Turn on the Light

It gets dark early these days.

Thankfully, there are a lot of extra lights because it's Christmas.  The holiday season lures us out of our homes to drive around neighborhoods to look at the lights.

So it only makes sense that zoos are choosing to throw some lights around and attract us back to see some brand new attractions.

Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo is free to the public every day.

At night this holiday season, a $7 ticket opens the doors to this winter's wonderland.  It's a great idea for a fundraiser and a new family friendly holiday tradition.

The lighted giraffes were the best animals I saw on display.  The usual attractions were tucked in for the night as we walked through the park.

An American Bison was noticed in the shadow and a Badger was caught looking out the window of its home; otherwise all was quiet.

The zoo's enclosed carousel was operating.  The gift shop open, and a couple concession stands were offering good food and hot drinks to offset the evening chill.

Night photography offers some challenges.  The biggest for me is the longer exposure time.  Thankfully a tripod makes a steady platform.

The lights are on Thursday - Sunday nights starting at 5:30, and after closing for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will stay open through January 1.

I noticed monkeys hanging in trees outside the reptile building, or perhaps they were Orangutans watching the holiday crowd.

Lions lurked off the trail, warily watching, and maybe salivating as a bountiful buffet passed in front of them.

The centerpiece of this festival of lights is a majestic fountain near the top of the hill.

You have to listen very closely to hear the rushing water, but it takes no imagination at all to see the drop cascade from one level to the next to the next until the liquid climbs to the top for another run.

The first edition of Zoo Lights was a hit, and it's easy to picture a lot of room for growth in the years ahead.  Next year I hope to see more lights illuminating the trees arching overhead and a clear path around the park.

Go to the zoo, see for yourself.