Performers at the opening ceremony

The Shanghai Wild Animal Park has extended its opening hours till 9pm,inviting visitors to explore the magic and glamor of the animal world after sunset.

Nearly 5,000 animals of more than 100 species are on display.

These include tigers, lions, raccoons, Central American tapir, anteaters, swans, hippos, capybara, white kangaroos, ruffed lemurs, alpacas, buffalo, hamadryas baboons, mandrills, golden-headed lionstamarins, meerkats, African and Asian elephants, common squirrel monkeys, lesser pandas, black bears, foxes, rhinoceros and Oriental pied hornbills.

Officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shanghai government, Shanghai Commission of Commerce, Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism and Pudong New Area government turned on the lights to mark the opening of night operations on Thursday.

Shanghai Vice Mayor Xu Kunlin attended.

The park operator said some adjustments have been made to the layout and exhibition of animals and night-time facilities based on animal adaptability and tourists' demand after trial operations.

The night admission is 60 yuan (US$8.5) for people who visit the park after 4pm.

A lioness on the prowl

A mob of kangaroos

A night view of the park

Flamingos at the park