As the year ends, we reflect on the moments Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium had the privilege of being a part of in 2024. We opened the Tropical Reef Aquarium, welcomed seven adorable goat kids, and extensively cared for penguin chicks, among many other moments. Enjoy some of our favorite photos from this year, taken by staff photographer Katie Cotterill.
We explored Oak Tree Park and Swan Creek Park with Wildlife Champions.
Sumatran tiger Indah received her routine wellness exam, including a dental cleaning.
Giant shield mantises joined the Bugs Alive! program.
Curlyhair tarantula Tumbleweed.
Sea Lion Eloise gave birth to Pepper, the first pup born at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in its 119-year history.
Indah participated in meatball-toss training sessions.
Some catches were better than others.
Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf checks out the new goat kids as Daisy Mae checked her out.
Veterinarian Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein examined the goat kids as well.
Pregnant tapir Yuna takes a much-deserved rest.
Sea lion Eloise.
Staff photographer Katie Cotterill traveled to the polar bear capital of the world.
A rainbow forms over toxic pilings being removed on the Tacoma waterfront as staff relocated Purple Martin nest boxes.
We said goodbye to beloved Suki.
Puffins in September plumage.
We completed renovations on the Tropical Reef Aquarium.
Sea otter Libby with an enrichment wheel.
Polar bear Astra dives for a fishy treat.
Veterinarian Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein helps open muskox Hudson’s mouth during a dental extraction procedure.
Eastern box turtle Mover receives blue light therapy for shell rot with Veterinary Technician Sara and Staff Biologist Ariel.
A hermit crab peeks out of its shell.
Artist Mindy Barker and Jon Arruda install art in the Tropical Reef Aquarium.
Wildlife Champions students react to seeing rainbow boa Scarlet.
An incubated penguin egg is candled to check how the chick is progressing.
A penguin chick is cared for in the hospital.
Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf checks the heartbeat of a penguin chick in the hospital.
Two penguin chicks snuggle in the hospital.
Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf and Staff Biologist Noelle hold penguin chicks during an exam.
A penguin chick is almost as big as mom.
Penguin chick Dahlia learns to swim.
Magellanic penguin Rio checks out the photographer during a penguin chick exam.
Eagle ray Rayna glides through Baja Bay.
Skeleton shrimp camouflages with its habitat.
A sunflower sea star behind the scenes.
Arctic fox Freya shows off her summer coat.
Pretzel the muskox joins the zoo family to be a companion for Willow.
Zoolights was brighter than ever. Maintenance Laborer Max dressed up the Flame Tree.