TWYCROSS Zoo has transformed its ground into a breathtaking illuminated wonderland after dark for all to enjoy.
From the moment you step into the zoo to the second you leave beautiful lanterns take visitors on a trip around the world on the one-mile trail.
Starting in the Gruffalo wood, where the iconic children’s book is bought to life – in lantern form – with mouse, snake, fox and owl.
And even the Gruffalo who stands proud eyeing up his snack.
There’s also an array of flowers, trees and insects – butterflies and ladybirds that call the woods home.
We stopped to say hello to Father Christmas and took in the elf show, which was loud and chaotic, getting visitors into the Christmas spirit.
Back on the trail visitors can walk amidst the huge glowing lantern installations depicting ten immersive wild habitats.
With scenes throughout the journey inspired by lush tropical rainforests, icy tundras, deep oceans, and more, the event vividly brings wildlife scenes within touching distance in breathtaking detail.
From penguins to polar bears and lions to frogs all creatures great and small have been bought to life in their own habitats.
Jaw-dropping highlights along the lantern trail include an epic Mount Rushmore installation, a 25-metre-long, eight-metre-tall structure.
Visitors can also wander through a vast walk-through igloo, marvel at a giant octopus, step up close to life-size Emperor penguins and admire a towering tree adorned with glowing orbs – making the experience truly immersive.
In total, over 500 species of animals and plants are depicted, from tiny insects to mighty elephants, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of life on our planet in a single evening.
My two were fascinated with the under the sea lanterns where orca, whale sharks and clown fish can be seen swimming along.
For me there is only ever one winner in the animal kingdom – the elephant – on the African plains a family can be seen playing alongside giraffes and zebras.
Along the route, visitors can enjoy delicious festive treats and warming drinks to complete the magical winter adventure.
Hand-crafted and hand-painted by artisans from Zigong, the lantern capital of China, a team of 30-plus Chinese craftsmen are currently onsite welding, painting and installing awe-inspiring elephants, mesmerising jellyfish, colourful birds and butterflies, and vivid flowers.
Taking 99,000 hours to create, the equivalent of one artisan working 8 hours per day for 34 years, the experience showcases over 2,000 lanterns – some more than 100 times their natural size – brought to life by an impressive 25,000 bulbs and 70,000 metres of strip light.
To ensure everyone can enjoy experiencing Lanterns of the Wild and festive wonder this winter, Twycross Zoo will also host dedicated SEN-Friendly Evenings, providing a quieter, more relaxed experience designed to ensure all guests feel welcome, safe, and inspired.
Celebrate the wonder of the wild like never before and see animals in a whole new light – after dark at Twycross Zoo until February 22.
