The Magnetic Hill Zoo has welcomed a near-record number of visitors this year.

Zoo director Jill Marvin said preparations are now well underway for the annual “Wild Lights” display when the 40-acre park is decorated with Christmas lights.

“We are very close. We’ve got a couple more things to set up but we will be opening up our Wild Lights event on December 1,” noted Marvin.

“We’re looking like we’re going to have our biggest year ever at Magnetic Hill Zoo, if we have a good Wild Lights.”

This year’s “Wild Lights” features the Year of the Outback with new Australian-themed lights.

The annual holiday display will run from December 1 until January 7.