This spring, two of Point Defiance Zoo’s meerkat moms, Keeya and Naledi, each welcomed a litter of kits. Now, guests can catch both meerkat mobs taking turns in the Kids’ … Continued

UPDATE: May 15, 2025 We’re thrilled to share that Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has been ranked among the top 5 zoos in the country in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice … Continued

It’s tapir time! Ume, a spirited three-month-old Malayan tapir calf, is gearing up for a big adventure. She will make her public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Asian … Continued

More than 1,230 observers took part in this year’s City Nature Challenge spanning King and Pierce counties, including Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Snohomish and any place in between! Between April … Continued

Get ready for an all-new season of amazing animal antics! The Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium launches its 2025 spring/summer show on May 3, featuring … Continued

Azizi, Xena, and Zuri—Point Defiance Zoo’s trio of East African savannah pouched rats—recently had their routine wellness exams at the zoo’s healthcare clinic.  Under gentle anesthesia, the veterinary team performed … Continued

Volunteers are the heart of the community at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 20–26), the zoo is proud to celebrate the time, talent, … Continued

The meerkat mob at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium just got a little bigger! Moms Keeya and Naledi each recently gave birth to four healthy kits behind the scenes at … Continued

If you thought Spring Training was over, guess again! It’s still underway at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The animals and keepers at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater are preparing … Continued

Meet Riley! Our newest addition, a 13-year-old female harbor seal, joined our family from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Riley is settling in nicely and getting comfortable in her new home. … Continued

Get ready for a wild Spring Break at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, open daily from 9am to 3:30pm starting March 31! Whether you’re looking for hands-on fun, unforgettable animal … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: Dr. Karen Wolf and the Animal Care Team From polar bears to beavers, zebra sharks to sea stars, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home … Continued

Exciting changes are happening to our aquariums as we move our four nurse sharks from the Outer Reef habitat in the Tropical Reef Aquarium to their new home, the Baja … Continued

Pepper, our playful and curious young sea lion pup, is growing more independent every day! As she gets bigger, she’s reaching some important milestones that will help her thrive. Pepper … Continued

And… it’s a girl! We’re excited to share that our rare and endangered Malayan tapir calf has been named Ume (pronounced oo-may), a name chosen by her dedicated keeper staff. … Continued

A rare and endangered Malayan tapir calf was born at the zoo on Sunday, February 2, marking only the second tapir birth in our 120-year history. The newborn, covered in … Continued

UPDATE: On April 16, 2025, bull kelp officially became the State Marine Forest of Washington as Governor Ferguson signed HB1631 into law. The bill was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, … Continued

This morning, one-year-old muskox Willow was officially introduced to one-year-old Pretzel in the large Tundra habitat, and it was a success! Willow and Pretzel have been seen grazing and exploring … Continued

Our new muskox, Pretzel, underwent her first wellness exam at the Zoo today with head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf, associate veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson, and team. The one-year-old muskox had … Continued