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 … Continued

 When you visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, you’ll discover more than two aquariums and animals like Malayan tapirs, Sumatran tigers, and walruses, you’ll also be surrounded by a … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is celebrating exciting milestones for its Asian small-clawed otter family: the arrival of a new male otter, Yuki, and the recent birth of a healthy … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is excited to announce the public debut of its newest Sumatran tiger, Bintang, meaning “star” in Indonesian, also affectionately known as Bini. The 7-year-old tiger … Continued

Looking for a fun, meaningful way to treat your pet this holiday season? At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, enrichment is part of everyday care, and something you can bring … Continued

Senya, a 6-year-old siamang, is now swinging around the Asian Forest Sanctuary at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. She arrived in Tacoma on a breeding recommendation through the Association of … Continued

Update: June 2026 Big things are happening for the zebra shark pups descended from our shark pair, Peanut and Butter! Through our partnership with global conservation coalition ReShark, healthy zebra … Continued

In late October, students from Lister Elementary kicked off their first “Park Week” of the year with a visit to Swan Creek Park. The park is a living classroom where … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s American Red Wolf sisters, Peat and Willow, recently left the zoo in a critical move for conservation. The pair was transferred to the zoo’s off-site … Continued

A filefish from the Tropical Reef Aquarium recently traveled offsite with the zoo’s veterinary team for a lensectomy, a delicate surgery to remove the lens from its left eye. While … Continued

For the holidays this year, consider gifting those close to you something wildly fun to experience together at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Get up … Continued

A critically endangered bowmouth guitarfish named Fender will make his public debut Friday, Nov. 7 in the Tropical Reef Aquarium’s Outer Reef habitat at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Born … Continued

With the holiday season just around the corner, the Zoolights crew at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is deep into preparations for one of the Puget Sound region’s most beloved … Continued

Every fall, the small town of Churchill, Manitoba, transforms into the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” as wild bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay. This October, Rocky … Continued

This October 31 through November 2, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium invites the community to come together in remembrance, reflection, and celebration during its Día de los Muertos (Day of … Continued

At this year’s American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) National Conference, the Point Defiance Chapter of AAZK was honored with the 2025 AAZK Chapter of the Year award. This makes … Continued

When it’s gray and drizzly outside, brighten your day with a visit to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! With so many indoor and covered spaces to explore, it’s the perfect … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to welcome a new resident: Pippa, a one-year-old Southern tamandua. Pippa joins the zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan® breeding recommendation … Continued

Black cats, pumpkins, ghosts, skulls, and skeletons symbolize the Halloween season. We asked Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s animal care team, head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf, and the veterinary technicians … Continued

There’s postseason magic in the air, and not just at T-Mobile Park. The excitement of October baseball has officially reached the wild at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest … Continued

For Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 12-18), we’re celebrating the zoo’s three fantastic full-time vet techs! The vet techs assist the zoo’s three veterinarians in every aspect of animal health care: … Continued

Get ready for some Halloween fun! We’re featuring spooky (and not-so-scary) species from our Pacific Seas Aquarium and Tropical Reef Aquarium. Keep an eye out for these amazing fish and … Continued

One of the Puget Sound region’s most treasured holiday traditions is back! Zoolights returns for its 38th year to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4, … Continued

 Astra, one of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s beloved 4-year-old polar bears, will soon move to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the … Continued

As the Seattle Mariners head into the heat of October baseball, Pierce County zoos are stepping up to the plate to join the postseason excitement. Starting Saturday, Sept. 27 fans … Continued

A rescued young river otter is now swimming free in the wild, thanks to the collaborative efforts of federal wildlife officials, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium veterinarians, and a dedicated … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home to three endangered sea otters in the Rocky Shores habitat. Every year, Sea Otter Awareness Week takes place during the last full week of September … Continued

 For years, Gonzo the Southern tamandua has delighted audiences at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater with his calm demeanor, sweet personality, and unforgettable talent: slurping up delicious treats with … Continued

It’s that time of year again—molting season for our Magellanic penguins! You might notice some of them looking a little extra fluffy or patchy as they shed old feathers and … Continued

 In a groundbreaking moment for conservation, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has successfully produced seven viable zebra shark (Indo-Pacific leopard shark) eggs that are now headed to the wild. … Continued