Last year we experienced the Chinese lanterns at the Nashville Zoo and absolutely loved it. So while we were in the area of Atlanta, we saw that the zoo there had their own lantern festival and had to go. The lanterns at Zoo Atlanta are called Illuminights and it is a beautiful experience of light, art, and a love of animals.
Zoo Atlanta has a focus on animal conservation and protection. They partner with organizations to help stop illegal trafficking of wild animals. So the focus of the displays were that of animals both real and mythical. The detail and creativity that went into each display was incredible.
Visitors are lead through the zoo along a path to see all the different lanterns. These lanterns are made of painted silk and the zoo is home is close to 1,000 of these lanterns. Each animal was large and detailed and it felt as if you had stepped into the artwork.
One of the largest and most complex displays was the two dragons standing on the sides of a lotus flower that would open and close. A number of the displays had moving parts to them and just that little bit of movement really added to the scene.
We really loved the walk through the zoo and seeing the different animals and flowers that were created out of the silk. It was amazing to see that some of the animals portrayed gestures and actions that were so realistic.
One of our favorite spots was the group of pandas sitting in the middle of the bamboo grove. The lanterns were beautiful, but they also marked the entrance to where we got to see a real panda up close and that was amazing.
There are currently two pandas at Zoo Atlanta, a mama and her baby. Because it was night, the pandas were fast asleep. These are the only pandas in the US, but their contract with China is ending in the next couple of months and they will return home. This may be the only time we will get to see a panda so even though they were asleep it was a special moment.
It was such a fun night with family and friends walking through the zoo and seeing the creative engineering of such beautiful displays. I love that these lantern festivals are becoming more and more available and we can’t wait to see what other experiences like it we can enjoy.
If you enjoyed these Chinese lanterns, you may also be interested in these other artful experiences:
Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo
Roots of Knowledge Stained Glass
Thank you for joining us on this visit to Zoo Atlanta and their Chinese lantern festival of Illiminights. May lights and pandas fill your soul with joy.
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