Zoo extends hours for residents to enjoy the 'Lights'

'Lights Before Christmas' was such a hit, that the Applegate Park Zoo has extended its hours of operation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 to Friday, Dec. 23.

The lights and displays are dazzling at night, along with the snow machines and other special effects, creating Merced's Christmas wonderland.

It's sponsored by the Merced Parks and Recreation Department and the Merced Zoological Society.

The Zoo is located at 1045 W. 25th (25th and R streets).

The Zoo's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff will take an hour break between regular hours and the extended hours start at 5 p.m.

Zoo admission during the day and for the extended displays are $3 for ages 16 and up, $1.50 for senior citizens 62 and up, ages 5 to 15 are $2 and under 5 are free.