Some amazing new creatures will appear at Blank Park Zoo, but only after dark. The zoo’s Wild Lights Festival is happening this spring and it’s stunning.

The event is inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals (which date back thousands of years to the Han Dynasty and are believed to have originated with Buddhist Monks) but it has a modern twist. It combines Asian culture, wildlife conservation, and the latest technology. It’s unlike anything that’s taken place in Iowa before. You can’t truly appreciate the spectacle unless you see the animals in person, but here’s a sneak peek.

Blank Park Zoo is a 49-acre zoological park on the south side of Des Moines. It first opened in 1966 and is one of the state’s most popular attractions for families. More than 400,000 people visit the zoo in a typical year.

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The Wild Lights Festival has 35 larger-than-life illuminated animal-shaped Asian-inspired lanterns designed and fabricated by artisans. The event has a limited capacity to allow for social distancing. Advance tickets are required.

YouTube / Blank Park Zoo

The best times to see the lights are at sunset and later, when it’s completely dark outside. Each night, the lanterns can be viewed from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Allow 60-90 minutes to take in the whole show.

YouTube / Blank Park Zoo

Because the event is very visual, pictures are encouraged. The zoo asks that you take many pictures and share your experience on social media tagging @BlankParkZoo and #WildLightsDSM.

YouTube / Blank Park Zoo

For the safety of the real zoo animals, you’ll only see lanterns on the tour - return on another day to see the real thing!

YouTube / Blank Park Zoo

Food will be available through the Safari Grill or via a food truck on most nights. Wine and beer will be available on Friday and Saturday nights. There are also some fun things for kids.

YouTube / Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo Wild Lights Festival runs through May 31, 2021. Get ticket information here. The zoo is pretty awesome by day as well – here are some of the real animals you can see.

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Address: Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA