A Unique Nighttime Adventure
If you’re looking for something memorable to enjoy this season—whether you’re hosting family, planning a date night, or simply wanting to experience the wild in a new way—the Brevard Zoo’s all-new Lights On: A Nighttime Art Exhibit offers a beautifully unique adventure. This after-dark experience blends art, conservation, and nocturnal animal encounters into one glowing, immersive evening.
Asian lantern festivals at zoos have been popping up everywhere lately, but Brevard Zoo said, “Let’s do something that no one else is doing.” Instead of simply walking past light displays shaped like pandas and poinsettias, you’re invited to experience the zoo itself at night—while the nocturnal animals are awake, alert— giving guests an after-hours peek into a world we’d otherwise never see. Upon arrival, you’re handed a small but absolutely necessary tool: an infrared flashlight. Since most nocturnal animals don’t perceive red light the way humans do, it allows you to see the zoo’s nighttime residents clearly without disturbing them. It also comes in handy because portions of the zoo remain dim to protect the animals’ natural rhythms.
That flashlight earned its keep immediately. As soon as we got out of the car all the way in the parking lot, we heard the lions roaring from across the park—a deep, echoing sound that vibrates right
through you. Naturally, we followed the sound like moths to a flame and found them in the Africa loop, casually lounging in a cozy little cuddle pile. The big male monitored us with the kind of judgment only cats are capable of.
Wildlife Encounters Unlike Any Other
Throughout the night, we encountered some animals far more active than during a typical daytime visit. The alligators along the Wild Florida trail glided silently through their dark lagoon. The snakes in the venom house were twisting and weaving through each other and branches overhead. On the Rainforest loop, Avery shared a moment with the jaguar, who gave a rumbling roar before strolling up to the glass to inspect her with slow, deliberate curiosity.
The Project Holocene
Interwoven with these wildlife encounters is a full art exhibition unlike anything we’ve seen at a zoo. Project Holocene, created by South African artist Russell Ronat, features more than 30 illuminated works highlighting endangered species. Many of the paintings reveal themselves gradually, glowing into view as you approach and fading out again with a timing that reflects each species’ level of endangerment. It’s beautiful, emotional, and deeply thoughtful—an experience designed to both captivate and educate.
The Expedition Africa
The Expedition Africa loop comes alive with vibrant, glow-in-the-dark murals by artist German Lemus. These neon creations are bold and intricate, transforming the pathways into luminous art corridors that feel almost otherworldly.
Immersive Wildlife Encounters Through Virtual Reality
Another element our family loved is the immersive virtual reality experience, created in partnership with Wildlife Protection Solutions. Donning the headset transports you into the natural environments of elephants, manatees, eagles, sea turtles, and more. At one stop, you’re standing in an eagle’s nest; the next, you’re splashing in a watering hole beneath towering elephants. These experiences are playful, eye-opening, and surprisingly moving.
More Than A Light Display
Of course, no nighttime adventure is complete without late night snacks! The refreshment stand offers light snacks, drinks, and festive glow beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—complete with light-up “ice” cubes that both kids and adults will enjoy. Glow merchandise is also available, adding an extra touch of holiday whimsy as you wander through illuminated trails.
Lights On offers something rare: a chance to explore the zoo at night while engaging with art, wildlife, and conservation in an entirely new way. Whether you’re a longtime zoo member or it’s your first visit, this nighttime experience is an inspiring and genuinely magical way to rediscover the natural world.
Lights On: A Nighttime Art Experience
Now through Jan 18, 2026: Thur – Sun and some select
nights from 6 – 9 PM
Thu and Sun: $45/person; Fri and Sat: $55/person
(Save 25% when you combine daytime Zoo admission
with your Lights On ticket!)
Lights On: A Nighttime Art Experience
Brevard Zoo 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 254-9453 | BrevardZoo.org
