Dublin Zoo Wild Lights returning with exciting new…

Dublin Zoo Wild Lights returning with exciting new theme

Dublin Zoo Wild Lights has announced its return for the festive season with a gorgeous new theme that's sure to delight visitors.

The Magic of Life is this year's theme and will see the beloved Dublin attraction transformed with lights, installations and more magical features.

The theme will focus on the millions of plant and animal species around the world threatened with extinction, highlighting the importance of biodiversity through colourful lanterns.

The experience will see visitors a magical journey through Dublin Zoo to witness stunning lanterns which showcasing some of the most fascinating plant and animal communities and ecosystems on our planet.

Tickets for Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday September 21 at 10am at Dublinzoo.ie.

Benjamin Cassidy with a large illuminated bee at the launch of Dublin Zoo Wild Lights (Patrick Bolger)

This years’ Wild Lights event will be taken off the energy grid and will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), derived from 100% renewable raw materials to ensure Wild Lights can operate without impacting on the national energy supply during the upcoming winter.

Visitors will travel along a one-way trail past illuminated woodland scenes before encountering wondrous pollinators including giant bees and beehives.

They will then witness some of nature’s most fascinating transformations, such as the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly as well as the skilled co-operation of an ant colony and some of the most minute creatures of our world, blown up to gigantic scale.

Expect everything from the treetops of rainforests to the fascinating sea creatures and mesmerising coral, this year's Wild Lights at Dublin aims to highlight how we can all protect our planet.

Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo, said: "The award-winning event will highlight the importance of the world’s plant and animal kingdoms, something that is at the heart of everything we do here."

Last year saw Dublin Zoo transformed into a journey around the world with famous landmarks recreated.

Cillian O'Malley with a large illuminated bird at Dublin Zoo Wild Lights (Patrick Bolger)

Wild Lights will open to the public on Friday, October 28 until Monday, January 9 2023.

Throughout November, Wild Lights will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 5 until 9pm. From December 1 until January 9, the experience will be open seven days a week from 5 until 9pm (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day).

Admission to Wild Lights will be €23 for adults and €19 for children. Annual pass holders can avail of a special rate of €21 for adults and €17 for children.

Children under the age of three go free but will still need a pre-booked ticket. Students and OAP tickets are available for €20.

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