Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

Last night we were at the zoo, which is this year marking the 25th anniversary of its Wildlights program. Somewhere along the line the folks at the zoo were thinking what can we do to get people out here in the winter. And the answer was to decorate the place with Christmas lights. Great answer too. Naturally it's grown over the years, to the point where they have somewhere in excess of three million lights. Sponsorship is everything in this era. So AEP changed them over to led lights, got to put their name out there, and in the process cut the electric bill for the event by something like 90%.

Anyway this wasn't just any ole visit to the zoo. It was actually a present from our friends Jim and Mariann.  Mariann is a docent at the zoo. And as the Wildlights program grows like wild they somewhere along the line decided to start offering guided tours after hours limited to groups of 28. They have small trams that hold 8 people and drive you around the zoo to check out the lights and of course the animals (and the fish since the official name is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).

So this turned out to be pretty educational as each tram had a couple docents. These people are well versed in all things zoo. While I knew the Columbus Zoo has grown phenomenally over the years I had no clue it was the third largest in North American behind only San Diego and Toronto. Or that they could pass both zoos next year when the new African exhibit opens. I did know that the Columbus Zoos first claim to fame was when they had the first baby gorilla born in captivity many moons ago. I did not know that gorillas really REALLY value their beauty rest. So much so that they’re cranky the next morning if they don’t get the requisite amount of shut eye. Suffice it to say that the gorilla exhibit is off limits to late night tours.  

Here’s another fun fact. Many of the animals are trained to cooperate for their well being checks. Like the bears will actually present their claws for trimming and actually appreciate it. Or the bats will spread their wings to be checked for injuries.

It was 22 degrees last night but as long as you dressed for it the cold wasn’t that bad. The snow cover really made it especially scenic. We were both pretty excited about the whole deal yesterday and the tour didn’t disappoint. It ended with a light show synchronized to music at the lake which provided a couple photo opportunities, although the pics really don’t do the scenery justice.  Thanks again Jim and Mariann.