Wild Lights Frequently Asked Questions (2023)

Get answers to all your frequently asked questions about Wild Lights!

What are the dates and event times for the Wild Lights?
Wild Lights runs March 10 – May 21, 2023,  Thursdays – Sundays as well as every night during Jefferson County Public School Spring Break,  April 3 – 7.
Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. |  Last ticket time is 10 p.m.  | Guests can enter until 10:30 p.m.  | Guests must exit by 11:30 p.m.

Do regular, daytime Zoo hours change?
No, regular Zoo hours will not be changed for Wild Lights nights.

Can you see the animals during Wild Lights?
Many of the animals will not typically be on exhibit in the evenings so they can rest and maintain their regular schedule. However, you may catch a few of our late-night party animals (weather permitting).

What about rain?
This is a rain or shine event. The lanterns will glow beautifully no matter what the weather. Be sure to bring gear appropriate for rain. A limited number of rain ponchos and other clothing items will be available for purchase at the Main Gift Shop. Safety is our first priority. The Zoo reserves the right to close or cancel the event if weather conditions are assessed to be a safety hazard. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made on our website and social media.

Is Wild Lights a family-friendly event?
Wild Lights is an event for everyone to enjoy! This is a cultural experience designed to delight guests of all ages. It is ideal for a family outing, night out with friends, or a special date night.

Are the lanterns the same as previous years?
This year’s Wild Lights festival will feature almost all new lanterns.  Some of these lanterns are making their world debut in Louisville. This year’s theme is “Around the World” and will include the famous landmarks, flora and fauna of six continents. All lanterns are handcrafted by our partners at Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., a premium service provider for world class lantern and light festivals around the world.

What kind of lanterns can I expect to see?
The lanterns for 2023 represent iconic architecture, plants and animals from around the world! Because the Louisville Zoo values the unique and important roles of all species, our guests will enjoy fan-favorite animals like giant pandas and great white sharks, as well as larger-than-life lantern sculptures of lesser-celebrated species like American rattlesnakes and tarantulas, Australian frilled-neck lizards and many, many more!

How do I get to the Zoo for Wild Lights?
Address:
The Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY 40213

The Zoo is easy to find and just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, KY; easily accessible from 1-64 and I-65.
1. Take I-264 (Watterson Expressway) to Newburg Road Exit #15, and travel North
2. Turn left on Trevilian Way
3. Follow the Zoo signs to 1100 Trevilian Way. The Zoo will be on the left.

Is there off-site parking or a Zoo shuttle?
There is NO off-site parking or Zoo shuttle. Be sure not to park in the parking lots of neighboring businesses or you may be towed.

Where do we park? Is there a cost?
Be sure to apply the $7 parking fee to your order, otherwise you will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Although parking at the Zoo is free for Louisville Zoo members during regular hours, it is not included in memberships for after-hours events such as Wild Lights.

What rides and attractions are open during Wild Lights?
The Zoo’s Conservation Carousel is open during Wild Lights, weather permitting.

Are strollers and wheelchairs available for rental?
Yes, the Louisville Zoo rents strollers, wagons and wheelchairs (limited number) from the front plaza. Motorized wheelchairs are available in a limited number during Wild Lights, but only if reserved in advance. Motorized wheelchairs are reserved for the entire day to ensure proper charge for use during the evening event. For more information and prices, click here.

Is smoking permitted?
No. For the safety of our guests, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited anywhere on Zoo grounds during this after-hours event.

Is this event epileptic-friendly?
Some lantern displays feature flashing lights, and may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

What other Zoo tips and safety guidelines should I be aware of?
Click here for information on Zoo policies regarding pets, balloons, skateboards, alcohol, behavior inside the Zoo and more.

Are the lanterns the same as previous years?
This year’s Wild Lights festival will feature almost all new lanterns.  Some of these lanterns are making their world debut in Louisville. This year’s theme is “Around the World” and will include the famous landmarks, flora and fauna of six continents. All lanterns are handcrafted by our partners at Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., a premium service provider for world class lantern and light festivals around the world.

Can I touch the lanterns?
No, most of our lanterns are handcrafted and are meant to be viewed, not handled. Please, do not touch, climb, cross or lean on the lanterns or barriers around them. We will have some lanterns without barriers that will allow guests to get up close and become part of the beauty of the lantern festival.

How long is the route for the Wild Lights?
The route is 1.4 miles long on a wheelchair-friendly path and takes around one hour to walk through. This is a walking event; there are no shuttles.

How many times can I go around the lantern pathway?
The path is one way and guests may only complete the route one time.

Will we be lighting and releasing lanterns at the festival?
No, our handcrafted lanterns are illuminated with LED bulbs and will stay firmly on the ground.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path, however, please be aware that there are some steep hills. The Louisville Zoo rents strollers, wagons and wheelchairs (limited number) from the front plaza. Motorized wheelchairs are available in a limited number during Wild Lights, but only if reserved in advance. Motorized wheelchairs are reserved for the entire day to ensure proper charge for use during the evening event. For more information and prices, click here.

Can I take photographs?
Yes! You are welcome to take photos and we’d love to see them! Share your fun photos on our social media channels by tagging #wildlightslouisville. Please be considerate of other guests; do not block pathways or the views of others while waiting for that perfect shot. Wild Lights photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes.

May I get a refund or exchange my ticket for another date if something comes up?
Sorry, we cannot exchange or refund tickets for this important Zoo fundraiser.

Does the Family Four Pack work for any combination of adults/children?
The Family Four Pack works for guests of all ages. All guests must enter together.

Does a ticket to Wild Lights cover daytime admission to the Zoo?
No, Wild Lights is a separate, ticketed event that provides entry to the Zoo when the after-hours event begins.  Zoo tickets and Wild Lights tickets must be purchased separately. We appreciate your understanding.

Do you have a combo option that includes Zoo tickets and Wild Lights tickets?
Wild Lights is a separate, ticketed event in partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture Inc and Stewart Promotions.  Zoo tickets and Wild Lights tickets must be purchased separately. We appreciate your understanding.

The date I want is sold out. Can I buy tickets at the Zoo ticket windows, on the day of the event?
Due to limited capacity, all tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Do children 2 and under get in free like regular Zoo admission?
Yes, children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Ages 3 and up require a full-price ticket. Families can save money by buying the Family Four Pack online in advance.

Do I need to print my tickets if I purchase online?
Not necessarily. Some phones (for example, those with cracked or broken screens), and saved PDF versions of the tickets present scanning challenges. Please, do not screen capture your tickets as they may not scan.

I purchased a ticket online, but I did not receive a confirmation email/ticket. What do I do?
An email confirming your purchase should arrive within 15 minutes of payment. Please check your junk/spam folders for an email from do_not_reply@louisvillezoo.org.  If you entered an invalid or misspelled email during your purchase, the payment will appear on your credit card, but your tickets will not be delivered. Please email zootickets@louisvilleky.gov with the name the tickets were purchased under, the correct email address, and the last 4 digits of the credit card used to make the purchase. We will resend your tickets.

Is there a limit to the number of tickets I can purchase?
Up to 20 tickets can be purchased in a single transaction.

Do Louisville Zoo members receive special pricing?
Yes. Current members can purchase discounted tickets online. You must purchase extra tickets for non-member guests not covered on your membership in a separate transaction (at the regular rate). Note: We reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate.

Do I need to bring proof of my membership (card, app, temporary pass) and photo ID even though I used my ID number to buy my ticket online?
Yes, we reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate. See Member FAQs for more general member details.

How many discount tickets can I purchase?
You can purchase tickets for the number of people covered on your membership card. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo IDs at the gate. Purchase Family Four Pack tickets to save money and cover larger families.

I am a member of a reciprocal Zoo. Do I receive discounted admission to Wild Lights?
Sorry, reciprocal discounts do not currently apply to after-hours events.

We normally park for free as members. Is it also free for the Wild Lights?
Although parking is included with your membership for regular Zoo hours, it is not included for special after-hours fundraising events like Wild Lights. Be sure to apply the $7 parking fee to your order, otherwise you will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows.

Can Zoo members bring a guest?
Yes. Additional guests not covered by your membership regularly must pay full price. You must purchase these full-priced guest tickets in a separate transaction from the member discount tickets. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo IDs at the gate.

Is there a separate Zoo member entrance?
No. All visitors will have their tickets scanned at the ticketing windows and enter through the main gate.

I have some rides included in my regular membership package. Are my rides included or discounted for the Wild Lights?
Because this is a special after-hours fundraising event for the Zoo, rides and attractions are not included and are an additional cost for all participants.

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