Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
The Zoo charges $80 per person, but the scouts are free using the funds we raised selling popcorn! The $80 fee for Adults and Sibilings cover's the zoo cost. Friday night will be a snack only, so please eat dinner first or plan to eat in the Zoo. The zoo will provide continental breakfast on Saturday. We have done this before an it was an unforgettable experience. It's great for the entire family so bring everyone! ZOOLUMINATION NIGHT OWL PROGRAM INCLUDES: Admission to Zoolumination Lantern Festival (evening) & the Zoo (daytime next morning) Night Owl educational program & unique sleeping experience Light evening snack & continental breakfast Morning Animal Ambassador presentation Morning Keeper Château Perché Festival Night Owl program t-shirt (included for youth, additional cost for adults - more info on page 8) Free parking for all participants WHEN TO ARRIVE For the first portion of the evening, groups will visit Zoolumination. Groups will be able to start arriving at 5 pm and meeting at the Croft Center—which is located directly off the parking lot to the left of the main zoo entry village. Look for the 4 flagpoles and that is the location of the Croft Center. ZOOLUMINATION Once your group has arrived, you will come directly to the Croft Center with your belongings. Once your entire group has arrived, Overnight Educators will walk your group into the Zoo for Zoolumination. Plan for approximately 2 hours to visit the event. Educators will give you a card with the overnight cell phone and their information, Overnight staff will give your group a time to return to the Croft Center for snack and start of the program. That time will depend on when you group gets there, but we want to give you ample amount of time to see the lantern displays. Educators will be remaining at the Croft Center with your sleeping gear, but we will ask that your group takes valuable items with while visiting Zoolumination. Leading up to your program, we will ask for a ballpark time for arrival so the educators leading your group have a window of when to expect your group. If your group is running late, call the overnight cell phone after 5 pm to let the educators know (615) 964–0373. If it is before 5 pm, email Heather—[email protected] **We will be confirming arrival instructions prior to your Night Owl program. ZOO ENTRY GATE The Zoo Road gate will close at the end of the Zoolumination event and will re-open at 6:00 am the following morning. All program participants are required to remain at the zoo overnight unless an emergency arises. PARENTS DROPPING OF YOUTH & NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM Youth must be connected at the Croft Center with their group prior to the adult dropping them off leaving. Adults dropping off their child cannot stay for the evening portion of the program. Parents not attending the overnight are welcome to visit Zoolumination, but must purchase tickets and enter the Zoo through the main entrance. WHAT TO BRING CHECKLIST Sleeping bag and pillow Sleeping pads, cots and air mattresses are allowed Flashlights or Lanterns Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste etc.) Weather-appropriate clothing Comfortable, close-toed walking shoes Snacks and food / beverage coolers* *You are welcome to bring snacks, including beverages but no gum, alcohol, glass containers or straws are allowed. Note – Food/beverages are not allowed in any animal exhibit sleeping areas , only classrooms. The Zoo does not have cold storage. WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME Flip-flops and sandals should not be worn for participant safety For the safety of the animals, glass, gum, balloons & beverages with straws are not allowed Please do not bring electronics including radios, games or electronic devices Youth may not bring flashlights; however, adults may bring flashlights for the night walk Alcohol is prohibited, including purchasing and consuming alcohol while visiting Zoolumination event SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS During your Night Owl, your group will have the opportunity to sleep in the Unseen New World, alongside reptiles, amphibians and fish habitats. Classrooms located directly upstairs from the UNW are also available for participants to sleep in, with restrooms located on both floors. Overnight educators sleep in the same building. MEALS Groups must eat dinner before arriving at Nashville Zoo. Dinner is not provided by the Zoo & dinner cannot be ordered / delivered. The Zoo provides a small snack during your program. Groups may bring additional snacks if desired. The Zoo does not have cold storage for snacks / beverages so please bring coolers if needed. In the morning a continental breakfast will be provided, which includes various breakfast cereals, fresh fruit, granola bars, milk, & coffee. Allergies or dietary needs – If anyone in your group has allergies or special dietary needs, please bring appropriate food and snacks. Zoolumination concessions—there will be some food concessions open during Zoolumination but hours & availability are subject to change. GIFT SHOP SOUVENIRS Time does not allow the opportunity to buy souvenirs at the gift shop during the Night Owl program. However, your overnight educator can point you in the direction of the gift shop at the end of the morning tour, which will open at 9:00 am. During Zoolumination, there will be some gift concessions open but hours & availability are subject to change. *All youth participants will receive a Night Owl t-shirt. Adults can purchase a shirt for $10 the following morning