Spirits will shine bright at 2006 Zoolights

TACOMA, Wash. – With a flip of the proverbial switch, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be transformed into a glowing wonderland on Friday, Nov. 24.

The 19 th annual Zoolights holiday light show will feature a number of new lit figurines, including sequenced displays that depict a beaver chomping down a tree and a raccoon raiding a garbage can. Repeat visitors also will want to check out the Tacoma Narrows Bridge replicas, one of which reflects progress on building the new span, and the other a model of the existing span. The bridge models generated a buzz last year.

Virtually all of the Zoolights displays, which depict animals, nursery rhyme characters, and regional landmarks, were designed and hand-crafted by the Zoo staff.

Zoolights will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 1 (see closure dates below). The glittering display features more than a half-million lights. Most are light-emitting diodes (LED lights), which use only a fraction of the energy required by traditional holiday lights.

“We’ve ramped up our commitment to purchase LED lights the last few years,” said John Houck, deputy director of the Zoo. “These lights not only conserve energy, they save taxpayers money and their intense light is beautiful as well.”

The Zoolights walk-through area will be expanded this year to accommodate the new displays and give visitors more choices for their route through the lights.

Live entertainment will be offered most weeknights and on a few weekend evenings. Performing groups range from a gymnastic team to school choirs to dance troupes to the

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Tacoma Scots bagpipe and drum corps. Most performances will be in the Wild Wonders

Outdoor Theater, which offers covered seating for 300 people. The schedule of performances will be posted on the Zoo’s web site: www.pdza.org.

Other diversions include the beautiful new Paul Titus Carousel, a “snow”-making machine behind the North Pacific Aquarium to sprinkle guests with a bit of white stuff, and, on weekends, an opportunity to have holiday photos taken.

When it’s time to warm up, guests can head for the balmy South Pacific Aquarium, home to sharks and other tropical sea life, take a ride on the Paul Titus Carousel, sip hot beverages or enjoy a meal in the Plaza Café, or head for the gift shop and take advantage of a 10 percent discount for Zoolights patrons.

“The Zoo staff has created a lovely community tradition with Zoolights,” said Aaron Pointer, president of the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners. “A leisurely stroll through Zoolights is a great way for families and friends to gather for wholesome fun. And I never fail to be impressed with the sheer beauty of the Zoolights display.”

The Zoo has created a special information line for Zoolights this year: 253-404-3822. Zoolights information also is available on the Zoo’s web site: www.pdza.org.

Zoolights will be closed for eight nights of the five-week run to conserve energy and observe holidays. Closure dates are:

Nov. 27, 28, 29
Dec. 4, 5, 6
Dec. 24, 25

Advance tickets, priced at $5, are on sale at Bartell Drugs locations, online at pdza.org, and at Zoo ticket kiosks. Tickets purchased night of show will be $7 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $5 Monday-Thursday. Children ages 2 and younger will be admitted free.

Zoolights by the numbers

When: Nov. 24-Jan. 1, open 5 to 9 p.m. Closure dates: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 24-25.

How much: Advance tickets, $5, good any evening, on sale at Bartell Drugs locations and online at PDZA.org Tickets purchased at the gate are $7 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $5 Monday through Thursday. Carousel rides, $1.50.

How many lights: More than 500,000 lights, including lighted figurines, pathway rope lights and atmospheric displays.

How many years: The first Zoolights opened in 1988. This is the 19 th annual display.

For information: Zoolights recorded information: 253-404-3822, or PDZA.org

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