Experience the San Diego Zoo after dark all summer long

Anna Ashcraft
·3 min read

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — As the unofficial start to summer approaches, so does your chance to interact with the animals at the San Diego Zoo after dark.

Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo kicks off during Memorial Day weekend — Saturday, May 25. During the seasonal event, parkgoers get the opportunity to stay at the zoo after dark all summer long.

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From May 25 to Sept. 2, San Diego Zoo visitors can stay at the zoo from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. During the off season, starting in September, the zoo reduces its hours to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After dark, the family can enjoy a “whole new world” at the zoo, like nocturnal animals, live music and entertainment, activities and more.

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Activities and entertainment at the San Diego Zoo will begin at 4 p.m. everyday during Nighttime Zoo:

  • Rock & Roar (daily/4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m.)

    • Listen to tunes from the zoo’s in-house rock and pop band

  • Zoolamoves (daily/5, 6, & 7 p.m.)

    • Interactive dances for all ages

  • The Chameleons (daily/5, 6, & 7 p.m.)

    • Brass ensemble playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to Broadway in their interactive performances

  • Whimsical Wildlife Performers (daily/4:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

    • Meet, greet and take photos with wildlife puppets and themed performers

  • Jambo Dunia! (8:30 p.m./along Front Street)

    • Live music, wildlife puppets, dancers, and acrobats make up this dazzling, interactive celebration of Africa’s savannas

  • Dr. Zoolittle’s Exploration Station (daily/5, 6, & 7 p.m.)

    • Interactive presentation exploring nature, parallel play with wildlife, and the zoo’s conservation efforts

  • The Explorers (daily/4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m.)

    • Listen to the a cappella, four-part harmony of this group of singers as they perform wildlife-themed songs about the world

  • Summer Songs (daily/3:45, 5, & 6:15 p.m.)

    • Relax with the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar and vocals from a wide variety of songs from across the decades

  • Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza (daily/4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m.)

    • Watch this jumping, bouncing, acrobatic group of animal-themed performers as they show off their athletic skills in this high-energy trampoline show

  • Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania (daily/4:45, 5:45, & 6:45 p.m.)

    • Watch this troupe from Tanzania perform incredible mix of eclectic acrobatic skills and high-energy fun for all ages

  • Vibrant Rhythms (daily/5, 6, & 7 p.m.)

    • Feel the drumbeats of the savanna as musicians and dancers showcase music from across East Africa

  • Dr. Harry & Friends (daily/5, 5:30, 6, & 6:30 p.m.)

    • Dr. Harry Lion and Friends will meet and greet guests of all ages, bringing their special brand of Zoo fun to everyone they see.

The zoo noted there will be no entertainment on Saturday, June 15, or Thursday, August 22.

After the sun goes down, some animals may come out that you might not normally see during the day. According to the zoo, many of the animals can choose whether they want to be in or out of viewable areas.

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San Diego Zoo’s summer celebration, Nighttime Zoo, is included with zoo admission and/or membership.

Visit San Diego Zoo’s website for more information on special experiences, wildlife, live cameras, to purchase tickets and so much more.

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