More than 700,000 lights and dazzling displays cover Point Defiance Zoo.
The holiday lights extravaganza has been a South Sound staple for more than 30 years. This year, there are changes because of COVID-19.
“The tradition of Zoolights is still here, all the fabulous displays that have been created by our team over the years, they’re all still here, including the Narrows Bridge, the octopus, the flame tree, all those things, and, of course, our operations team, even in COVID, adds something new, so this year it’s going to be the Seattle Kraken display,” said Alan Varsik, Director Point Defiance Zoo.
Online tickets are timed and tickets won’t be sold at the door. People must wear masks, there’s arrows on the ground directing one-way traffic, indoor venues, like the aquarium, had to close again, and there’s far fewer people.
Varsik said the zoo normally welcomes about 5,000 guests on busy Zoolights nights. This year, they’re only allowing 280 people per hour, which adds up to 1,120 people each evening.
“So, unlike other years, you’re probably going to have to plan your visit a little more,” he said.
Because of COVID-19, the zoo’s taken a big financial hit. Fewer guests means less revenue. They’ve had layoffs and furloughs and closed for 91 days during the shutdown, but animal care never stopped.
Zoo staff hopes the light show puts families in the holiday spirit while supporting the zoo.
“It’s really an important experience for families. It’s something that they do every year, so I’m glad we’re able to do that within a COVID experience,” said Varsik.
Tickets cost between $10 to $14.
Zoolights runs now through Jan. 3. The zoo is only closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Cox Media Group
