“Zoovies” Brings Animal Themed Movies to the Santa Barbara Zoo Hilltop
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The former summertime Drive-In movie nights have shifted in modern times to outside parks and other settings, including the top of the Santa Barbara Zoo.
The summer three-film schedule concluded Wednesday night with the 2016 Walt Disney Animation film 'Zootopia.'
It was a twilight screening. Blankets and chairs could be set up at 3:30 p.m. and the event began at 5 p.m.
The zoo staff starts it off with a special talk by zookeepers before the movie begins or a skit with puppets takes place.
Snacks including fresh popcorn are available on site.
The grass lawn has a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean right over East Beach and Montecito.
It is in collaboration with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).
Santa Barbara Zoo President Charles Hopper said, "both presenting the silver screen to a new audience and also presenting the zoo's conservation mission to a new audience."
This extra summertime event is included in the regular zoo admission or with a zoo membership.
Animal Care Supervisor Ariel Bailey said, "all the animals in the zoo are obviously ambassadors for their wild counterparts and every day we are welcoming people to inspire them to conserve the natural world. When people come they are contributing to conservation in their local habitats as well. "
The film festival staff also has a fund to include as many demographics as possible.
SBIFF Director of Development Benjamin Goedert said, "to try and make sure that people who ordinarily would not have access to the zoo and these types of events have priority access and free admission."
With new technology everyone can see the screen from the field location even before the sun goes down. "We work with this company that makes big LED screens and light projection so it is back lit so that allows you watch movies in full sun." said Goedert. The daytime screens were also used in 2021 during the COVID crisis when movies were shown in the Santa Barbara City College Parking lot.
One of the parents here with her child, also runs the California State Senate in her real day job. State Senator Monique Limon, the Senate pro Tempore, sees the value of these gatherings. "We're looking for those moments to be able to come be with the kids be with the family at a great location like the zoo with great weather. That brings us together in our town in our community with our kids."
The SBIFF anticipates the program returning in 2027. "Come to the zoo, have fun, enjoy the environment of the zoo, enjoy a movie your family, enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara sunset. It's a great collaboration and good for the community," said Hopper.
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