The Saint Louis Zoo is ushering in the spring season with the return of its enchanting ‘Animals Aglow’ festival.
Presented by Wells Fargo, this nighttime event transforms the zoo into a luminous wonderland, showcasing traditional Chinese lantern artistry alongside interactive exhibits.
Running from March 12 to May 11, 2025, ‘Animals Aglow’ offers visitors a unique blend of cultural celebration and natural beauty.
Event Highlights
- Dates and Hours:
- March 12 to April 17: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- April 18 to May 11: Open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Closed: Sunday, April 6.
- Ticket Information:
- Non-Peak Nights: March 12-13, 16, 19-20, 26-27, 30; April 2-3, 10, 13, 16, 20, 23-24, 27, 30.
- Peak Nights: March 14-15, 21-22, 28-29; April 4-5, 11-12, 17-19, 25-26; May 1-4, 7-11.
- Pricing:
- Members: $16.95 (Non-Peak), $20.95 (Peak).
- Non-Members: $19.95 (Non-Peak), $23.95 (Peak).
- Sensory-Friendly Nights: Scheduled for Sunday, March 23, and Wednesday, April 9, these evenings offer a modified environment for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Featured Displays
This year’s festival introduces several new attractions:
- Cultural Tunnel: A nearly 100-foot-long tunnel adorned with traditional Chinese lanterns.
- Interactive Beehive Lantern: A towering beehive topped with giant hummingbirds, offering an immersive experience.
- Zodiac Lanterns: Artistic representations of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features like glowing xylophones, light-up see-saws, and a “Starry Night” walk-through tunnel inspired by Vincent van Gogh.
Cultural Performances and Amenities
Each evening is complemented by traditional cultural performances, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Guests can also indulge in specialty foods and beverages available for purchase throughout the zoo. Additional attractions during the festival include:
- Emerson Zooline Railroad: A scenic train ride offering unique views of the illuminated displays.
- Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel: A beautifully crafted carousel featuring various animal species.
- Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience: An immersive VR journey into wildlife habitats.
Visitor Information
- Parking: Complimentary parking is available in both the North and South lots on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Zoo Hours: On event days, the zoo operates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closing to the public at 5:00 p.m. The zoo reopens at 6:30 p.m. for ‘Animals Aglow’.
‘Animals Aglow’ at the Saint Louis Zoo offers a captivating blend of art, culture, and nature, making it a must-visit destination this spring.
Whether you’re marveling at the intricate lantern displays, enjoying interactive exhibits, or savoring cultural performances, there’s something for everyone to experience and cherish.