Did You Know?
The tufted puffin's bill becomes larger and more colorful in the summer nesting season than in winter. It most likely plays a part in the male's mating display.
News Room
Upcoming Events:
Feb. 13-14: Big Cats, Big Party
Feb. 16-17: Special Opening
Mar. 14: St. Patrick's Day Enrichment
Mar. 27-28: Spring Break Tropical Party
Mar. 29 - Apr. 2: Spring Break Camp
Upcoming Events:
Feb. 13-14: Big Cats, Big Party
Feb. 16-17: Special Opening
Mar. 14: St. Patrick's Day Enrichment
Mar. 27-28: Spring Break Tropical Party
Mar. 29 - Apr. 2: Spring Break Camp
Celebrate your special event at the Zoo
Treat your guests to an exotic experience off the beaten path with events from intimate gatherings of 10 to large receptions of up to 300 in our breathtaking indoor and outdoor locations. Learn more.
Treat your guests to an exotic experience off the beaten path with events from intimate gatherings of 10 to large receptions of up to 300 in our breathtaking indoor and outdoor locations. Learn more.
New at the Zoo
Big Cats, Big Party - Feb. 13-14
This Valentine's weekend, fall in love with tigers all over again at the Big Cats, Big Party celebration!All three of the zoo's tigers, Bali, Java and Jaya, will be on exhibit Saturday and Sunday, and their home in the Asian Forest Sanctuary will be bubbling with fun and activities all weekend long.
Check it out!
Winter at the Zoo
Winter is a great time to visit the Zoo!
With two distinctly beautiful aquariums, covered viewing areas, indoor exhibits, a carousel, cafe, and gift shop, you can spend hours at PDZA and stay warm.
Click here to see all the things you can do in Washington's winter weather.
Winter is a great time to visit the Zoo!
With two distinctly beautiful aquariums, covered viewing areas, indoor exhibits, a carousel, cafe, and gift shop, you can spend hours at PDZA and stay warm.
Click here to see all the things you can do in Washington's winter weather.
Learn to be wild!
A visit to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is an entertaining and exciting educational experience all on its own. But if you're looking for something a little more structured, check out all our education team has to offer!
From Critter Clubs for little ones to Spring Break Camp for older children, there's something for everyone.
A visit to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is an entertaining and exciting educational experience all on its own. But if you're looking for something a little more structured, check out all our education team has to offer!
From Critter Clubs for little ones to Spring Break Camp for older children, there's something for everyone.
Keepers study red wolves in their wild habitat
Over the past 30 years, Point Defiance Zoo has led the Red Wolf Recovery Program to the most successful conservation story in North American history.
This winter, the Zoo is sending two of its keepers to North Carolina to work with red wolves in the wild. Natalie is there now and Jennifer will be there next month. Be sure to visit the Zoo's new red wolf exhibit this summer to hear all about their adventures!
Read all about the amazing red wolf story.
Find out how you can help build the red wolves' new home at the Zoo through the Zoo Society's Vision for the Future Campaign.
Over the past 30 years, Point Defiance Zoo has led the Red Wolf Recovery Program to the most successful conservation story in North American history.
This winter, the Zoo is sending two of its keepers to North Carolina to work with red wolves in the wild. Natalie is there now and Jennifer will be there next month. Be sure to visit the Zoo's new red wolf exhibit this summer to hear all about their adventures!
Read all about the amazing red wolf story.
Find out how you can help build the red wolves' new home at the Zoo through the Zoo Society's Vision for the Future Campaign.
More info
Zoo hours:
January 1 - March 1 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday
Special opening: February 16-17
Parking is FREE!
more info
Get involved: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed a draft conservation plan for the local gray wolf population. Read more about their plight here by January 8 and let your voice be heard.
Point Defiance Park: The Zoo is just one of many attractions in Point Defiance Park, including Fort Nisqually, Owen Beach, public gardens and others. To learn more about Point Defiance Park and services, click here.
Zoo hours:
January 1 - March 1 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday
Special opening: February 16-17
Parking is FREE!
more info
Get involved: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed a draft conservation plan for the local gray wolf population. Read more about their plight here by January 8 and let your voice be heard.
Point Defiance Park: The Zoo is just one of many attractions in Point Defiance Park, including Fort Nisqually, Owen Beach, public gardens and others. To learn more about Point Defiance Park and services, click here.
Our sister park: This is a great time to visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville -- just 35 miles from Tacoma. The park features a narrated tram tour through more than 400 acres of meadows and forests where you can see bison, elk, moose, mountain goats and more. There's also a walking tour on paved forested pathways to see predators and small forest and wetland animals. Save your Zoo ticket for a 2-for-1 admission (printed on back) to Northwest Trek. For more information about Northwest Trek, go to www.nwtrek.org.
