Animated LED monkeys greeted families and city officials alike during the grand opening of L.A. Zoo Lights at the Los Angeles Zoo last Friday.

(photo by Jonathan Van Dyke)

Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, were one hand to introduce the first time light show hosted at the zoo.

The event transforms the zoo environment into a series of animal vignettes, rendered in LED lights, lasers, 3D projections, massive sets and interactive displays.

It will continue nightly from now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 6 to 10 pm (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), bringing lights back to Griffith Park for the first time since 2009.