FINAL_FW2607-08_DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 67
LUMINISCENCE/MIKHAIL SYTENKOV
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Indoor programs take place in the Penguin
Education Center, and outdoor Snoozes are held
in open green spaces away from animal habitats.
“Participants meet an animal ambassador in the
evening and take part in a guided night hike
designed to be low-impact and respectful of the
animals’ environment,” says Fabian.
Expanded Marketing Efforts
Because of the diversity of these offerings,
facilities are finding new and innovative ways to
market their programs. For example, at the Night
Safari Singapore, many of their marketing camZO
paigns are anchored in featuring the animals themO
selves, but they also have other collaborations, explains
Dr. Wen-Haur. “A recent partnership with smartphone brand
Honor Device Co., Ltd. put their low-light camera technology to
the test within the park—a natural partnership given our environment, and one that reached a younger, tech-savvy audience
beyond our traditional visitor base,” he says.
This year, the marketing team at Louisville Zoo is prioritizing digital marketing, such as paid social, connected TV, and
YouTube ads, as well as influencer partnerships to showcase
their content. This is in addition to extended-format billboards
designed to highlight the size and detail of the lanterns.
In addition to marketing Glow on their own channels, the
Sydney Zoo has amplified its reach through their partners’ networks,
including production partner Laservision, sister property Scenic
World, presenting partner Commonwealth Bank, and major partner
Carnival Cruise Line. They are also working with Nova 96.9, a local
radio station, to build excitement across the Sydney market.
“These partnerships allow us to extend into new audiences
and leverage established customer bases, significantly increasing
visibility and engagement,” says Kelly.
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says Dr. Wen-Haur. “The trams also operate without headlights, preserving the
dark, quiet atmosphere that allows visitors
to observe the animals’ natural nighttime
behaviors.”
Lighting was one of their most critical
considerations. “To recreate the feeling of
walking through a rainforest at night, we
adopted a targeted approach to simulate a
full moon night, keeping illumination low
enough to minimize disturbance to the
animals’ natural behaviors while still giving guests clear sightlines,” he says.
At the Sydney Zoo, specific consideration was given to light intensity, direction
and color temperature so their installations didn’t spill into animal habitats. “In
many cases, installations are positioned to
ensure they are either outside of key habitat zones or oriented away from animal
areas,” says Kelly.
And at the Louisville Zoo, the focus
is on the experience itself rather than the
animals, explains Maloney.
In Baltimore, Maryland Zoo’s Snooze
program runs similarly; the educational
overnight program, which offers night
hikes, animal ambassador visits, and
camping, ensures its animals are not
on exhibit overnight, explains Amanda
Fabian, their senior director of conservation education. She says this helps
minimize the disruption of their natural
routines.
EM
Jaclyn Greenberg is a
freelance writer based
on the East Coast. She
writes about disability,
accessibility, travel,
and personal finance.
In her free time, she
loves traveling with
her family of five.
Connect with her on
:
IAAPA.org/Funworld | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | Funworld
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