Santa is coming to the zoo

Six of Santa's reindeer have begun their journey to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo for Wild Wonderland, the Zoo's 10th annual nighttime festival of lights and seasonal celebrations, presented by Publix Super Market Charities. The Zoo has launched a Wild Wonderland Web site at www.lowryparkzoo.com/wildwonderland where families can track the reindeer and read postcards from their travels, play reindeer games, have some holiday fun and preview the event which opens Dec. 4-5.

During Wild Wonderland, the Zoo is illuminated with holiday lights, sights and sounds on select nights in December. Meet Santa and his real reindeer who have made the journey from the North Pole. See a dazzling Frozen Forest with crystal animals, trees and dancing fountains set to the sounds of festive music.

Not only a feast for the eyes, Wild Wonderland offers a wide assortment of holiday delights located around the Zoo. A new Sweet Shoppe is opening just in time for the holidays, offering tasty treats including a variety of gourmet cupcakes, specialty cookies, hand-dipped ice cream, candy apples, nostalgic candies and seasonal surprises.

Holiday magic runs wild at Wild Wonderland Dec. 4-5, 10-13, 17-23 and 26-30 from 6 to 9 p.m. General admission is $13 for adults (ages 12 and over), $11 for children (ages 3-11) and free for children age 2 and under. Annual Zoo Pass holders receive discounted admission. Admission includes free unlimited rides, with the exception of the Jingle Bells horse drawn carriage ride which is $4 per person. Tickets are on sale now at www.LowryParkZoo.com. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization, with proceeds benefiting animal care and education programs.

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and has been named the No. 1 zoo in America by both Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking is free.