Contact:  Kyle Shepherd
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(O) 502-238-5331 (C) 502-744-5639  

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce the extension of Wild Lights, now glowing through June 16, 2024. This extension coincides with May’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the launch of a photo contest in celebration of National Photo Month inviting guests to capture and share their experiences at the magical lantern festival.

Wild Lights features a 1.4-mile trail adorned with more than 60 hand-crafted illuminated art displays depicting scenes from nature, coral reefs and figures from Chinese mythology. Guests will enjoy a beautiful outdoor stroll complete with live cultural performances nightly including agility and acrobatics, mask-changing and more. Special handcrafted goods, Asian-inspired food and craft cocktails are available for purchase during festival evenings. Wild Lights is wheelchair and stroller friendly and runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights. Event capacity is limited; the Zoo recommends guests reserve desired dates early.

The Louisville Zoo and Asia Institute – Crane House are excited to host Asian American and Pacific Islander Appreciation Night on May 23. River Lotus Lion Dancers will welcome guests with a special performance. Mak-Mak BBQ and Rice Now food trucks will be onsite beginning at 6:30 p.m. selling Asian delicacies. Asia Institute – Crane House is a community resource that promotes understanding of Asian cultures and heritage through education, outreach and the arts.

Tickets

Tickets for Wild Lights start at $18 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 60+ and $22 for general admission for adults 12-59, with discounted rates available for Louisville Zoo members. Children aged 2 and under attend for free. Anytime tickets good for any day and any time are also available for $26.

Photo Contest

The Zoo is celebrating National Photo Month in May with a Wild Lights photography contest on Facebook. An overall winner will be chosen to receive a free Zoo membership. One participant will be chosen weekly to receive four general admission tickets to the Zoo. The weekly winners will be featured on the Zoo’s website and in an upcoming issue of Trunkline, the Zoo’s quarterly magazine. More information about the photo contest, including rules, guidelines and how to participate, is available at louisvillezoo.org/wlcontest.

This year’s event is supported by generous contributions from Meijer, Great Clips, Bob Ray Company Inc., The LG&E and KU Foundation, Councilman Pat Mulvihill and District 10 Residents, Weber Group, Republic Bank, and Asia Institute – Crane House. These sponsors have played a crucial role in bringing this enchanting experience to the community.

Wild Lights is in partnership with Stewart Promotions and Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., an international event design company.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

Daytime Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Spring/Summer hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (exit by 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

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About The Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).