Muskox at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Arctic Tundra

Did you know?

Ovibos moschatus

Muskoxen have secret weapon against the cold – a two-layer coat. Their soft underwool, called qiviut (“kiv-ee-ute”) is warmer than sheep’s wool and softer than cashmere. They shed it in spring.

Meet our new muskox calf! Charlotte gave birth to a female muskox calf, Willow, on September 7. The fuzzy calf is becoming more steady on her little legs while staying close to mom. As the adorable calf grows bigger and stronger, she will continue to bond with Charlotte in the muskoxen habitat and behind the scenes.

Discover Muskoxen

Habitat

Wild and Zoo

Muskoxen have lived in the frozen Arctic for many thousands of years, living on prairies and tundra in Greenland, northern Canada and Alaska. Find them in our Arctic Tundra.

Arctic Tundra

Meet the Keepers

(Double duty.)

Our muskoxen are taken care of by our elephant keepers! They give chats near the elephant barn daily. Bring your questions!

Zookeeper Life: Piper

Daily Presentations

Meet our Muskoxen

Hudson

Charlotte

Willow

Protecting Muskoxen

Saving a species.

THE THREAT: Muskoxen were hunted for meat and hides in the 19th and 20th centuries, and their populations plummeted.

TAKE ACTION: The Northwest Game Act of 1917 allowed for conservation efforts that helped their recovery, and there are now around 80,000 muskoxen in the wild. Conservation works!

Conservation stories

Arctic Stories

POLAR BEAR EXAMS

Polar bear twins Astra and Laerke, both 3-years-old, received wellness exams in March (on different days). The exams were the first time the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium veterinarians and … Continued