Welcoming the heart-grabbing Malayan tapir Ume into the world, sending seven zebra shark eggs to Indonesia to support the long-term survival of wild populations, and hosting our first DreamNight highlighted many memorable moments of 2025 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Relive the year through a compilation of some of our favorite photos of the year, documented by staff photographer Katie G. Cotterill.
Malayan tapir Ume captured our hearts, and everyone fell in love with her as she grew.
We welcomed our furry friends in a series of Dog Days, and Dog Nights at Zoolights.
Pollinators of all kinds enjoyed our gardens.
A rare botanical event occurred: a mature Agave parryi var. truncata bloomed in a once-in-a-lifetime display.
A sidestriped shrimp in the Pacific Seas Aquarium.
Seven zebra shark eggs were candled, and Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf performed an ultrasound on them, as they were readied to be sent to Indonesia. All seven eggs have hatched at the nursery in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, where they will be raised with minimal human conditioning. Once they reach maturity, they will be tagged and released into Raja Ampat’s protected ocean habitat.
A cross jelly in the Pacific Seas Aquarium.
A small brittle star in the Pacific Seas Aquarium.
Bowmouth guitarfish Fender joined us in the Outer Reef of the Tropical Reef Aquarium.
We proudly hosted DreamNight, a special after-hours event welcoming individuals with disabilities and their families for an evening of exploration, connection, and unforgettable memories.
A volunteer diver fist-bumps a young guest.
We welcomed Asian small-clawed otter Yuki, who immediately connected with partner Arista.
Hundreds explored the shore.
Newton the blue-tongued skink shows off his namesake.
Critically endangered Sumatran tigers Mawar and Bintang arrived and have officially been recommended to breed.
Our meerkat mob expanded with four adorable litters.
Thousands of students awakened a connection to wildlife through field trips to the zoo.
Our two goat herds merged, and they were a little excited about it.
Four nurse sharks moved to the Baja Bay habitat of the Pacific Seas Aquarium from the Tropical Reef Aquarium.
Children show their jumping skills in the Adventure Maze.
A filefish received a lensectomy, the first of its kind in an aquarium resident of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Ruby the Hornbill rooted on the Mariners and their success.
Polar bear Laerke plays with her bone while swimming in her pool.
Thanks to adaptive equipment like a Hoyer lift, Assistant Dive Safety Officer Cameron and Dive Programs/Zoological Aide Jackie are able to help guests like Denise take the plunge in our Eye-to-Eye Shark Dives.
Polar bear Laerke in that golden winter light.
Radiated tortoise Jumbo Jet on a sunny September day.
Meerkat Chaka enjoys the sunshine as he keeps a lookout for his gang.
Magellanic penguin Daisy dons some flair on her head.
Harbor seal Riley joined our family.
Asian small-clawed otters Pintar and Sebastian gave birth to an adorable pup.
Sea otter Clara in mid-October.
Magellanic penguin chick Pedro is given an enriching flower by one of his keepers.
Muskoxen Pretzel meets her new best friend, Willow, on a cold January morning.
A raft of Magellanic penguins at Penguin Point.
A murre floats in sparkly light.
We shone a light on Dungeness crab conservation.
Community Engagement Specialist Jacob helps Arlington Elementary students spend time in their local park as part of Wildlife Champions’ Park Week.
Pepper, our playful and curious young sea lion pup, grew more independent every day.
Pouched rat Xena received her wellness exam. A portion of pouched rat exams involves checking their large cheeks.
Preschoolers are excited about our new Zoomagination Station program.
Juvenile Pacific spiny lumpsuckers joined their larger friends in the Pacific Seas Aquarium.
Senya, a 6-year-old siamang, is now swinging around the Asian Forest Sanctuary.
Skunk Wasabi rehearsed for the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater show.
Armadillo Vespa on an outdoor excursion.
A horned puffin with its classic “horn” of black feathers over its eyes, which only appears in summer.
Seriema Twiggy perfectly poses and then checks out the photographer.
A big skate in the Northwest Waters habitat of the Pacific Seas Aquarium.
Turkey vulture Ruby V. soaks in the sun on a March day.
Malayan tapir Ume follows her mom, Yuna, in July.
