Conceptualizing the design for your zoo lights is the most challenging part of the whole process.
There are so many things to consider, including your budget, theme, and – the most daunting one of all – creating a better display than your business competitors.
Putting up the best display guarantees more zoo attendance and media exposure, so give it your all during the planning stage! Here are our best tips to make your zoo lights stand out.
Larger than life is exactly what LEKTRIK did at Nashville Zoo, back in 2019, during their epic Zoolumination holiday lights exhibition.
”The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is aglow with lanterns as part of Zoolumination:
Chinese Festival of Lights.
One highlight is a 200-foot long dragon among the hundreds of lanterns on display.
The handmade lighting displays were built by artists with the LEKTRIK who traveled from China to help put the festival together. Their work has been installed across more than 60 acres of the zoo and organizers say it is the largest show of its kind in the U.S.
Visitors to the zoo can make their way through lantern-lit pathways that connect them to intricate displays of wild animals and exotic plants located around actual zoo animals’ habitats. Lanterns the size of four-story buildings and the large dragon can be found in the zoo’s festival field.
Festival-goers can also experience Chinese cuisine and view entertainment in the zoo’s amphitheater.
The festival runs nightly through Jan. 1, 2020, and Thursday through Sundays through February 2, 2020” – Tennessean
Life-sized displays are great, but it’s the bigger, oversized mega displays that can really wow your guests. Capturing a wow factor atleast 4-5 times, at minimum, is the correct strategy.
Your guests will never run out of fun things to post on Instagram when you have miles of lights, lanterns, and illuminating flora and fauna on display!
Think outside the box. Apart from 3D light-up plants and animals, what else can you offer to your guests?
Take inspiration from Nashville Zoo who went all out and built a “North Pole Village” which was a life-size recreation of Santa’s home base.
“The village is comprised of multiple two-story buildings, made entirely of lanterns, a life-size train, holiday trees, light displays and music. Kids can visit Santa nightly […] and local bands and choirs will play traditional Christmas music on select nights. The 110-foot tall zip line and the carousel will also provide unique night-time experiences for riders.” – Rutherford Source
They truly checked all the boxes. The houses, trains, and music will make you feel like you have indeed arrived at the North Pole. Plus, there are pretty cool rides for the thrill-seekers!
The holiday season is hands-down the best time to put up your zoo lights because the attraction encourages your guests to come even during the cold nights. But if you really want to stand out, putting up a display at another time in a year should be a good way to do it.
In 2021, Dublin Zoo hosted an event they called “Wild Lights” in October. They lit up their zoo with famous landmarks and symbols instead of the usual holiday-themed elements.
“The experience is suitable for all ages and the theme, this year, is Around the World. Visitors will get to see some of the most famous global landmarks and iconic symbols, such as the Eiffel Tower and the ancient Egyptian pyramids all through a display of giant colorful silk lanterns.” – The Irish Times
How about light-up skeletons and jack-o-lanterns during Halloween? You might also want to try a Chinese-themed display during the Lunar New Year or craft colorful giant eggs for Easter. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re ready to put up your zoo lights, trust LEKTRIK to provide you with excellent service. With unmatched expertise in the industry, the artists at Zigong can produce anything from illuminated animal lanterns to high towers. Visit the website today at zigonglanterngroup.com.