From sketch to spotlight
The making of our Lanterns & Light puppets
Every year, it takes a village - or in our case, a wonderfully creative team - to create the magic of Lanterns & Light.
From artists and makers, to storytellers, performers, and technicians, we work with an incredible group of collaborators to transform the zoo after dark.
This year, we’re taking you behind the scenes to reveal how one of our much-loved animal puppets - the snow leopard - was imagined, designed and crafted, from the very first sketch to its debut at Lanterns & Light.
It all starts with an idea
Not long after one Lanterns & Light trail ends, the planning for the next one begins. We gather our team of collaborators - including master puppet makers Alison Duddle and Jonny Quick from Quiddlesticks - to explore which puppets might join the trail this year.
We also work closely with Rusticus, a talented group of puppeteers, to shape how each puppet will move and interact with guests throughout the event.
Last year, we debuted our snow leopard puppets to celebrate the arrival of Yashin and Nubra, the zoo’s first-ever snow leopards. Here’s how they came to life...
Sketching the vision
With the animals chosen, Alison and Jonny began to bring the snow leopard to life on paper. This was where the magic began - shaping how it might look, move, and interact with visitors along the trail.
Should it have been a wearable puppet, complete with a mask and costume, allowing a performer to embody the snow leopard? Or a smaller, hand-held design, perfect for magical, up-close moments?
Shaping the face
The puppet’s face began as a clay sculpture, carefully moulded to reflect the intricate features of a snow leopard. Once the shape was complete, the clay model was layered with Worbla - a clever thermoplastic that’s lightweight, waterproof, and built to last. The result? A strong, sculpted head designed to endure many seasons of Lanterns and Light.
Building the skeleton
A lightweight but strong plywood frame was cut and assembled to form the puppet’s skeleton. It’s sturdy enough to withstand multiple performances, yet light enough for a puppeteer to carry and control with ease.
Every hinge and joint was carefully positioned to allow the head to turn, the tail to swish, and the legs to bend, bringing lifelike movement to every step.
Dressing the body
Textile artist Nadia Tahari then stepped in to craft the puppet’s outer layer. Using a specialist waterproof nylon, she created a fabric that echoed the soft, dappled pattern of snow leopard fur, while allowing it to glow gently from within.
Lighting it up
Low-voltage 12V LED lights, powered by rechargeable batteries, were carefully fitted inside the puppet’s frame. Weatherproof and long-lasting, they give the puppet its signature glow, helping it stand out against the night sky and guide guests through the trail.
Bringing it to life
Once the puppets are complete, they’re handed over to the skilled performers from Rusticus - who rehearse every step, turn and swish. It’s these carefully choreographed movements that transform a sculpture into something lifelike, helping each puppet connect with guests in a truly memorable way.
Behind the scenes, Puppet Technicians like Eilidh Bryan work tirelessly to keep the magic going. From recharging lights to making on-the-spot repairs, they ensure every puppet is show-ready: come wind, rain, or frosty evenings on the trail.
Showtime
After months of planning, sculpting, building, and rehearsing, the snow leopards made their glowing debut on the Lanterns and Light trail. Guided by expert performers, they prowled gracefully through the darkness, captivating thousands of visitors with every careful movement.
My favourite part of the process is seeing it all come to life on event nights. Visitors are completely immersed, and that’s why every movement matters - it has to feel authentic to the animal.
Eilidh Bryan, Rusticus
