– Discover the sparkling history of Denver Zoo‘s Zoo Lights and its journey from a modest display to a grand holiday tradition.
– Follow the story of Mike Lestition, a dedicated Denver Zoo volunteer, and learn how his contributions helped ignite the Zoo Lights event over three decades ago.
– Explore the exponential growth of Zoo Lights, from its initial 30,000 lights to the dazzling 3 million that now illuminate the Zoo, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
– Engage in the magic and joy that Zoo Lights has brought to generations of families and the community, making it a treasured Colorado tradition.
– Learn how to participate in this year’s celebration of over three decades of Zoo Lights and create lasting memories with loved ones.
As the chill of winter sets in and the days grow shorter, a unique glow emerges from the heart of Colorado. It’s that time of the year when the Denver Zoo transforms into a luminous wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights and joyful celebrations. This enchanting phenomenon is known as Zoo Lights, a tradition that has grown exponentially since its inception in 1992.
The beginnings of Zoo Lights are as humble as they are heartfelt, sparked by the vision and dedication of a group of volunteers who saw the potential for wonder in the wintry nights of the Zoo. Among them is a name well-regarded in the Denver Zoo community: Mike Lestition, whose passion for the Zoo has not dimmed over his nearly five decades of service.
Let’s flip through the pages of history to understand how a simple idea grew into a marvel that now draws crowds by the hundreds of thousands, becoming an indispensable part of the holiday season in Denver.
30,000 Lights in 1992: The First Spark
Imagine a crisp evening in 1991, where a discussion amongst volunteers sparked a sensational idea—to adorn the Zoo with holiday lights, creating an attraction that would extend the joys of the Zoo into the night. It was an ambitious notion, especially considering the scale of work it would require.
But ambition wasn’t something Mike Lestition and his fellow volunteers lacked. By the following year, this tenacious team had succeeded in decking the Zoo with 30,000 lights, casting a festive glow among the enclosures, trees, and pathways. Their efforts brought a novelty to zoo visitation; 27,000 visitors streamed through the gates, their faces alight with the same sparkling marvel as the displays surrounding them. It was a modest start but a promising one.
Expansion and Evolution: A Growing Tradition
From the original 30,000, the number of lights and visitors flourished, much like the Zoo’s flora and fauna in the warmth of spring. As the new millennium approached, so too did a new era for this venture. The Zoo became a canvas for vibrant illuminations, with animal-shaped light sculptures adding a touch of charisma to the already mesmerizing setup. Themed sections began to rise, each representing different geographic zones or celebrating the diversity of wildlife enveloped in shining beams of light.
Like stars in the vast night sky, volunteers played a crucial role in shaping each year’s setup. Mike Lestition would recount tales of early challenges and triumphs with a twinkle in his eye resembling the very lights he helped hang. Each lightbulb strung was a seed of joy planted, and a bloom of delight was witnessed each successful evening.
Three Decades Later: More Than a Light Show
Today, after more than 30 years, Zoo Lights is not merely a display but a signal to the community that the holiday season has begun. With over 3 million lights turning night into day, it’s a sight that holds beauty and a sense of unison for the city of Denver. It welcomes an astounding 300,000 visitors annually, each seeking the warmth of community and the joy of shared experience.
As one wanders through the now historical pathways of Denver Zoo during Zoo Lights, the air is filled with electric excitement. Animated light sculptures move with a life of their own, narrating silent tales. The Zoo’s message of conservation and education permeates the event, with each light serving as a reminder of the connection between humans and the animal kingdom.
Legacy and Future: Shining Onward
One cannot measure the true success of Zoo Lights by numbers alone. Beyond the dazzling displays and impressive statistics lies a legacy of commitment, creativity, and community. Mike Lestition, a face familiar to many, might blend into the crowds nowadays, but his impact stands as bright as the very lights that drape the tree branches.
Each year, volunteers gather, following in the footsteps of those who pioneered this event. They wrap light strands, test displays, and ensure every bulb is lit just right, driven by a collective passion for something greater than themselves. They are stewards of a holiday event and a cherished tradition.
Participation and Celebration: Be Part of the Magic
As the night sky of Denver is set ablaze with hues of blues, reds, greens, and gold, the gates open for another season of Zoo Lights. It’s a special time to share with family and friends, indulge in hot cocoa, marvel at the lights, remember the historical contributions of volunteers like Mike Lestition, and make one’s mark on the ongoing story of this wondrous event.
Securing your tickets is just the beginning if you want to become swept up in this magical holiday experience. As you walk the luminescent grounds, breathe in the joyous atmosphere, and savor the moment, you’ll find yourself part of a living legacy, a chapter in the ever-growing tale of Denver’s most brilliant winter tradition.
The link for tickets opens up a doorway to more than just an event; it’s a step into a world lovingly crafted by countless hands and hearts over the years. It’s an invitation to witness and partake in the communal spirit of Denver, where light, wildlife, and human wonder meet, marking over three decades of magic at Zoo Lights.
Emerging from the crafting of this holiday tradition is a powerful reminder that small contributions can lead to tremendous outcomes. From 30,000 lights to an ocean of twinkling stars cast across the Zoo, the growth of Zoo Lights mirrors the endless possibilities when vision, teamwork, and commitment converge.
With Mike Lestition and the original volunteers’ spirits hovering like guardian angels of light over the Zoo, the essence of their work lives on, inspiring new generations to continue this beautiful journey. Let their legacy be a guide—encouraging each visitor to find their way to contribute to their communities, leaving a trail of light that will shine for years.
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Source Description
We’re celebrating over three decades of Zoo Lights magic! ✨ From a humble start in 1992 with 30,000 lights and 27,000 visitors to more than 3 million lights and 300,000 in 2023, Zoo Lights has become one of Colorado’s most beloved family events.
Today’s Zoo Lights visitors can thank a small group of volunteers for bringing the idea of a holiday lights display to Denver Zoo. Volunteer Mike Lestition, who has volunteered with the Zoo for nearly 50 years, shines a light on the origins of this bright, beautiful and beloved tradition. Watch the video to learn more, and get tickets to experience the wonder of Zoo Lights!
Get tickets:
https://denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/
