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Open July 4
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This week, we had the incredible honor of welcoming Harvey Drahos to Point Defiance Zoo!
At 103 years old, Harvey is an Army veteran of World War II who served in the Battle of Okinawa, a Purple Heart recipient, an Olympia resident, and a lifelong animal lover. During his visit, he watched the Red Wolves, Arctic foxes, muskoxen, and goats enjoy special enrichment. He also enjoyed the Wild Wonders show, where he met a sloth and a macaw up close.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we`re especially grateful for those whose service helped shape our nation`s history. It was a privilege to share a day of wildlife, wonder, and connection with Harvey, and we`re honored he chose to spend part of his week with us.
Chill out with some of the Zoo`s coolest residents! 🐻❄️🦭
Join us July 11–12 for Arctic Sea Ice Weekend! Watch polar bear Laerke, walruses Balzak and Lakina, muskoxen, and Arctic foxes enjoy special icy enrichments, hear keeper chats, and discover simple ways you can help protect Arctic wildlife. 💙🌎
Learn more and plan your visit: Arctic Sea Ice Weekend ❄️
Starting tomorrow morning, July 2, 15 handcrafted Art of the Game glass medallions will be hidden around the zoo grounds... and if you find one, it`s yours to keep! 🏆✨
Watch this video for a few location hints, then put your searching skills to the test during your visit. 👀
Good luck, and if you find one, let us know in the comments!
Tiny but mighty! 🪼 Meet June`s aquarium highlight species, the sea gooseberry. ✨
This marble-sized comb jelly shimmers with rainbow colors as tiny hairs called cilia propel it through the water. Don`t let its delicate appearance fool you; it can eat up to 10 times its body weight each day!
Instead of stinging like some other jellies, it uses long, sticky tentacles to snag tiny prey. Like other jellies, they lack a brain, heart, blood and bones.
Next time you`re in the Pacific Seas Aquarium, take a closer look at the jelly habitats. Some of the ocean`s most fascinating animals are also the easiest to miss. 💙
Neat find at the Tundra habitat! 🪹 Our keepers discovered an old bird nest woven with an unexpected mix of polar bear fur and muskox guard hair, some of which is shed alongside their incredibly soft qiviut each year.
📷: Animal care staff Russell
Ice, ice, baby, Bao! 🧊 It’s time for some cool enrichment behind the scenes. The small-clawed otter family received piles of ice to explore, and the tiny, happy otter hops may be the cutest thing you’ll see.
Enrichment encourages natural behaviors, keeps curious minds engaged, and sometimes results in extra cuteness. 💖
📹: Animal care staff Katie
The adorable California sea lion pup has a name... meet Owen! 💙
His animal care team chose the name to celebrate the natural range of California sea lions, which stretches all the way to Washington`s coast, and to honor our own backyard: Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park.
Behind the scenes, Owen is growing fast! He`s chatting with mom Eloise through sweet vocalizations and has graduated from his tiny turtle tub to a larger pool, where he`s learning to swim like a pro.
Yesterday’s warm weather called for a refreshing misting session! 💦🦉
Our two-month-old spectacled owlet cooled off with a gentle rain shower. Misting helps keep owls comfortable on warm days while also helping clean and condition their feathers. Safe to say this little one was a fan. 💙
📹: Animal care staff Erica
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