Zoo Lights

(Real Conversation)

Sister: (Bragging up San Diego Botanical Gardens)

Sis friend: Well, yes, I used to think it was impressive…until I saw the ‘Fresno Chaffee Zoo at Christmastime!’

Yes, as hard as it may be to believe, something in Fresno has actually managed to outdo San Diego.

Believe me, I’m well aware Fresno is typically a city most people just think of as one you bypass, but doing that can mean passing by an unexpectedly fantastically done gem. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s ‘Zoo Lights’ during the Holiday season is a must-see event for anyone and well worth stopping off the beaten track for. If you don’t you’re basically just kicking yourself in the ass.

We had three pieces of good luck going into the zoo. The first was that it was after Christmas (Dec 27) Meaning most people who wanted to come had already done so. The second was that we were experiencing on and off rain that day, lowering the amount of people willing to come out even more. And thirdly the event itself had been poorly advertised. The result of these culminating factors was that there were only one or two other families there, so we practically had the place to ourselves.

Types of Lanterns

The lights were basically Chinese-style lanterns shaped and colored into different animals. The actual animals were in their off hours and not really available for viewing. There was, however, a pair of reindeer near the inner entrance. They had the lantern versions traditional zoo animals such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. As well as tapirs, pangolins, and pandas. There was a peacock that stretched out its feathers in a color-changing display and a giant chameleon that could stretch out its tongue. Next to the chameleon were three stars. Each star when stepped on caused the chameleon to change into a different color.

Besides the animals we also got a variety of other types of lantern figures. Just outside, a giant, green, tusked, humanoid monster sat guarding the entrance of the zoo. If my memory serves, the sign said it was a ‘Yaksha’. In one area were a few chibi anime looking figures that according to the sign were flower fairies. Near the end was a mystical Thailand Dragon guarding its castle. There were also a few places that had fireworks created by a splashing display of color and light. Sadly, those did not photograph well. Even the water on the ground reflecting the lights made for a more magical experience.

Another section was filled with what I like to think of as Mulan China. Because that movie (the original cartoon one) is the first thing that comes into my mind when I think of pre-CCP China. They had lantern replicas of the terracotta warriors and a corridor of large red feathers took you to the animals of the zodiac dressed up for a new year in their traditional clothing.

The zoo didn’t forget about the more traditional Christmas, either. Another area was filled with it. Santa, reindeer, and an ohmage to the Nutcracker in the form of the rat king and toy soldiers. There was even a fun fact about reindeers that would technically mean that all of Santa’s reindeer are female.

Food and Music

Though it was late, a couple of the food stations were still open. One of them was an outdoor, roofed area. Along the sides of its posts were iron triangles of fire. The roof itself were transfixed with color-changing lights. Does anyone remember the plasticy feather-like lights Disney used to sell? These were kind of like a giant version of those. That one wasn’t technically serving food, but was giving out cocoa and alcohol to cold guests.

The zoo also had music playing throughout it. Traditionally Asian sounding instrumentals and classic Christmas tunes. Unfortunately, it could get a pretty loud around a few areas where the speakers were, so people with hearing sensitivities might need to prepare for that. I’d say it’s mainly just bad when you’re near them, and you can get past the speakers pretty quickly. So as long as you’re prepared for them ahead of time it shouldn’t be too big a problem.

Ending the Evening

The night was finally ended with a blue cotton candy and a phone with plenty of pictures. The Zoo Lights will probably be over by the time I get this out, but if anyone is in Fresno or planning to come here around holiday time, make sure to get online and reserve some tickets for it. I’d recommend coming later like we did so you don’t get bogged down by potential crowds.