Events ~ Asian Lantern Spectacular ~ Roger Williams Park Zoo

 Roger Williams Park Zoo
Asian Lantern Spectacular
1000 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, Rhode Island

Nights are (also) wild at the Zoo this summer, and I went to check it out. 

The Asian Lantern Spectacular is a walk-through exhibit of more than 50 lanterns, most made up to look like the animals in the zoo.

The lanterns are impressive in daylight, when it's easier to see them near the live versions they represent. Most, like these elephants, are set up adjacent to the animals' habitats, and include sound effects of the animals' calls.

The exhibit runs through the whole zoo, and includes not only animals in the zoo, but also ones the zoo doesn't keep.

I love that these hippos look like they're coming out of the lake!

As the sky darkens, the lanterns become more brilliant, and more fantastic. There's a surprise around every corner.

The real show-stopper is the animated dragon. In fact, many of the lanterns have an animated element. My favorite animation was probably the kangaroo. Too cute!

There are dozens more displays, including enormous insects, dinosaurs, marine life, and flowers.

The event goes rain or shine, and runs through July 4, 2021. I hope this will be a regular display, like the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular in the Fall. It's well worth the price of admission, and  provides a solid couple of hours' entertainment. Be sure to check out the live Guzheng performance by Annie Zhou!