Sacramento Zoo brings back extinct animals with immersive light displays, illusions
Extinct animals will roam the Sacramento Zoo this winter as the park debuts an immersive new nighttime experience.
Called “Unextinct,” the exhibit brings more than 40 extinct and threatened species back to life using colorful illusions and illuminations, according to the program’s website.
“Unextinct” will premiere at the zoo on Dec. 26 and run through March 9.
The exhibit was created by former Disney Imagineers at Mangolin Creative, a Los Angeles-based design studio, according to a Wednesday news release.
“We wanted to showcase conservation in a really interesting way,” Morgan Richardson, artist and co-founder of Mangolin Creative, told The Bee. “These are all animals that have gone extinct during the Holocene due to human involvement, and the inclusion of these other animals that have not yet gone extinct but are extremely rare is to show the potential future.”
The exhibit will include theatrical tricks and techniques, Richardson said, including projection, physical sets and original soundtracks.
“We are so proud to be the premier location for ‘Unextinct’,” Jason Jacobs, Sacramento Zoo director, said in the release. “’Unextinct’ is an incredibly immersive experience of light and sound and offers our guests the chance to see animals they could have only dreamed of seeing before.”
With the “Unextinct” light show, Richardson said, “We want to inspire people and empower people to care about these species.”
Where is ‘Unextinct’ exhibit?
“Unextinct” will be at the Sacramento Zoo at 3930 West Land Park Drive.
How to get tickets
Tickets for “Unextinct” are available online now with prices starting at $34 for general admission and $28 for children ages 2 to 11 years old.
Kids under 2 years old are free.
Members of the zoo get a discount with general admission starting at $28, or, $23 for children.
The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and generally takes 45 minutes to one hour to walk through.
Special events at Sacramento Zoo
There are special themed weekends while “Unextinct” is at the Sacramento Zoo.
Adults Only Nights: On Jan. 14 and Feb. 18, the exhibit is open for only adults.
College Weekend: From Feb. 1 to 3, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite school gear.
Sacramento Kings Fan: From Feb. 8 to 10, Kings fans are encouraged to wear their jerseys, colors and other merchandise.
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