Behind the Glow: The Art and Effort of Creating the GloWild Experience

LITTLE ROCK (November 21, 2024) - Each year, as the days grow shorter, the nights at the Little Rock Zoo come alive with vibrant colors, transforming the Zoo into a magical world of wonder for the award-winning annual GloWild event. Celebrated as the “Best Seasonal Festival of the Year” for three consecutive years, by AY Magazine readers, this captivating experience features stunning silk lanterns that create a mesmerizing spectacle, with intricate animal displays and interactive activities that enchant visitors of all ages. But what goes into bringing this enchanting event to life? It’s a large-scale effort driven by the dedication and hard work of many individuals at the Zoo.

The lanterns for GloWILD are delivered to the Zoo's overflow lot, where they are carefully prepared and assembled before being moved inside the Zoo. Some lanterns are undergoing repairs while others are hand painted on site. Photo Credit: Karen Caster

Partnering with Tianyu Arts and Culture

A key partner in bringing GloWild to life is Tianyu Arts and Culture, an internationally renowned company specializing in traditional Chinese lantern art. The stunning silk lanterns that illuminate the night sky are the heart of the event, and Tianyu’s skilled artisans, known for their expertise and attention to detail, play a crucial role in their creation. Months before the event, these artisans begin designing and constructing the intricately hand-crafted lanterns that celebrate both wildlife and the beauty of nature. This collaborative effort ensures that each year’s GloWild is unique, offering fresh displays and immersive themes that captivate visitors and showcase the artistry behind the scenes. Working closely with Tianyu, the Little Rock Zoo team brings these dazzling visions to life, making each experience unforgettable.

Tianyu’s skilled artisans work meticulously to install one of the stunning lanterns. Each lantern is hand placed and adjusted to create the breathtaking displays that light up the Zoo. Photo Credit: Ann Dillon

The Vision and Planning

The journey of GloWild begins long before the first lantern is illuminated. It starts with a vision: to create an experience that combines the wonder of wildlife with the beauty of traditional lantern art. The Zoo's leadership team collaborates with artists and designers to conceptualize the theme and layout of the festival. This planning phase involves countless meetings and brainstorming sessions to ensure every detail aligns with the Zoo's mission and values.

Setting the Stage

Once the lanterns are ready, the real work begins at the Zoo. Setting up GloWild is a massive undertaking that involves nearly every department. The horticulture team works tirelessly to ensure the grounds are in pristine condition, creating the perfect backdrop for the lantern displays. The maintenance crew handles the logistics of installing the lanterns, which can be a complex task given the size and intricacy of the pieces. Electrical teams set up the lighting and ensure everything is safely connected to illuminate the displays.

Artisans and staff work to meticulously set up each lantern for GloWILD, ensuring both the structural details and lighting are flawlessly integrated. Photo Credit: Ann Dillon

Behind-the-Scenes Heroes

None of this would be possible without the dedication of the Zoo's staff and volunteers. From the marketing team that spreads the word about the event to the guest services team that ensures every visitor has a memorable experience, every department contributes to the success of GloWild.

Dustin Bean, Guest Services Manager at the Little Rock Zoo, explains,

“What makes GloWild such a standout event is the collaboration among our team and partners. It’s about more than just the lanterns—it’s about creating a space where art, nature, and the community come together in a way that leaves a lasting impression.”

Zoo staff and Tianyu's team collaborate closely to navigate the unique challenges of setting up life-sized lanterns inside the Zoo during operating hours. Photo Credit: Misty Waddle

The Guiding Light Behind GloWild

One of the key figures behind the success of GloWild is Karyn Langley, the Zoo's dedicated Event Coordinator. Karyn’s meticulous planning, coordination, and passion are what keep this large-scale event running smoothly from start to finish. From organizing initial meetings with Tianyu Arts and Culture to managing the timeline and overseeing setup logistics, her behind-the-scenes leadership ensures that each element comes together seamlessly. Karyn's tireless efforts, coupled with her attention to detail and creative vision, help transform the Zoo into an enchanting landscape that delights visitors year after year.

The Impact of GloWild

GloWild is more than just a beautiful event; it’s a vital fundraiser for the Little Rock Zoo. The funds raised are used by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation in supporting the Zoo’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and animal care initiatives. By attending GloWild, visitors are not only treated to an unforgettable experience but also contribute to the Zoo's mission of inspiring people to value and conserve the natural world.

Guests of all ages are captivated by the vibrant lantern displays at GloWILD. Attending the festival offers visitors a memorable experience while supporting the Zoo’s mission. Photo Credit: Tianyu Arts and Culture

Join Us at GloWild

As the Zoo lights up again this year we invite you to be a part of this magical experience. Witness the hard work and dedication of countless individuals come to life in a spectacular display of art and nature. GloWild is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision and passion.

Join us at the Little Rock Zoo for GloWild: the must-SEA event of the year, and be part of something truly extraordinary. Your visit helps support the Zoo and its mission, making a difference in your community today.

Get your GloWILD tickets today!