zoo will transform into one of the largest holiday lighting events in the Southwest with 2.5 million lights and more than 500 custom-made light sculptures as ZooLights, presented by SRP, kicks off its 18th season at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving night (Thursday, Nov. 26).

ZooLights, open every night from 6 – 10 p.m. through Jan. 10, 2010 -- including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, is a Valley holiday tradition featuring special lighted animal armatures and several fun experiences including the debut of a new, life-size lighted Komodo display in celebration of the Zoo’s new Komodo dragon exhibit, Land of the Dragons.

ZooLights is once-again powered by SRP’s EarthWise Energy, which is generated from sun, wind, the earth's heat and flowing water in canals. The event continues to become even more environmentally friendly as the transition to more LED lights continues.

There’s more than just lights and music at ZooLights including a new Komodo light scene and visit to Land of the Dragons to see a live Komodo dragon, an all-new “Music in Motion” dancing tree show – the only custom synchronized show with audio, visual and special effects, plus three times the sound as last year all with LED energy-saving lights… Jengo, the talking giraffe presented by Cardon Children’s Medical Center… the Endangered Species Carousel… wagon and camel rides… and animal meet & greets Thursday through Sunday. In addition, Stingray Bay, presented by Bank of America, will be open for guests to say ‘Happy Holidays’ to the aquatic residents of this great experience.

“So many families now consider ZooLights part of their holiday tradition,” said Phoenix Zoo’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Trish Bump. “We work literally year-round to ensure that we put on a great show for everyone.”

“SRP’s long-time support of the Zoo has been tremendous and the funding that they provide continues to improve the ZooLights experience.”

More info for activities as follows:

Endangered Species Carousel

Open nightly, featuring hand-painted animal figures. $2 per ride.

Stingray Bay

Stingray Bay, presented by Bank of America, is a touch tank that features cownose and southern stingrays and bamboo sharks. Admission is $1 for Zoo members and $3 for non-Zoo members.

Photo Opportunities

· Take a ride on one of our camels and have your photo taken as a keepsake. $5 per rider. $5 per photo. Photos are available immediately.

Wagon Rides (weather permitting)

· Monday & Tuesday, horse-drawn carriage rides. Carriage seats four for $20.

· Wednesday through Sunday, wagon rides for up to 12 people, $4 per person.

Holiday Shopping

Stop in the PhxZoo Shop for ZooLights souvenirs before you leave, plus you’ll find unique gifts for the entire family.

Ticket prices are $9, $7 for Zoo members Sunday through Thursday and $10, $8 for Zoo members Friday and Saturday. Children two years and younger are free. Group tickets (50 or more) can be purchased for $7 each if ordered in advance. Tickets are not dated and can be used any time during ZooLights. Tickets are non refundable.

Tickets can be purchased on line and printed from your home computer by visiting www.phoenixzoo.org. Tickets can also be purchased during a daytime visit to the Zoo or the night you attend ZooLights. Call (602) 273-1341 for more information.

ZooLights is presented by SRP and generously sponsored by Cardon Children’s Medical Center, Fry’s Food Stores, Ahern Rentals, as well as media partners CBS 5, 99.9 KEZ and azcentral.com.

ZooLights Fun Facts

How many people go to ZooLights?
More than 250,000 guests attend each year. ZooLights is the largest multi-day fundraiser for our non profit zoological park.

How many lights are used at ZooLights?
The Zoo uses 2.5 million individual lights for ZooLights. This includes all the lights used on 500 displays of animals, flowers, stars, etc. One tree can have as many as 50,000 lights. ZooLights is one of the largest light shows in the Southwest.

How long does it take to install ZooLights?
It takes a four-person crew approximately 12 weeks to install. That’s over 2,400 man-hours! Installation begins in mid-August and wraps up the first week of November.

Do you use a lot of electricity?

We are continuing our transition to energy-efficient LED lights. The lights used for the dancing tree show this year are all LED and will use only one-third the power used last year. ZooLights is also powered by SRP EarthWise Energy, which is electricity generated from environmentally friendly sources such as the sun and wind.

What happens when ZooLights is over?
We take it all down! The Zoo has a full-time staff that works on ZooLights year-round. When we are not installing or taking down the lights, we are planning, designing, repairing and building new features for next year.

How often do you add new features?
Every year. We’ll add a new 3D feature and as many as a dozen other light features. This provides guests with a different experience each ZooLights season. Because ZooLights is designed, built and installed by Zoo staff, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other holiday light event. 

To view Phoenix Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-95-Phoenix_Zoo