FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Rachel Pinzur, Pinzur Communications 305-725-2875 or [email protected] Jungle Island Begins Construction This Week of Gigantic Lanterns Shaped into Animals, Plants and Iconic Miami Destinations for Upcoming Luminosa Festival of Lights ~Early bird tickets now on sale for whimsical Chinese lantern festival, which debuts Oct. 5, 2019~ MIAMI (August 20, 2019) — Jungle Island, South Florida’s popular eco-adventure attraction, begins the construction and over month-long installation this week of 34 beautifully intricate lantern exhibits, including its own interpretation of an iconic Wynwood destination and a South Beach art deco scene, as part of Luminosa Festival of Lights. In partnership with Zigong Lantern Group and China Lantern International, which is the #1 industry leader in Chinese Lantern Festivals worldwide, the park will invite visitors from around the globe to marvel at a nighttime jungle filled with giant lanterns, up lit by over 1 million LED lights and hand-crafted out of colorful silk by Chinese artisans, from October 5, 2019 to January 8, 2020. Luminosa will take guests on a memorable journey through light across 13 of the park’s 18 acres. The journey tells a magical story of the jungle, which begins with an exploration of wildlife, birds, bloom and the beautiful Biscayne Bay. It then writes a chapter into the future through a story of transformation, rooted in adventure and infused with Miami’s new vibrant urban art identity. “Luminosa at Jungle Island is certain to be one of the most Instagram-worthy and talked about events of the season,” says Curtis Crider, Jungle Island’s general manager. “Between the rich history behind the festival and its beautiful pageantry set within a jungle-like setting, this must-see installation will be a celebration of two cultures coming together and the rebirth of an iconic South Florida attraction.” A few of the visual delights will include towering orchids and flowers, a demure cassowary and striking silk parrots in the Birds and Blooms exhibit; a sea of glowing jellyfish in the Biscayne Bay display; some of the world’s rarest animals down Jungle Trail; to a 114-foot long by 26-foot tall panoramic rendition of an iconic Miami destination decked out in Chinese graffiti art in the Miami Style exhibit. All lanterns will be illuminated by environmentally-friendly LED lights and made out of water-proof and fire-resistant silk materials (over 11 miles worth!), supported by steel frames. -more- Page 2/Luminosa at Jungle Island Elie Mimoun, Partner at ESJ Capital Partners, owners of Jungle Island, adds: “Our vision for the evolution of Jungle Island is to include regularly scheduled events and experiences that bring the spirit of the jungle to life. Luminosa reinforces this position and appeals to all audiences in search of discovery and adventure within the context of nature and wildlife.” The Chinese Lantern Festival is believed to date back 2000 years ago to the Eastern Han Dynasty when Buddhist monks would light lanterns in the temples. Traditionally, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. The lanterns are thought to symbolize people letting go of their pasts and celebrating a new future, much like Jungle Island. “Our joint effort with Jungle Island has influenced our design team to create something truly extraordinary,” adds Justin Corsa, executive director USA, China Lantern International. “Local Miami flair combined with eastern craftsmanship will result in one of our most creative and innovative exhibits to date.'' For this regularly sold-out festival, tickets go on sale today. The cost is $35.95 per adult and $30.95 per child. Save 20% by purchasing tickets in advance at www.jungleisland.com. Sponsorships are also available. Email [email protected] # # # ABOUT JUNGLE ISLAND Jungle Island, which is owed by Aventura-based ESJ Capital Partners, is undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation into an eco-adventure park and events destination. A favorite South Florida landmark, Jungle Island is located between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon a rich tradition that began in 1936, Jungle Island proudly takes guests on an epic journey through nature, animal, discovery, and adventure. With thrilling new amenities including SuperFlight, Escape Rooms and Adventure Bay, and renovated events spaces, the 18-acre park is Miami's iconic destination for adventures and events. From behind-the-scenes VIP tours to unforgettable interactions with some of the world’s most fascinating animals, Jungle Island offers guests a variety of real-life jungle experiences. For more information, visit www.jungleisland.com and follow @JungleIsland on social media, using the hashtags #JungleIsland #AdventureIsHere ABOUT ZIGONG LANTERN GROUP: Zigong Lantern Group is the #1 industry leader and the largest in Chinese Lantern Festivals worldwide. In 2016, Zigong Lantern Group merged with multiple reputable Zigong lantern culture enterprises and an investment company from Shenzhen. Dedicated to storytelling and sharing traditional Chinese cultures, Zigong Lantern Group specializes in lantern exhibition, lantern design, simulated dinosaurs and animals, and landscape and horticulture design. As the first group to bring this festival from China to the overseas markets, Zigong has held lantern festivals in over 30 cities in 16 foreign countries and more than 200 cities and regions in China. A number of the firm’s accolades include the Gold Award by the 5th Expo of Chinese Festival Tourist Products, Asia Achievement Award by the Committee of Korea Festival Contents Awards and Brass Ring Winner for its “Illumination” exhibit held at the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Additionally, Zigong Lantern Group was the only Chinese lantern group invited to participate in the G20 Summit, held in Hamburg, Germany. For more information, visit http://www.zigonglanterngroup.com. .