Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo

October 6, 2021

noon

Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo

This fall, families can enjoy a magical outdoor event at Wildlights, a special exhibit at Sedgewick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Wildlights is a one-of-a-kind display featuring beautiful Asian Lantern sculptures that light up the zoo. The display features over 45 gigantic sculptures showcasing a variety of favorite animals. From graceful swans to an archway of whimsical butterflies, to playful pandas, a magnificent lion, and a charming sea turtle... we saw many of our favorite animals on display.

Our family, including children, teens, parents, and grandparents spent two hours walking through the zoo enjoying the amazing light display. We've enjoyed many holiday light displays over the years, but this particular display was truly unique. The lantern sculptures glow in a beautiful way, unlike anything we've ever seen. Each scene is breathtaking and beautiful.

Tianyu Arts & Culture created the display and brought it to Wichita to be enjoyed through early December. It took 13 semi-trailers to bring all of the elements to the zoo, and a team from China spent hours assembling each sculpture. The company works to present conservation and sustainability messages through displays to inspire future generations. Many of the displays feature rare and endangered animals.

Details: Oct. 1 - Dec. 5, 2021, visitors are invited to enjoy Wild Lights from 6 – 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday. Roam the Zoo after dark, with your path illuminated by larger-than-life sculptures of all things WILD! Please note that indoor exhibits will be closed and resident Zoo animals will not be in attendance.

Tip: Visit Tanganyika Wildlife Park nearby where you can experience amazing animal encounters! Read our review of their Ultimate Weekend Experience here.

Your journey begins with a beautiful welcome as the entrance archway is spectacularly lit with butterflies and flowers.

The Welcome:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

Walking up to the welcome archway, we overheard many oohs and aahs. This impressive display is just the beginning!

Flowers:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

This flower backdrop was especially fun. Children could jump on lit up pads on the ground and the flowers would open and close! This display was truly stunning AND a ton of fun!

Swans:

Kristina Light

Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo

The graceful swans were a universal fan favorite.

Polar Bears:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

My girls LOVE bears! So, the polar bears and pandas were some of their top picks!

Pandas:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

These pandas are animated, playing and moving along the display!

Sea Life:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

The colors of the sea turtle change as you watch him "swim." We love the other fish and octopus too.

Lanterns:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

Walking under the lantern archway was truly gorgeous and unforgettable.

Favorite Zoo Animals:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

I loved all of the zoo animals on display, but the lion and sloth were probably my favorites. The "Lion King" scene was truly beautiful against the night sky. The butterfly archway features over 200 butterflies!

Sparkling Lights EVERYWHERE:

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light

In addition to the large animal displays, there were light tunnels and sparkling light displays throughout the park. The butterflies were my oldest daughter's favorite.