The BC Wildlife Park says the extension of COVID-19 restrictions to Jan. 8 means the annual Wildlights event has been cancelled for the first time in 22 years.

General Manager Glenn Grant says its disappointing, but he notes park staff are looking at organizing a virtual event this year.

“So perhaps people that didn’t get a chance to get out can view it virtually on our website,” he said, noting they’re working with Aspect Film Works to begin filming the 800,000 light display, starting tomorrow.

“We fully support any orders that are given if that’s what it takes to keep everybody safe and healthy, then we’ll support that.”

Details on how and when you’ll be able to view the virtual version of Wildlights will be coming soon.

“We know it isn’t the same as viewing the lights in person, but this is a fantastic way for you to still support the BC Wildlife Park throughout this holiday season and take in all the beautiful lights and animal encounters with your family,” he added.

Loss in Revenue

The event had already seen several changes this year because of COVID-19 including a limit of 500 visitors per night before the province moved to restrict all events provincewide in November. The annual event was expected to bring in more than 20,000 guests and between $250,000 to $300,000 in revenue to the park this year.

“We’ll have to look at what our options are now for January and February because generally the money that comes in now carries us through until mid-March and spring break when you see a lot more foot traffic,” noted Grant.

He says donations are always welcome, noting even the smallest one can have a big impact for the BC Wildlife Park.

“Veterinary services aren’t cheap. Just operating the park as a whole can be taxing sometimes but we have had some great support from the community in the form of donations,” noted Grant. “Some of our corporate partners made donations in lieu of them hosting their Christmas party here during Wildlights.”

I’m extremely grateful to all the residents of Kamloops and businesses in Kamloops that support us.”

Park operators also plan to reach out to the provincial government for COVID relief funding for tourism operators.

“We’ll look at all the options as to how we can start to tweak our budget a little to make things workable until we open up daily in March. January and February will be challenging and we’ll work though it and we’ll survive. We’re not that destitute and we’ll be looking forward to March and 2021 being a much year than this one.”

Drive thru event would be ‘too disruptive’

He says they were thinking about holding a drive-thru Wildlights event this month, which is now allowed after an exemption from Dr. Bonnie Henry, but decided against it as the park’s pathways are close to the animal enclosures.

“A drive-through event would be disruptive to many of the animals,” he added.

“Another option for us is, and we haven’t decided it yet, but we’re entertaining once the order is lifted in January to do Wildlights Take Two and perhaps run through some evenings in January. Our teams worked incredibly hard to have everything set up just in case restrictions were lifted and we were granted permission to move forward in December.”

There were a couple of days this month that were already sold out or close to being sold out. Grant says all tickets will be automatically refunded, but people can donate the proceeds back to the park if they want to.