Lions, tigers and bears are all uncaged at the Columbus Zoo. These animals at large have not escaped from their pens; they are illuminated displays as part of “Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo.”
Wildlights became a zoo tradition in hopes of increasing winter attendance as well as keeping interest levels high for the animal kingdom.
Jacquie Myers, spokeswoman for Columbus Zoo, said the zoo entertained only a few hundred visitors throughout the winter months before Wildlights debuted.
“Each year since Wildlights began, we can expect anywhere from 180,000 to 200,000 visitors depending on the weather,” she said.
The grounds maintenance crew is made up of 13 workers who began stringing lights on Sept. 1 and continued through Nov. 21.
“They spend eight hours a day hanging the lights and then spend the Wildlights season maintaining them,” said Lisa Beebe, special events coordinator for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “It will take them several months to take down the lights when Wildlights is over.”
The zoo light display boasts more than 2 million lights. Each year $70,000 is spent on lights, extension cords, metal to make ground displays, rope lighting, paint and other accessories.
Lindsey Ulrey, a sophomore in agricultural engineering, attended Wildlights in 2001.
“The diverse ensemble of lights that filled the zoo — it was a sea of lights that were amazing,” she said.
Along with the holiday decorations, the zoo offers other activities to keep visitors busy. An ice skating rink is open and is free if one brings their own skates; otherwise it is $2 to rent a pair. There are horse-drawn wagon rides for a fee of $1, the carousel runs until closing time and Santa Claus will make his appearance every evening through Dec. 23. All buildings are also open for visitors to view the usual zoo exhibits.
Ulrey said the Wildlights festivities are geared to entertain people of all ages.
“As you walk along the trail you do see people of various ages but their enjoyment all depends on the person’s attitude towards the attraction,” Ulrey said.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo started Friday and runs through Jan. 1. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $5 for children 2-11 years old and $7 for seniors. There is also a $3 parking fee. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount of 50 cents off the regular admission price.
“(Wildlights) has helped general awareness of the zoo,” Beebe said. “We are an educational service providing a learning opportunity for the community.”
To find out more about activities and special attractions at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium visit them online at www.columbuszoo.com.
