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Our last trip to the Buffalo Zoo this summer was to attend the after-hours, limited-time event called “Zoomagination, a Festival of Lights and Lanterns”. This magical event started after the Zoo had closed for the evening, and, much to the dismay of my unknowing husband, after the animals were “put to bed”. Instead of the live animals, we were able to see various animal sculptures, Asian-inspired pieces, and to play with interactive light installations scattered all throughout the Zoo. The towering animal sculptures were illuminated from within and blended perfectly with the landscape. Each piece was intricately designed and hand painted in China and shipped over for this once-in-a-summer event. Ticket prices ranged from $18.95 for an adult to $14.95 for a child, with a small discount given for Buffalo Zoo Members.

The doors to the Zoo opened right at 6:30, yes before the sun went down, to allow guests in. As some of the first few to enter, I have to admit that it really did add to the experience to see the transition of the amazing sculptures from light to dark. We were greeted in the entranceway with large, flower sculptures that appeared to be moving in an invisible breeze. The pathway into the rest of the park was covered over with a tunnel of pink, hanging Wisteria flowers, which was beautiful even without the lights on. Once in the main section of the Zoo, there were installations everywhere you looked.

The large, moving Venus Fly Trap sculpture really got us talking, and singing, with it’s “Little Shop of Horrors/Super Mario World” vibes. We HAD to stop at the “Angel Wings” for the kids to get pictures and we waited in the short line for them to ride on the light-up swings. The Chinese zodiac display was another favorite. We all stopped to look and see which zodiac sign animal we were and if the descriptions matched our personalities. For those interested, I am a Pig; forever practical, responsible and honest! The moving Peacock Sculpture was beautiful and had people waiting to see the tail feathers, also known as a train, opening and closing.

There were amazing selfie opportunities throughout the Zoo, with us choosing to take a group picture in front of the large 50 foot dragon sculpture with the lanterns and light up stars on the ground. For several narrow walking ways, they put twinkle lights and installations in the trees so you could walk with giant butterflies, fire works, and icicles dangling above. The life-sized Rhinos and Giraffes were so beautiful and real looking that it almost felt like they were really animals out.

The carousel and train were open for the evening, and busy! They accepted member vouchers or cash to ride. The restaurants and Beer Garden were open and serving Asian-Inspired food and drink, while Slice continued to offer pizza. We did not get food, but enjoyed a First Loop from Belt Line Brewery while we walked… yes they are completely okay with you walking around with open containers!

Now, I do have to say that we were really happy that we got to see a few animals. The otters, a family favorite, were out and totally willing to play with my nieces and kids. The mountain goats were also still fairly active that evening. The polar bear decided to sleep with his face up against the giant glass wall, making for some great selfie moments.

All in all, this was a really cool event. We all enjoyed it! The sculptures were beautiful during the day and only got better once the sun set and the lights came on. My favorite part was the Wisteria Tunnel which, to my surprise, changed color at night! I made my family wait until the lights were pink to walk through as the perfect ending to our evening.