‘Wildlights’ at B.C. Wildlife Park cancelled due to pandemic restrictions

For the first time in 22 years, the B.C. Wildlife Park's largest event has been cancelled, meaning the park will lose more than $250,000 in revenue.

The revenue generated from "Wildlights" would typically carry the Kamloops wildlife park through until Spring Break, when the park would normally see an increase in both domestic and international visitors, according to a B.C. Wildlife Park news release.

Two of the park's initiatives, The Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre and the Burrowing Owl Breeding Program, are funded entirely by park admissions and donations. Add in an average monthly grocery bill of $10,000 plus the other costs associated with caring for nearly 200 animals means "Wildlights" is crucial to the park's success.

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This year, the wildlife park is holding "Wildlights" virtually which will include more than 800,000 lights, hundreds of light displays, animal encounters, a visit with the animals at the Home Hardware Family Farm, a behind the scenes look at how the event is created and a visit from Uncle Chris the Clown.

You can take part in the virtual event  for a minimum $5 donation. You'll receive an income tax receipt for your donation.

For more information and to watch the virtual tour, visit the wildlife park's website here.

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