2022
There is a traditional event in Phoenix, Arizona, USA each year called Zoolights. Each year since 1992, the Phoenix Zoo is decorated with about 4,000,000 lights to welcome nighttime visitors in December and January.
Workers spend about 4 months preparing the Zoo for the event. Elaborate light shows are put on, sculptures of lights are built in the shape of animals, and you may even catch a look at some of the nocturnal animals roaming around (couldn't get a picture, too dark 😑).
A peacock made of lights stands guard in front of an animal enclosure
This was the first year that I saw the animal "lanterns" in the park; hand-painted fabric and metal sculptures of many different animals, all lit from the inside.
Two large parrots sit atop signposts; one is about to take flight!
A flock of flamingos and their croc buddy hang out to greet guests
The kids were most excited - me, too - about the 200ft tunnel of lights that changed colors and danced brightly as people moved through it.
Lights change color and chase back and forth through the entire tunnel
The big feature was a musical light show over the Zoo's lake. It features a massive floating tree with synchronized LED lights and floating structures that could use the lights to replicate everything from fireworks to nutcrackers.
Should you find yourself in Phoenix during December and early January, a trip to Zoolights is a great way to spend an evening like a local. I'll leave a few more images from my trip. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for the quick notification @Annaelisa. I can see it on my side, but the images are gone when I open it in another browser. Drat! I'm trying to figure out the HTML Image posting stuff & it seems I've got some work to do. Hopefully, I'll have it sorted out soon.
Well, I had to do it old-fashioned and resize/post each photo, but at least they're visible. Thank you, @Annaelisa,for the notice!
The artificial zoo looks super-awesome @JustJake.
One of the best ways to let the wild animals live in the wild and enjoy their life.
Sad that I will miss this when I hope to be in Phoenix in April this year.
Thank you @Tushar_Suradkar. I 100% agree with you. I understand there are scientific and preservation benefits to zoos, but I tend to feel more bummed out for the animals. I would imagine every animal there is envious of Walter and his free-range Oatman gang.
Well, @AZ_2021 & @AnithaM have expressed interest in an Arizona Meetup if you have free time on your trip.
@Annaelisa, thank you for the tag.
@JustJake, outstanding post!
One of the most interesting light displays I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing.... and giving me one more reason to want the 8.😉
