December 5, 2007 3'l,r ^ ìo rtla n b CDbserurr pageC3 cup Holiday lights illuminate life-size animal silhouettes at the Oregon Zoo. Zoo’s Family Tradition Z o o L i g h t s c r e a te s tu n n i n g d is p l a y s The Oregon Zoo is alive with lights this time of year forthe20th-annual ZooLights festival.This family tradition features nearly a million lights illuminating life-size animal silhouettes, trees, buildings, walkways and the zoo train. New additions include displays featuring black bears, bobcats and babirusa pigs, which commemorate real-life exhibits opened this year at the zoo. Conservation is also showcased in lights, w ith new silhouettes of endangered condors, manatees, a blue-footed booby, and a diorama that alternates the words "conservation" and “extinction.” The zoo’s popular costumed characters and elves greet zoo visitors and pose for pictures and the sounds of the season can be heard over the course of the festival as more than l(X) schools, churches and profes­ sional groups perform holiday musical selections, and are joined by several local dance troupes. ZooLights run nightly through Dec. 30. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.tn. on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests have one hour past closing time to make their way back to the front gate. During this time, lights and other activities continue until gates close. The festival is closed Dec. 24-25. ZooLights package tickets, which include admission and a train ride, are $9.75 for adults ( 12-64), $8.25 for seniors (65 and older), $6.75 for children (3-11), and free for children under 3. Additional information is available at oregonz.oo.org or by calling 503-226-1561. R E N N IE HARPs PUREMO>***