MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The coming winter weather is forcing the Henry Vilas Zoo to nix two nights of its Zoo Lights show this week. Zoo officials announced Wednesday that the shows for the following night (Dec. 22) and Friday night (Dec. 23) would be canceled.

The zoo blamed the move on the sub-zero temperatures forecasted for the rest of the week, explaining that they can affect the lights. Additionally, its statement pointed out, the predicted high winds that will accompany this system would make it difficult for people to navigate the paths.

“The weather forecast creates a variety of problems for us logistically and our number one priority is to provide everyone with a safe and fun experience. Unfortunately, we cannot do that in extremely cold temperatures,” Marketing Coordinator Kristin Moala said.

Anyone with tickets for either of the two now canceled nights should expect an automatic refund, the zoo noted.

Zoo Lights is expected to resume on the day after Christmas and run through December 30.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

A spokesperson for the Olbrich Botanical Gardens said that it would be closed starting at 2 p.m. Thursday and all day Friday due to the inclement weather.

The gardens is also closed, due to the holidays, starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and all day Jan. 1.

Badger Prairie Needs Network

The Badger Prairie Needs Network announced that the food pantry is closed Thursday and Friday due to the incoming severe weather. It will also be closed on Saturday for Christmas.

The pantry will reopen from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

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