Transforming the Detroit Zoo into a Winter Wonderland

Wild Lights, presented by Corewell Health Children’s, has been lighting up the holiday season at the Detroit Zoo for more than a decade. This annual event transforms the zoo into a magical winter wonderland, featuring themed light installations, glowing trees, and vibrant holiday scenes along its pathways.

Despite its popularity, the annual Wild Lights event needed a transformative touch to elevate its appeal and offer guests an even more magical experience. The challenge was to integrate innovative technology without losing the charm and warmth of the holiday spirit.

Since 2016, Bluewater has partnered with the Detroit Zoo, bringing our expertise in experiential technology and creative solutions to the forefront. With a deep understanding of the importance of holiday traditions, Bluewater was poised to enhance Wild Lights by making it not only brighter but more interactive.

Key Activations
Bluewater introduced several key activations handling everything from cabling to creative updates—ensuring every element was perfectly synchronized and beautifully presented.

Consumer’s Energy Events Pavilion – Stepping Tones

The Pavilion featured the Stepping Tones installation, an engaging sensory experience designed to harmonize sound and visuals. The auditory experience was uniquely enhanced by playing the same audio track in different octaves, creating a dynamic and layered soundscape. To maximize the pavilion’s vast interior space, the activations were strategically spaced, ensuring visitors could fully immerse themselves in the experience. Bluewater managed every aspect of the setup, including all cabling and installation, as well as creative services to update the audio and programming where necessary.

 
Field of Light

The Field of Light showcased 550 programmed LED light tubes, creating a captivating display of synchronized light and sound. Six outdoor pars illuminated nearby trees, dynamically reacting to the light show, while eight 360-degree speakers enriched the experience with immersive audio. Bluewater ensured seamless operation with full technical support and precise programming.

 
Polk Penguin Conservation Center – Projection Mapping

The beloved Polk Penguinarium came to life with a stunning projection mapping installation. Two high-performance 30K projectors, housed in climate-controlled enclosures, delivered vivid, uninterrupted displays. To maintain a localized audio experience, two speakers were strategically placed, ensuring sound remained confined to the Penguinarium area. Bluewater’s role extended beyond the creative aspect, encompassing all cabling, installation, and media server setup to guarantee seamless operation.

 
Jungle Vine Harp

The Jungle Vine Harp was a highly interactive installation that combined music and motion. The activation featured a 10×2 LED wall with laser-activated sensors, allowing guests to create melodies through movement. This interactive element was complemented by strategically placed speakers, enhancing the interplay between visuals and sound. 

The 2024 Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo was more than just a light show; it was an immersive journey through a luminous enchanted land. Each installation, thoughtfully designed and meticulously executed, worked together to transform the zoo into a dazzling holiday destination, delighting thousands of visitors. Through Bluewater’s creative vision and technical expertise, The Detroit Zoo has set a new standard for holiday experiences, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a sense of awe and a heart full of festive cheer.  Click here to learn more about the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights experience.

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