A blast of polar air is expected to hit Colorado on Thursday, and with forecasts calling for the coldest day in Denver for at least 30 years, the Denver Zoo has preemptively closed for that date, including its popular “Zoo Lights” exhibit.
Expecting high temperatures below zero with up to minus-40 wind chills, a Tuesday release from the Zoo’s Facebook page read, “The majority of our animals will need to remain in their indoor habitats for their safety and comfort, and we hope our guests are able to stay safe and warm inside as well! If you have Zoo Lights tickets for Thursday, December 22, you can reschedule your tickets at the link below or contact our Guest Care Team at [email protected] for assistance. Reschedule your tickets here: https://link.denverzoo.org/3G4mISP”
Now in its 32nd year, “Zoo Lights” is expected to sell up to 180,000 tickets this season, Zoo officials told The Denver Post. “Zoo Lights accounts for about 6% of the Zoo’s total operations budget, which helps cover its expenses for animal care, education and wildlife conservation,” said Jake Kubié, director of communications. “As a nonprofit with daily operating costs of $117,000, the Zoo relies on revenue from Zoo Lights at a time when daytime visits are low in the colder months.”
With over a million lights spread across the historic zoo’s 80 acres, the family-friendly exhibit has added new features – Aurora Borealis, Savannah Sunset and Electric Jungle – along with nightly ice-carving demonstrations. Holiday-themed food and drink can be enjoyed around fire barrels, as well… but not during what may end up as a historically cold day and night in the Mile High City.
“Zoo Lights” runs seven nights a week, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. through Jan. 15, 2023.
