Forget waiting for holiday lights. Glo Wild at the Fort Wayne Zoo in Indiana is bringing lantern magic to spring weekends — think glowing landscapes and twinkling 3D animal displays — and families are loving the unexpected twist.
“It’s awesome to enjoy an outdoor display this time of year — a special kickoff to the summer season,” says Kristen Guthrie, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Visit Fort Wayne. “It’s really impressive and special.”
2025 marks the Fort Wayne Zoo’s 60th anniversary, and the first-ever Glo Wild is part of a season-long celebration — and it’s all about a 2.5-hour drive from metro Detroit. It runs through May 26, 2025.
“It truly covers every inch of the zoo,” adds Lydia Harris, Visit Fort Wayne’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator. “It still looks just as beautiful and colorful in daylight, but at night it really glows.”
What makes Glo Wild so special
Each shimmering spectacle ties into the zoo’s regions — like the African Journey or Asian Trek — and the displays are built for wide eyes and lots of gasps.
“The scale of it is really overwhelming,” Guthrie says. “Some of these animals are 8 to 15 feet long. They’re huge. Some are animated and moving.” A few standouts:
- Giant seahorses: Bright, larger-than-life sea creatures that greet you early in the path
- Bamboo forest with pandas: A lush, glowing scene tucked into the Asian Trek
- Animated crab: One of Guthrie’s favorites, with moving parts and vivid color
- Axolotls on the lake: Glowing pink creatures floating on the water and reflected back at you
- Smoke bubbles to pop: Some animal displays breathe out magical bubbles. “Kids were loving that,” Guthrie says.
- Lion rock kaleidoscope: Step inside a massive lion display to see swirling mirrored light effects
- Floral seats: Rest on a lighted flower-themed perch for a photo opp
There’s even a bike-powered jellyfish where kids pedal to make the tentacles move and release more bubbles. “It’s not just to view,” Guthrie says. “It’s to interact with, as well.”
Glo Wild hours, tickets and other logistics
Glo Wild runs select evenings from March 27 through May 26, 2025. Entries are timed from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with slightly different open days depending on the month:
- Daily, March 27-April 6
- Wednesdays-Sundays, April 9-30
- Thursdays-Sundays, May 1-26
Ticket prices:
- $20-22 for kids
- $22-24 for adults
- Parking is free
Families can walk the whole loop in 1.5-3 hours, depending on how long they linger — and there are plenty of places to pause.
“Our zoo has quiet spots throughout,” Guthrie says. “If a child is overstimulated, or if you need a break, there are places to pull off the path and rest.”
Food is available during Glo Wild, though options are more limited than in daytime. “Still ample options for snacks or a meal,” Harris shares.
Created for all ages and weather
Glo Wild draws toddlers, teens and grandparents alike. “Small children love the interactive elements,” Guthrie says. “I took my mom for her 80th birthday, and she loved it.
“I think it’s genuinely for all ages.”
And while it’s designed for night, it’s as stunning in any conditions.
“We went when it started raining,” Guthrie adds. “There were reflections off the pavement — it was a cool thing.”
This content is sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne. To learn more about this event, visit Fort Wayne Zoo’s 2025 Glo Wild website.
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