The zoo pulled the plug on ZooLights, the annual holiday light spectacle for families, last year, citing the loss of its major corporate sponsor. ZooLights was once one of the zoo's major fund-raising events, helping keep staff paid and animals fed during the winter while crowds dwindled because of weather woes and holiday commitments.

This year, zoo staff did not have the time to organize ZooLights because much of their efforts were focused on a successful Valley Children's Zoo opening, said promotions events coordinator Amber Frisbie.

"It takes ZooLights about six to nine months to prepare," Frisbie said. "Children's Zoo took up a lot of our time."

So instead of ZooLights, the Oakland Zoo will bring back Breakfast with Santa. From 9 a.m. to noon today, Sunday and next Saturday and Sunday, children and families can meet Santa, give him their wish lists and take pictures with the jolly old St. Nick.

"It was really cute last year," Frisbie said.

Animal handlers also will be giving treats to their charges at scheduled intervals. Last year, Frisbie said, tigers received gift-wrapped boxes of raw meat and bones. The treats are part of the zoo's animal enrichment program, which encourages natural behaviors in the animals through their interaction with toys and other items.

Also this holiday season, the zoo will be offering animal sponsorships for $49. Sponsoring an animal for a year usually costs $200, Frisbie said, and the reduced-price sponsorships could make agood gift for kids and adults alike. "It is a good charity item and it all goes to the zoo," she said.

Sponsors receive a sponsorship certificate and a letter.

ZooLights is likely to return next year with new light displays and new sponsors, she added.

Breakfast visits with Santa are free with zoo admission.

Meals cost $6 per person. Pictures with Santa cost an additional $5.

The Oakland Zoo is at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland. Call 632-9525 for more information.

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