WILD LIGHTS at EPZ

Elmwood Park Zoo issues update on animal hospital; holiday events still on tap

Happenings:

NORRISTOWN >> Elmwood Park Zoo announced this week that construction of its new Animal Hospital and Welcome Center is scheduled to begin the first week of January 2023. The state-of-the art building, made possible by a $30 million gift from an anonymous local donor, will replace the zoo’s existing main entrance, administrative offices, and Nature Shop.

The zoo will close to the public through January and February 2023 so that it can safely demolish the existing building and entrance. It will create a temporary entrance away from the construction zone that will be available when the zoo reopens to guests in March 2023. Details on the temporary entrance will be made available at a future date.

Guests who possess an active yearly membership through February 2023, or purchase a yearly membership before March 2023, will automatically receive two extra months of benefits as a result of the closure. Elmwood Park Zoo’s yearly members regularly receive free zoo admission and exclusive discounts for an entire year.

Construction on the hospital and welcome center is expected to last just under two years. The zoo aims to complete the project in 2024 to coincide with its 100th anniversary.

In the meantime, the zoo continues its annual hol

Construction on the hospital and welcome center is expected to last just under two years. The zoo aims to complete the project in 2024 to coincide with its 100th anniversary.

iday traditions with Wild Nights, running through Dec. 30 on select nights. With more lights and decorative attractions than ever before, Wild Lights is a walk-through experience, featuring dazzling light displays, illuminated animals and live entertainment. For more information visit https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/wildlights/ Beginning Dec. 3 and continuing each Saturday in December, the zoo offers its popular Brunch with Santa. Each Saturday guests can enjoy a delicious brunch in the Canopy Gardens Hall and meet one of the zoo’s education animals. Guests can share holiday wishes with Santa, snap a photo with him, and enjoy exploring the zoo after your brunch. There are three brunch sessions each day: 10 a.m. 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. Space is limited for this event, so please register early and arrive on time. Ticket includes admission to the zoo, brunch, and a photo opportunity with Santa. For more information visit https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/events/brunchwith-santa/

SUBMITTED PHOTO Wild Lights transforms EPZ into a dazzling holiday wonderland, with thousands of lights adorning the trees, exhibits and buildings throughout the zoo’s entire 16 acres.