
Just a short drive from Orlando you will find Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Always offering a little something extra, the Zoo will welcome a Chinese lantern festival of lights this spring! A first of its kind event to the Southeastern US, the new Zoominations will debut on February 28, 2015, which is during Chinese New Year, & continue for a 3 month exhibition.
In China, the Lantern Festival is held on the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration & is one of the country’s most important traditional festivals. It dates back to the Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago! As a vivid demonstration of traditional Chinese folklore, the colorful lanterns are seen in streets, stores, homes, and parks during the festival. Likewise, zoo guests will be able to view 30 spectacular scenes built by highly-skilled craftsmen!
In January, all the way from the village of Zigong in China’s Sichuan province, six craftsmen will be arriving at the zoo to build the structures. The large illuminated structures are created from silk, satin & vinyl covering steel frames. Guests will be able to view larger-than-life dragons, pandas, rhinos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, dinosaurs, & flowers as well as a replica of the Beijing Temple of Heaven, China’s largest existing masterpiece built in 1420. Zoominations will also feature performances by Chinese acrobats and an artisan market with unique handmade crafts. Tickets for evening events will go on sale online in 2015. Click here for more information!
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is a great destination & will be beautifully illuminated for Spring 2015!! Be sure to check it out & tell them Orlando Fun and Food sent you!


