Adelaide Zoo offers inaugural Summer ‘Zoo Nights’ events

Adelaide Zoo, will for the first time be offering visitors the opportunity to experience six sundown sessions surrounded by the evening calls of some of their favourite animals as well as two evenings enjoying a summer’s night sky filled with classical tunes as part of their inaugural Summer ‘Zoo Nights’ events.

Zoos SA’s summer series of Zoo Nights are discounted twilight events for all the family (and free for members). Held at Adelaide Zoo on 26th, 29th, 30th December and 8th, 15th and 22nd January from 5.30pm - 8.30pm visitors will experience the zoo after the gates have closed to the general public.

Additionally, Zoos SA will also host Elephant in the Room productions and the Amicus String Quartet on 29th and 30th January with classical musicians playing Camille Saint-Saëns’ 'Carnival of the Animals,' 'Danse Macabre', and Prokofiev’s 'Peter and the Wolf'.

Zoos SA’s Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted says the entire series of Zoo Nights events are not just a bonus for visitors, but for Zoos SA as a conservation charity as well and added “we’re thrilled to be offering Zoo Nights.

“These events allow people to see our fabulous animals in the evening light as well as providing guests with flexibility to visit even if they’re busy during the day.

“It also means we can admit more visitors across the day, which is really positive as right now we’re operating at a limited capacity as per our COVID Plans.

Bensted advised “Zoo Nights will allow us to generate additional revenue to put towards caring for our animals and our critical conservation projects.

“The addition of two performances from Elephant in the Room Productions is the icing on the cake.”

Operating for six nights across late December and January, the ticketed Zoo Nights events will also include family favourites like the Flying Colours Free Flight show, Little Penguin feed and up close Wild Shows.

For added fun, EcoCaddy will also be operating two caddies around the zoo grounds so that visitors can enjoy a unique ride past the animals and throughout the lush zoo grounds.

Throughout the night, keepers will present animals with varying forms of enrichment, allowing visitors the opportunity to witness the animals’ natural behaviours and instincts.

Also on offer for guests are treats such as burgers (vegetarian and vegan options available), ice creams and hot donuts, as well as alcoholic drinks (for adults).

For those who prefer a specific meal, visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy in one of Adelaide Zoo’s picturesque picnic areas or on the Central Lawns.

Two performances by Elephant in the Room Productions will take place on 29th and 30th January 2021. Set on the Central Lawns, event-goers will enjoy the event on the zoo's famous Central Lawns. With plenty of room to maintain social distance, guests are encouraged to enjoy the music accompanied by a picnic platter and a drink from the Rotunda bar.

Elephant in the Room Productions Managing Director, Jamie Moffatt enthused "We love playing in places that fit with our music, so performing Carnival of the Animals in the zoo is just perfect.

"We are really looking forward to these two nights and seeing guests on Adelaide Zoo's Central Lawn enjoying a sensory night of sounds under a star-filled sky."

The strictly limited and discounted Zoo Nights tickets are on sale from today and will need to be purchased in advance via the Adelaide Zoo website.

To purchase tickets for Zoo Nights and food, visit adelaidezoo.com.au/zoo-nights/

To purchase tickets for Carnival of the Animals and to order a picnic platter, visit: adelaidezoo.com.au/event/carnival-of-the-animals/

Image top: Two performances by Elephant in the Room Productions will take place on 29th and 30th January; image above Zoo Nights promotion