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Zoo News
Sep 11, 2025

A heartwarming new addition now greets guests at the top of the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: a life-size bronze sculpture of Herald the Dog, … Continued

Sep 09, 2025

At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, we believe in growing future conservation leaders through real-world experience, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities that make a difference. This … Continued

Sep 03, 2025

This Saturday, Sept. 6, Mawar, a 6-year-old female Sumatran tiger whose name means “rose” in Indonesian, will make her public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Born January 17, … Continued

Aug 29, 2025

One of the most fascinating stops on a walk through Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a 12-foot conifer that looks like it stepped out of prehistory. It stands out … Continued

Aug 22, 2025

Wild, rare, and right here at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: we’re home to more than just your typical zoo animals. We proudly care for some of the most unique … Continued

Aug 21, 2025

As a heat wave hits the greater Tacoma area with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, keepers at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma are finding ways to keep … Continued

Aug 19, 2025

Earlier this month, a young river otter in southwest Washington received a second chance at life thanks to the quick response of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff, expert … Continued

Aug 06, 2025

 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s youngest Magellanic penguin has officially passed his swim lessons and joined the rest of the colony at Penguin Point. Guests can now spot him … Continued

Aug 05, 2025

For weeks, Lakina the walrus had kept her right eye tightly shut. Despite pain medications, the 9-year-old Pacific walrus at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium refused to open it, leaving … Continued

Jul 29, 2025

More than a century after its first spin, The Paul Titus Carousel at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has been named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Most Unique Carousels … Continued

Jul 24, 2025

At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, our volunteers are the heart of our mission to connect people to wildlife and inspire conservation action. One of the shining stars of our … Continued

Jul 24, 2025

Coral Reef Awareness Week is celebrated from July 21 to July 27 this year. At the brand-new Coral Reef Up-Close habitat, now open inside the Tropical Reef Aquarium at Point … Continued

Jul 22, 2025

The Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium isn’t just thrilling — it’s inclusive. Since the program first opened in 2013, more than 25,000 guests have taken the … Continued

Jul 22, 2025

National Zookeeper Week takes place July 20-26 this year. The week is devoted to sharing the passion and dedication of keepers. Our zookeepers and aquarists are a dedicated group of … Continued

Jul 22, 2025

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Erica, a dedicated keeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Erica cares for the wonderful animals at Wild Wonders. We … Continued

Jul 22, 2025

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Megan, a dedicated aquarist at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Megan cares for the wonderful animals in our Pacific Seas … Continued

Jul 22, 2025

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Dana, a dedicated keeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Dana cares for the amazing animals in the Kids’ Zone. … Continued

Jul 21, 2025

Meet Keeper Russell This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Russell, a dedicated zookeeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. He cares for the incredible animals in … Continued

Jul 08, 2025

A rare botanical event nearly 20 years in the making is now unfolding at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. A mature Agave parryi var. truncata in the Desert Garden is in full bloom, … Continued

Jul 03, 2025

 It’s a season of growth and curiosity at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Over the past few months, four litters of meerkat kits have been welcomed into the zoo’s … Continued

Jun 30, 2025

Just down the road from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, along the docks of the Point Defiance Marina, a dedicated team of zoo staff and volunteers are playing a vital … Continued

Jun 26, 2025

The new Coral Reef Up-Close habitat is now open in the Tropical Reef Aquarium, offering guests a rare opportunity to see live corals as they grow and develop. Although they … Continued

Jun 20, 2025

Walking side by side, kindergartners and second graders from South Tacoma’s Arlington Elementary buzzed with excitement as they crossed the street like rows of ducklings, heading toward Oak Tree Park … Continued

Jun 12, 2025

Every June, as seniors at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi) toss their graduation caps, the remaining students explore immersive, hands-on learning during a Micro-Term. At SAMi, located in the … Continued

Jun 11, 2025

Guests to the Pacific Seas Aquarium may notice some quirky new additions: juvenile Pacific spiny lumpsuckers. Hatched in October, these tiny, round fish have just reached the right size to … Continued

Jun 04, 2025

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium proudly hosted DreamNight on Saturday, May 31. DreamNight is a special after-hours event welcoming individuals with disabilities and their families for an evening of exploration, … Continued

Jun 04, 2025

One very special Magellanic penguin chick has made its debut at Penguin Point! The chick, fostered by a pair of first-time penguin parents, hatched recently after a careful incubation process. … Continued

Jun 02, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of two new residents at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! Sebastian (age 7) and Pintar (age 3.5), a pair of Asian small-clawed otters, can … Continued

May 22, 2025

Update: check out the latest photos from June below. A rare botanical event is unfolding at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and you’re invited to see it up close. Tucked … Continued

May 20, 2025

It’s a spring season full of chirps at the Point Defiance Marina, where conservation efforts are paying off in the form of vibrant, swooping purple martins—North America’s largest swallows and … Continued