Temperatures are heating up and so is activity at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon.

Among the events scheduled in July and August are Christmas in July on July 30 and 31, Earth Awareness Day on August 6, Sounds of Africa on August 14 and the Summer Safari Scavenger Hunt on August 21.

Recently announced too was news that  Southwick’s Zoo’s 2021 Festival of Illumination Brochure was awarded two top design awards – 1st place in New England and 4th Place Internationally for 2021 Best Design, International Association of Visitor Information and the CTM Media Group.  Scores of nominees were submitted from thousands of eligible designs from around the world including South Africa, Indonesia, Europe, and North America.

The original design and elements of the brochure were created by Belinda Mazur of Images by Belinda Mazur, Sutton, MA.

Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon is excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual Festival of Illumination beginning this September running through to January of 2023. This years’ theme “Once Upon a Time” will showcase the fascinating and forgotten stories of legends, myths, and fairytales through the incredible artistry of custom handmade Chinese lanterns.  The four month long premier Chinese Lantern Festival is presented in partnership with the award-winning Zigong Lantern Group and is the largest of its kind hosted in New England.

From early September to January 1, 2023, Southwick’s Zoo will again be illuminated by breathtaking custom-built exhibits consisting of a multitude of Chinese lanterns constructed from silk, steel, and environmentally friendly LED lights.  Guests will be immersed into epic journey and fantasy world of extraordinary beauty, magic, and mystery through the stories of legends, myths, and fairytales. Beginning on November 25th Southwick’s Zoo’s popular Winter Wonderland will be added where guests can enjoy a festive train ride through the enchanted holiday lighting display.

The Zigong Lantern Group is the largest Chinese lantern festival group in the world with over 20 years of experience in creating these breathtaking events.  Zigong has partnered with locations worldwide including the Dublin Zoo, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, the Nashville Zoo, UK’s Longleat House, and Magnolia Plantation, South Carolina. The group’s artisans will hand craft the lantern displays on-site at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, MA. 

“Festival of Illumination” will be open 5 days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from September 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Beginning the middle of May, tickets for this must see experience will go on sale at www.festivalofillumination.com or www.southwickszoo.com, 

Southwick’s Zoo is a privately-owned zoo located at 2 Southwick Street in Mendon, MA and has been a favorite New England destination for over 50 years. This zoo is home to over 850 animals, featuring more than 160 varied species, many of which are endangered. Southwick’s Zoo’s mission is to provide an extensive zoological collection and educational facility for their visitors, offering exciting family fun and entertainment for guests of all ages.