Latest: Let there be light! Vivid Sydney returns to Taronga Zoo!

Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo is back as a Vivid Sydney location for 2022 and will be brighter and more colourful than ever before with an array of wild, inclusive and awe-inspiring installations.

By ANNA USHER

Running from 27 May – 18 June, Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo – is an immersive and inspiring experience where guests can explore the Zoo after dark on an illuminated night walk, while connecting with wildlife and conservation.

Wild Lights is an all-ages, ticketed and inclusive event that makes for the ultimate family night out or the perfect addition to any Zoo visit or overnight stay at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

With a strong focus on accessibility, Wild Lights showcases a shared planet under the theme “Where Nature Shines” connecting wildlife of the land, of the sky and of the sea with three, never seen before, purpose-built, inclusive installations contributed by inaugural access and inclusion partner Cushman & Wakefield.

They join installations and light sculptures from the renowned Ample Projects Mini Beasts collection, the breathtakingly beautiful Jellyfish Bloom, as well as festival-favourite animal lanterns from 14 different captivating species, from enchanting echidnas to a magnificent lion pride.

Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO Cameron Kerr AO said: “Taronga is so proud to be back as part of Vivid Sydney this year, and in doing so not only illuminate our beautiful zoo on Cammeraigal Country, but also igniting the hearts and minds of so many guests by connecting them to wildlife.

“The magic of experiencing Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is like nothing else, and this year’s offering is set to bathe the Zoo in a rainbow of colour, capturing the magic of light and wildlife. From the minuscule to the magnificent, our guests will be able to immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience.

“For the first time ever, guests staying with us at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga will be able to enjoy a deep, immersive experience in the heart of Sydney with a number of extra inclusions specially curated to enhance the Vivid Sydney experience.

“Guests will be able to explore Wild Lights which is right on their doorstep before taking in the view of Vivid Sydney as it illuminates Sydney Harbour and the CBD,” Mr Kerr said.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said it was exciting to see Taronga Zoo back as a Vivid Sydney location. “Taronga Zoo is a much loved and much visited Sydney icon for both locals and visitors alike,” Mr Ayres said.

“I’m delighted to welcome Taronga back into Vivid Sydney again this year with an inclusive and inspirational program that connects the vibrant culture of Sydney with the remarkable natural backdrop of our harbour and Taronga’s wildlife.”

Stepping into a trail where one is immersed in pure magic and wonder, guests to Wild Lights will not only explore and learn about the incredible wildlife that roams our planet but will also be transported around the world – to the jungles and savannahs of Africa, to the forests of Indonesia and to the Australian Outback.

The journey doesn’t end there, this year Wild Lights takes a deep dive to explore under the sea, with an array of oceanic inspired lanterns.

Taronga is for the wild and as a not-for-profit organisation, is committed to securing a shared future for wildlife and people. All proceeds from Taronga go back into the support, care, and protection of wildlife.

Wild Lights is a COVID safe ticketed event which is open from Friday 27 May until Saturday 18 June. With tickets on sale from Monday 21 March for pre-sale and Thursday 24 March for general admission.

For more information visit the WEBSITE.