Photos: Glowing Wild Now Illuminating the Denver Zoo

At night, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance now transforms into a whimsical world of glowing flower paths, illuminated animals and colorful lights.

Glowing Wild, a spring lantern event that was introduced at DZCA last year, is back by popular demand on select dates from Friday, March 13, through Sunday, May 10.

The after-hours event on the zoo’s eighty-acre campus includes sixty illuminated scenes of more than 175 larger-than-life lantern displays, live music, food and drink — and visits with the zoo animals that are still awake, like the otters, giraffes and elephants.

Last year, more than 70,000 people attended Glowing Wild, and this year, the zoo is expecting an even higher attendance, says Jake Kubié, director of public relations & brand communications at the zoo.

“Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance exists to connect people with the wonders of wildlife and the natural world. Glowing Wild is an incredible way to engage and inspire our community in that mission,” Kubié adds.

The lanterns — many with moveable parts — are handcrafted by a team from Tianyu, a lantern company in China. New features this year include a twenty-foot-tall and sixty-foot-wide moose and a family of lions inspired by DZCA’s own pride in Predator Ridge.

Each ticket purchase includes snacks, one complimentary drink ticket and other beverages, but those hoping to fully eat and drink their way around the zoo as they enjoy the lights can purchase a Food + Drink passport and indulge in a menu of spring salad, fried pickles, pizza slices, beer, gin and tonic, aperol spritz and non-alcoholic options.

There will be Adult Nights on April 2 and May 7 for members of the 21-and-over crowd who don’t want to worry about tripping over yelling kids, and a Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night on April 12 with special accommodations for guests living with sensory-processing disorders. The Sensory-Friendly Night includes reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more.

“We received overwhelmingly positive reviews last year,” Kubié says. “This year’s display is even more impressive. Hopefully, it becomes an annual tradition like Zoo Lights or Boo at the Zoo.”

Glowing Wild is on select dates Friday, March 13, through Sunday, May 10, at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele Street. Learn more and buy tickets here.