The world’s tigers are vanishing from the wild at an alarming rate. Poaching and human encroachment on tiger habitat are pushing these magnificent animals toward extinction. Here at the Zoo we help save these stunning animals through funding anti-poaching efforts, habitat conservation and the Species Survival Plan in zoos.

Sharks are beautiful animals that have roamed our oceans since before the time of dinosaurs. Almost all types of sharks face extreme pressure due to overfishing and finning for human consumption. But you can help. Join us as we spread the message that sharks are to be protected, not feared.

Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and a host of other animals depend on tropical forests. In Southeast Asia these forests are rapidly being cut down to make way for our growing appetite for palm oil, used in many household products. But we can take action to protect the rainforest by asking companies to commit to responsible palm oil.

Wildlife trafficking – the illegal trade of animal products – is a global crisis. Many of the world’s rarest species, such as elephants, tigers, sharks and rhinos, are being hunted by poachers to the verge of extinction. But we can help them.

What if the ocean had more plastic than fish?

It sounds crazy – but scientists predict it may happen by 2050. Plastic is found in almost all of the Earth’s waters – its rivers, lakes, and especially the ocean. It harms and kills marine creatures, and finds its way back to our water supply. Join us in going plastic-free to save our sea.

The red wolf had nearly vanished from the wild in the 1970s.

By 1980, the red wolf population was down to 14 pure wolves. These were brought to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a recovery program managed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Thanks to the efforts of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and other organizations, the red wolf population has grown from 14 to about 250 wolves. But wild populations still face big challenges.

The Earth is warming, mostly as a result of human activity. And that impacts wildlife around the globe: polar bears cannot hunt without ice, and other species that cannot adapt fast enough face extinction.

But we can slow the pace. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is proud to be an Arctic Ambassador Center, leading carbon emission reduction and supporting research projects to help conserve wild polar bears. Join us.

Reduce, reuse and recycle! Here at the Zoo we don’t just use these words in our Wild Wonders animal show – we live them Making responsible choices and taking action to conserve natural resources are a way of life here, from offering water in fountains and aluminum bottles to installing a solar roof in the Asian Forest Sanctuary.

Since 2002, The Zoo Society’s Dr. Holly Reed Wildlife Conservation Fund has provided more than $1.8 million in grants to benefit a diverse range of endangered species from exotic Sumatran tigers to hammerhead and other sharks, to red wolves and walruses.
Read what we do – and consider making a donation to help us protect wildlife.