November 26, 2007 - Electric Safari, a 17-year Pikes Peak region tradition, will again this holiday season light up Cheyenne Mountain Zoo nightly through Jan. 1 (except Christmas Eve), from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (the last admission is at 8 p.m.).

Electric Safari is the largest holiday light show in the region. Nearly one million sparkling lights illuminate crisp winter nights, including nearly 40 animated light sculptures. Warming fires throughout the Zoo offer a reprieve from the chill, as do select indoor animal exhibits that remain open during the event. And if you haven’t seen the city’s lights from the Zoo at night, you’re in for a double treat!

Santa and his elves can be found in the “My Big Backyard” cabin workshop singing songs, telling stories, handing out candy treats and taking gift “suggestions” from youngsters through Dec. 23. A photo with Santa is always a memorable family keepsake and guests have a couple of options: The elves can take a Polaroid picture of your little ones with Santa for only $3, or you can use your own camera for a small donation. Santa will be joined again this year by two of his very special reindeer-in-training.

Many of the Zoo’s animal exhibits remain open during Electric Safari, including the African Rift Valley’s indoor giraffe residence where guests can feed crackers to the largest giraffe herd of any zoo in the country. Asian Highlands (Siberian tigers, Canada lynx and Amur leopards), Primate World (gorillas and orangutans), Aquatics (hippos), Monkey Pavilion and Lion’s Lair (look for the four cubs!) also remain open during Electric Safari.

Electric Safari is the largest annual event hosted by the Zoo, attracting more than 30,000 visitors annually. It takes four horticulture staffers nearly three months to physically erect the displays, and an equal amount of time to dismantle the 60 acres of lights. Luckily, the Zoo has been able to count on the support of Colorado Springs Utilities employees, who have volunteered hundreds of hours each of the past 12 years helping to string lights.

Electric Safari is made possible by the generous support of U.S. Bank, The Citadel, Prudential Professional Realtors, Colorado Springs Utilities, The Gazette, K-Lite 106.3, Comcast and Lamar Outdoor. Admission to this spectacular holiday event is only $7 for adults, $4 for children 3-11 and free for kids under 3. Advance tickets – a great gift idea – are available at the Zoo, at any King Soopers or on-line at www.cmzoo.org. And remember, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members receive one free Electric Safari visit with their membership!

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