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We Care For Animals

You can see that care every day, from dedicated keepers to highly trained veterinarians. Our animals get regular medical check-ups and cutting-edge treatment. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enrich their diet and play, and help them feel comfortable.

Caring for animals

It takes a team.
(Vets, techs and more.)
It takes a dedicated and skilled team to give animals the care they deserve. Our veterinarians, veterinary technicians, intern veterinarians and registrar work closely with keepers, combining expertise, technology and passion to care for all our animals, large and small.

Meet the Team

Dr. Karen
Dr. Kadie
Dr. Cassidy
Julie
Sara
Bianca
Emily

Care Stories

Zoo Staff Visit Polar Bears in the Arctic Tundra

It’s a long way from Tacoma, Washington, to Churchill, Manitoba: about 1,420 miles as the crow flies, at least eight hours by plane. There’s no road. In icy isolation on … Continued

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Thank you, vet techs!

For Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 15-21), 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

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Zoo Works to Recover Critically Endangered Red Wolves

At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, it’s a big “howl yes!” for American red wolf conservation. The Tacoma zoo has been a national leader in bringing this critically endangered species … Continued

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Help us care
You can help us care for animals both here at the Zoo and around the world by giving to The Zoo Society. Donations support health care equipment, enrichment, conservation and more.