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:
1 of 4
![DSC_6201_50.jpg DSC_6201_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25829/download/DSC_6201_50.jpg?cb=b6c4b8196d1e2c38fb22fc0260406765&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 4
![DSC_6205_50.jpg DSC_6205_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25830/download/DSC_6205_50.jpg?cb=b6c4b8196d1e2c38fb22fc0260406765&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
3 of 4
![DSC_6208_50.jpg DSC_6208_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25831/download/DSC_6208_50.jpg?cb=b6c4b8196d1e2c38fb22fc0260406765&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
4 of 4
![DSC_6213_50.jpg DSC_6213_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25832/download/DSC_6213_50.jpg?cb=b6c4b8196d1e2c38fb22fc0260406765&w={width}&h={height})
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:
1 of 2
![DSC_6409_50.jpg DSC_6409_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25833/download/DSC_6409_50.jpg?cb=495dbf5193a6d47cfc36f9f18cd675c4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 2
![DSC_6421_50.jpg DSC_6421_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25834/download/DSC_6421_50.jpg?cb=495dbf5193a6d47cfc36f9f18cd675c4&w={width}&h={height})
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:
1 of 2
![DSC_6230_50.jpg DSC_6230_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25838/download/DSC_6230_50.jpg?cb=cef6082efc192be4ba58246672396bde&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 2
![DSC_6228_50.jpg DSC_6228_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25837/download/DSC_6228_50.jpg?cb=cef6082efc192be4ba58246672396bde&w={width}&h={height})
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:
1 of 2
![DSC_6276_50.jpg DSC_6276_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25839/download/DSC_6276_50.jpg?cb=592571c05b85bcc527969be02a0a652c&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 2
![DSC_6279_50.jpg DSC_6279_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25840/download/DSC_6279_50.jpg?cb=592571c05b85bcc527969be02a0a652c&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
These pandas are animated, playing and moving along the display!
Sea Life:
1 of 5
![DSC_6237_50.jpg DSC_6237_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25843/download/DSC_6237_50.jpg?cb=a1633ed63bc06bfd81c93fdc6cadf215&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 5
![DSC_6241_50.jpg DSC_6241_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25844/download/DSC_6241_50.jpg?cb=a1633ed63bc06bfd81c93fdc6cadf215&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
3 of 5
![DSC_6234_50.jpg DSC_6234_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25841/download/DSC_6234_50.jpg?cb=a1633ed63bc06bfd81c93fdc6cadf215&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
4 of 5
![DSC_6236_50.jpg DSC_6236_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25842/download/DSC_6236_50.jpg?cb=a1633ed63bc06bfd81c93fdc6cadf215&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
5 of 5
![DSC_6244_50.jpg DSC_6244_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25845/download/DSC_6244_50.jpg?cb=a1633ed63bc06bfd81c93fdc6cadf215&w={width}&h={height})
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:
1 of 2
![DSC_6255_50.jpg DSC_6255_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25848/download/DSC_6255_50.jpg?cb=1bd3966ec1459654f569928e6f81b958&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 2
![DSC_6251_50.jpg DSC_6251_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25847/download/DSC_6251_50.jpg?cb=1bd3966ec1459654f569928e6f81b958&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
Walking under the lantern archway was truly gorgeous and unforgettable.
Favorite Zoo Animals:
1 of 22
![DSC_6309_50.jpg DSC_6309_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25854/download/DSC_6309_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 22
![DSC_6324_50.jpg DSC_6324_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25860/download/DSC_6324_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
3 of 22
![DSC_6356_50.jpg DSC_6356_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25870/download/DSC_6356_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
4 of 22
![DSC_6328_50.jpg DSC_6328_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25863/download/DSC_6328_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
5 of 22
![DSC_6298_50.jpg DSC_6298_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25852/download/DSC_6298_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
6 of 22
![DSC_6301_50.jpg DSC_6301_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25853/download/DSC_6301_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
7 of 22
![DSC_6312_50.jpg DSC_6312_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25855/download/DSC_6312_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
8 of 22
![DSC_6315_50.jpg DSC_6315_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25856/download/DSC_6315_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
9 of 22
![DSC_6318_50.jpg DSC_6318_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25857/download/DSC_6318_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
10 of 22
![DSC_6320_50.jpg DSC_6320_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25858/download/DSC_6320_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
11 of 22
![DSC_6323_50.jpg DSC_6323_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25859/download/DSC_6323_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
12 of 22
![DSC_6325_50.jpg DSC_6325_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25861/download/DSC_6325_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
13 of 22
![DSC_6327_50.jpg DSC_6327_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25862/download/DSC_6327_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
14 of 22
![DSC_6359_50.jpg DSC_6359_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25871/download/DSC_6359_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
15 of 22
![DSC_6338_50.jpg DSC_6338_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25864/download/DSC_6338_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
16 of 22
![DSC_6340_50.jpg DSC_6340_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25865/download/DSC_6340_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
17 of 22
![DSC_6347_50.jpg DSC_6347_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25866/download/DSC_6347_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
18 of 22
![DSC_6348_50.jpg DSC_6348_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25867/download/DSC_6348_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
19 of 22
![DSC_6349_50.jpg DSC_6349_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25868/download/DSC_6349_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
20 of 22
![DSC_6350_50.jpg DSC_6350_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25869/download/DSC_6350_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
21 of 22
![DSC_6361_50.jpg DSC_6361_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25872/download/DSC_6361_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
22 of 22
![DSC_6364_50.jpg DSC_6364_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25873/download/DSC_6364_50.jpg?cb=f2202a27dec3c2cf24d8c05e2128cdb4&w={width}&h={height})
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:
1 of 3
![DSC_6222_50.jpg DSC_6222_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25851/download/DSC_6222_50.jpg?cb=2c29e3920390dc6568f4bc05755af8b4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 3
![DSC_6217_50.jpg DSC_6217_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25849/download/DSC_6217_50.jpg?cb=2c29e3920390dc6568f4bc05755af8b4&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
3 of 3
![DSC_6221_50.jpg DSC_6221_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25850/download/DSC_6221_50.jpg?cb=2c29e3920390dc6568f4bc05755af8b4&w={width}&h={height})
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.
Peacock:
1 of 8
![DSC_6366_50.jpg DSC_6366_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25874/download/DSC_6366_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
2 of 8
![DSC_6373_50.jpg DSC_6373_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25875/download/DSC_6373_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
3 of 8
![DSC_6375_50.jpg DSC_6375_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25876/download/DSC_6375_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
4 of 8
![DSC_6376_50.jpg DSC_6376_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25877/download/DSC_6376_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
5 of 8
![DSC_6377_50.jpg DSC_6377_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25878/download/DSC_6377_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
6 of 8
![DSC_6378_50.jpg DSC_6378_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25879/download/DSC_6378_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
7 of 8
![DSC_6382_50.jpg DSC_6382_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25880/download/DSC_6382_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
8 of 8
![DSC_6384_50.jpg DSC_6384_50.jpg](https://kcparent.com/downloads/25881/download/DSC_6384_50.jpg?cb=416fcbea1de5fe2a31f1db04daa18623&w={width}&h={height})
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo, photos by Kristina Light
This peacock opens and closes its feathers and they change color as well.
Sea Dragon:
Kristina Light
Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo
This giant Sea Dragon is spectacular in person!
Wichita is only three hours from Kansas City, and this is a family-friendly unforgettable experience all ages love!
More fun in Wichita:
- Tanganyika Wildlife Park
- Kansas Aviation Museum
- Riverfront Stadium
- Old Cowtown Museum
- Botanical Garden
- Museum of World Treasures
- Keeper of the Plains
- Wichita Art Museum
- The Ulrich Museum of Art
- The Pizza Hut Museum
- Sedgwick County Park