Experience Wildlife After Dark During Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

Bedtime can wait this summer, when the San Diego Zoo brings back its annual after-dark extravaganza—Nighttime Zoo. From May 26 through Sept. 4, guests can explore the Zoo at night and enjoy a host of family friendly entertainment, live toe-tapping music and extraordinary summer treats, while learning more about wildlife from an unusual nighttime perspective. ​

The festivities begin at 4 p.m. daily, and guests can move through the Zoo accompanied by live music from a variety of performers, including the Rock & Roar band and the ever-changing Chameleons. Keep the fun rolling with family favorites including Zoolamoves and "Dr. Zoolittle's Exploration Station,” where the zany wildlife explorer will delight all ages with his wacky and educational antics. In "Bounce Back to the Outback," a talented group of trampoline acrobats will defy gravity and astound guests; and at Africa Rocks, guests can enjoy more acrobatics, along with traditional African beats. 

Before the gates close each evening, two dazzling events will light up the night. "Call of the Night"—a thrilling, 12-minute symphony of live music, lasers, moving lights, rhythmic acrobats, fog and bubbles—will be presented nightly at Hua Mei Plaza; and "Jambo Dunia!," a 15 -minute spectacular celebrating Africa along Front Street, will be led by the Chameleons, including music and festive pageantry with giant, handcrafted puppets.
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While attending Nighttime Zoo, explorers of all ages can also enjoy the new Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. The 3.2-acre environment blends immersive technology with opportunities to check out unique wildlife species, and it's designed to serve as a launch pad for budding conservationists. Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is divided into four habitat zones: Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Desert Dunes. Nighttime Zoo visitors will have a chance to see their favorite nocturnal wildlife from each habitat when they're most active, including caimans, an ocelot, a tamandua, a prehensile-tailed porcupine, scorpions, a coconut crab, fennec foxes, and more! 

With every visit to Nighttime Zoo this summer, guests become allies for wildlife—because each visit helps support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission to save wildlife worldwide and help create a world where all life thrives.
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Nighttime Zoo runs through Sept. 4, with special activities starting daily at 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Nighttime Zoo activities and attractions are free with Zoo admission or membership. For more information about Nighttime Zoo, visit sdzwa.org.