By Aidan O’Boyle 

The hugely popular Dublin Zoo Wild lights have returned to light up our dark winter nights for another year. 

13 spectacular zones of vibrant colour, including the biggest lantern ever displayed at Wild Lights, are a part of the new Wild Kaleidoscope theme. 

Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr Christoph Schwitzer, said: “Wild Lights is one of the highlights of the year for Dublin Zoo, and this year’s theme, The Wild Kaleidoscope, celebrates the incredible diversity and beauty of colour in nature. 

“For animals, colour is so much more than meets the eye – it’s a method of communication and a vital survival tool for many species around the world. Through The Wild Kaleidoscope, we want to help visitors see the world as animals do and discover how colour shapes life itself.” 

TheCity visited to see what all the fuss was about. 

Photo 1: When you arrive, the lake that’s normally alive with ducks is transformed, glowing with bright green lily pads and the occasional flower perched on top. 

Photo 2: As you begin your journey through the zoo, clear signage guides your way, ensuring you take no wrong turns and don’t miss any of the magical light zones. A simple but helpful addition. 

Photo 3: One of the first zones you’ll see is the Jurassic zone which was a clear hit with the children, as parents and guardians captured countless photos of their delighted smiles. 

Photo 4: One of the attractions that made visitors pause in surprise was a snake reminiscent of Kaa from The Jungle Book. With its robotic head jerking up and down and speakers whispering eerie hisses, it wasn’t forgotten easily.  

Photo 5: A highlight of the night was the series of informative signs scattered throughout the experience. They explained how animals use colour to their advantage, whether blending into their surroundings to hunt or hide, or standing out to attract partners. The signs showed just how vital colour is to many animals’ survival. 

Photo 6: If you needed a pick-me-up to keep you going on the cold night, the brand-new Winter Glow village was waiting just around the corner. Hot chocolate, crêpes, and burgers were among the options on offer, though they did come at a steep price. 

Photo 7: Anyone visiting the lights this year will agree that the Rainbow zone was one of the most impressive. The Rainbow Trees, among the tallest of their kind in Europe, stood out in the dark night and lived up to the billing.