By Kate Bartlett
The Buffalo Zoo has extended their lights and lantern show Zoomagination until August 21. Presented by Five Star Bank, the show is an immersive experience featuring larger-than-life animal displays and nature scape lanterns. This year features interactive displays and an orchid tunnel for those Instagram-worthy photos ops. The zoo will also have familiar attractions including the kiddie train and carousel operating in the night lights.
Lantern festivals are becoming increasingly popular, popping up in zoos all over the country, including Toronto and Cleveland. To bring Buffalo to this trending list, the zoo partnered with Tianya Arts & Culture Inc, a China -based organization. The central focus of this organization is conservation; its members have worked around the world with zoos, botanical gardens, and natural science institutes for the past twelve years. Tianya artisans carefully crafted the lanterns to best fit the Buffalo Zoo campus. They can be viewed during daytime hours, but are especially captivating once lit up in the night.
Zoomagination: The Festival of Lanterns and Lights. Only
four nights remain to experience the radiant displays until
next summer when a new exhibit of lanterns will adorn the
Buffalo Zoo! Thursday–Sunday from 6:30pm–10:30pm,
Get your tickets now! https://bit.ly/3Cc8zBr
Proceeds from the festival benefit partner institutions of Tianya promoting sustainability. Funds raised help support animal care and research.
A special Asian-inspired menu was created exclusive to the event including “General Tso’s chicken tenders,” “Year of the Tiger ice cream,” and even specialty cocktails like a “Spicy Mango Martini.” Non-alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase as well as a Beer Garden with specialty beverages.
The zoo animals are not party animals, and will not be on display for Zoomagination. All indoor and outdoor exhibits are closed during the festival. The event is family friendly, of course, but adults are also invited to enjoy a memorable walk under the stars at the zoo after hours as well.
The event runs Thursday-Sunday August 21 from 6:30-10:30pm (last entry at 9:45pm). Members receive a discount and children under 24 months are free. Tickets available online @ https://buffalozoo.org/ under “Special Events”.