Venture to ZooLights at the National Zoo this Weekend and say Goodbye to Tai Shan!

DCers of all ages will enjoy ZooLights, the National Zoo’s 3rd annual winter celebration, December 18-January 2 (every night except Dec. 24, 25, and 31) from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

I'm excited to venture to the National Zoo this Friday for ZooLights on Date Night (guess I need to start recruiting now for that date). Zoolights features amazing light sculptures, keeper talks, strolling musicians, costumed characters and special treats. Special activities and giveaways are planned for Dec. 18 (Date Night), Dec. 19 (SunTrust Night), and Dec. 26 (Hair Cuttery Night).

You can also bring a canned good and receive discounts at the gift shop. Tickets are $5 for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members and $8 for nonmembers. Date Night tickets are $15 for FONZ members and $20 for nonmembers. Proceeds support the National Zoo. Visit www.fonz.org/zoolights.htm for tickets and details.

Also, word on the street has it that Tai Shan, the Zoo’s adorable baby panda, will be returning to China in early 2010. I remember when the baby panda was born 5 years ago during the same summer as my first internship in DC.

Throughout the remainder of ZooLights, the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat will be open for extended hours so that participants can bid farewell to Tai Shan. So bring along your camera (and a hankie), so you can savor your last views of Tai Shan--and other memorable moments--at ZooLights!