“There are over a million LED lights on the trees in the park,” said Andrew Rondinone of the ZooLights exhibit, which lights up the National Zoo during the holiday season. “It’s just a massive, massive operation.”
“The dirty secret of the Christmas industry is that some of the venues that host these exhibits have just shut down,” said Rondinone, director of special events at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. [the strands] It comes down from the tree at the end of the year. We are clearly an environment-focused organization. I won’t do that. We carefully remove them from the tree to save the lights and use them again next year. ”
Over time, ZooLights has evolved from a flat 2D lighting exhibit to one that boasts gorgeous and elaborate 3D displays. The event’s hand-painted silk lanterns often take the shape of wild animals, including gorillas, crocodiles, snakes, dazzling jellyfish, and sometimes drag-inspired octopuses with charmingly twinkling eyes. It boasts moving elements, such as:
“We work with a great company. They do a great job with the details and making sure the animals look realistic and not too outlandish,” Rondinone says. “They’re all pretty biologically correct.”
This previously free event is now priced at a reasonable $6 per person and must be booked in advance. The fee is necessary to keep Zoolights running, but it hasn’t deterred tens of thousands of local residents from participating. “It helps cover the costs of the event and raises a little bit of money for the conservation work the zoo does,” Rondinone said.
Rondinone believes ZooLights has held up because “everyone could use some Christmas cheer and I think we’re seeing less and less of this in our world.” I just want people to come here, relax and have a good night. Grab a drink, walk around, and browse the displays. We’re not trying to sell you something on every corner. It’s not a super commercial story. Make memories, take photos, and have a family night out. Many people make this part of their annual tradition. ”
Zoolights It will be held from December 26th to 30th and January 3rd to 4th, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm and Sunday from 5pm to 8pm. Tickets and parking passes can be purchased in advance online. visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
