LA Zoo Lights a Magical Masterful Marvel Now Playing Thru Jan. 9

The Zoo proudly welcomes Angelenos back with more gorgeous glowing animals (tigers, lions, macaws, monkeys, meerkats, and flamingos “decorating” the Zoo just for you) and an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes the world’s largest pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and their iconic 200-foot Twinkle Tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color surrounded by sparkling and dancing lights.

L.A. Zoo Lights is a self-guided 60-to-90-minute stroll through a substantial area of the Zoo featuring wildlife-inspired arrays, dynamic lights and projections, immersive interactive experiences, more photo ops than ever before, plus traditional treats, food, and entertainment on weekends. Revel and relish in the sound reactive lights and illuminated singing displays bringing music to your ears followed by a warm comfy cozy feeling to your heart and soul.

I had the privilege and honor of interviewing Carl Myers, the LA Zoo Communications Director. He indicated fellow workers are thrilled things are now safe for the magnum opus presentation to be reinstated after going dark in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The light displays have been a staple since 2014, with the closure of LADWP’s Griffith Park holiday light extravaganza. Councilmember Tom LaBonge thought it would be an optimum occasion for the Zoo to host the holiday happening and simultaneously return to Angelenos the endearing enduring nostalgic fascination charm and glamour of lights in Griffith Park. Additionally, it’s been a treasured and valued celebration inviting the City of Angels to commune and partake in seasonal bliss.

According to Carl, The Zoo works with a company called Mobile Illumination to precipitate and produce their vision of a winter wonderland. Designing, facilitating, and constructing the state of the art sensation involved a nightly installation process of over two months.

Carl revealed that in 2021 there are several novel concepts bringing to fruition innovative unique elements and making the enthralling exciting energizing exhilarating evening even more dynamic and divinely delightful.

When asked about where all the animals remain during the astounding and astonishing spectacle, Carl mentioned that “By the time Zoo Lights opens its doors at 6:00 p.m., most, if not all, of the animals in the Zoo are in their sleeping quarters for the night, so there is little to no interaction with any of the Zoo's residents.”

The Zoo is still open for regular business during the day time until 5pm when the diligent and conscientious crew comes on board and fastidiously puts their noses to the grindstone ensuring an effective, efficiently run phenomenal affair.

Carl admitted he’s “partial to the new Holiday Village as well as our Luminous LAIR. The LAIR, in general, is one of my favorite exhibits because I’m a huge fan of reptiles. (I’m also a fan of the churros and hot cocoa!)”

The most rewarding aspect about working on this project for Carl is “seeing families from all over the City get to share in each others’ joy and holiday spirit. In a climate where people have been divided and there’s been rising tensions, it’s so beautiful to see the community coming together here.”

Carl continued by conveying an especially meaningful moment. “When I was scouting out the event on our opening night, I saw a little girl run and stop in front of our illuminated frogs near Rainforest of the Americas. She was standing in awe and wonder as the lights glowed on her face. You could make out a smile, and that lit me up. Seeing the wonder of the season come through with all of these interactions, both large and small, is what is so great about L.A. Zoo Lights.”

Referring to the take away Carl hopes audiences will achieve: “After the year we’ve had living with this pandemic, we're happy to be a safe, welcoming, and joyous place for all Angelenos to gather and create positive, lasting, and cherished memories this holiday season.”

Last but not least, Carl believes this is such a popular shindig because “No matter one’s background, the holiday season resonates with Angelenos for a number of reasons. L.A. Zoo Lights tries to note and highlight the allure and appeal the season brings. Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and it’s very special to have access to a park such as this, making memories count, especially during the holidays”

WHERE:

Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

WHEN: Now through Jan. 9, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m..; Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)

TICKETS:*

at www.lazoo.org/zoolights.

VALUE NIGHTS*

Adults (13+) $22.00 • Children (2-12) $16.00 • Members $15.00

PREMIUM NIGHTS*

Adults (13+) $24.00 • Children (2-12) $17.00 • Members $15.00

Children younger than 2 are free.

*Convenience fee may apply. No refunds. Discount code required for member pricing. Member pricing not valid December 17 – 23.

Three sessions will be available for purchase nightly to aid in efforts to socially distance

6:00 p.m. •7:00 p.m. •8:00 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us @LAZoo and share the L.A. Zoo Lights experience on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #LAZooLights.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: All guests 12 and older are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the Zoo. Guests 18 and older must also provide a matching photo I.D. All guests must continue to wear a face mask inside the L.A.I.R., restaurants, gift shops, and restrooms regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. As per our Code of Conduct, we expect all our guests, staff, and volunteers to treat one another—as well as Zoo animals and wildlife—with respect and care. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we navigate this new policy.

About the Los Angeles Zoo:

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing more than 1.8 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of over 2,300 animals representing 270 different species, 58 of which are endangered. Its lush grounds on 133 acres feature various plant species from around the world and California including many rare and endangered species. The Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. Effective Nov. 8, 2021, the City of Los Angeles Ordinance No. 187219 mandates, upon entry to the Zoo, all guests ages 12 and older Zoo must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72-hours prior to their visit. Proof must also be verified with a photo ID for those 18 and over. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination may include showing the physical vaccination card or a photo or digital copy of the vaccination card. Guests who cannot provide this proof will not be allowed to enter the Zoo. This mandate does not currently apply to individuals under the age of 12 years old as they are not currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.