Saint Louis Zoo’s ‘Animals Aglow’ showcases stunning lanterns

ST. LOUIS – The “Animals Aglow” event at the Saint Louis Zoo is ongoing until May 5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., allowing visitors to experince the beautiful animal lanterns spread throughout the zoo. These lanterns feature a range of creatures, from bugs to bears, and are all uniquely handcrafted.

This event marks the first of its kind for the Saint Louis Zoo, featuring over 60 Chinese lanterns and interactive light displays in various areas of the zoo. Around the Zoo, there were different stations offering interactive activities such as smoke bubbles, a bubble machine, butterflies that flap, a tree of life, and even a peacock.

The event includes a section dedicated to sea creatures that spout water when buttons are pushed, including puffer fish that emit smoke. Near the Penguin and Puffin Coast, there were lanterns of those birds that moved. Close to the flamingos, there was a tunnel made of large feathers and lantern flamingo birds.

Among the highlights is a massive Chinese Dragon Corridor tunnel, numerous spots for photos with dozens of giant glowing animals, and interactive displays like the Moonlight Swings or color-changing Star Stepping Pads.

Admission to Animals Aglow grants access to the Zoo’s Emerson Dinoroarus exhibit and nightly Chinese cultural performances. The event also offered traditional handicrafts for purchase and food specials, including pork steam buns, firecracker chicken, dumplings in chili crisp broth, and taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cake.

The event is a result of a partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China. Artisans with Tianyu craft the lanterns by hand, weaving thousands of LED lights over metal frames before covering the structures in colorful silks.

While live animals are not available for viewing, there are plenty of lantern animals to admire.

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