Press releases
Recent Releases
Introducing Twin Polar Bear Cubs Astra And Laerke
June 5: Two-year-old sisters to make their public debut June 15 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
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Hundreds of local community scientists participated in City Nature Challenge
May 31: More than 1,400 species identified in Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
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May 16: Astra and Laerke, who have called the Detroit Zoo home since 2020, will move to Point Defiance Zoo this spring.
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Jan. 5: An 11-year-old male Sumatran tiger named Sanjiv (pronounced sun-jeev) will make his public debut at the Zoo on Friday, Jan. 6 at 9:30 am.
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2022 NEWS RELEASES
Zoolights Begins FridayNov. 21: Festive and bright holiday magic returns with Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium this Friday, Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 2 (closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25).
Nov. 17: They were born just weeks apart six years ago and have been closely bonded ever since. And now, the two young walruses have moved together to their new home at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
9 Wildly Fun Holiday Gift Ideas
Nov. 15: For the holidays, consider gifting those close to you something wildly fun to experience together at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
Apply To Be A Youth Volunteer At The Zoo
Nov. 10: Applications open soon for high school youth volunteers for summer 2023. As a Youth Volunteer, students will inspire others to make protecting wildlife a priority.
Oct. 19: Get your tickets now for Zoolights! The classic holiday tradition returns to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Nov. 25- Jan. 2.
Zoolights Event Page |Download pdf
New Rescued Arctic Fox Makes Debut
Sept. 20: Point Defiance Zoo is now home to a new rescued Arctic fox named Sven. Guests can meet the three-year-old fox in the newly renovated fox habitat in the zoo’s Arctic Tundra area.
Enjoy Fall Festivities At Zoo Boo
Sept. 8: Happy Howl-o-ween! Dress up like a cat, tiger, elephant or whatever your favorite animal is and then see that same real-life animal at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium during Zoo Boo weekend, Oct. 15-16.
Zoo Boo Event Page | Download pdf
Aug. 8: Watch animals feast on their favorite foods at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and enjoy icy treats at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Sept. 3-5.
End of Summer Blast Event Page | Download pdf
Clara the Sea Otter Makes Her Debut
July 19: Clara, the newest southern sea otter, made her public debut on Tuesday (July 19) and is getting along well with sea otter pals Libby and Moea.
Oldest Siamang In The World, Cho Cho, Humanely Euthanized
June 22: Cho Cho, born in 1967 and believed to be the oldest siamang in human care in the United States and possibly the world, was humanely euthanized.
Hundreds Of Local Community Scientists Participate in City Nature Challenge
June 15: More than 650 observers took part in this year’s City Nature Challenge and more than 1,000 species were identified in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
June 1: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with Pride weekend events June 25-26, in partnership with Rainbow Center and Oasis Youth Center.
Learn About Beach Animals During These Free Tacoma Events
June 1: Explore the Shore at Owen Beach and Tiptoe through the Tidepools at Titlow Beach are fun and exciting opportunities to learn about the biological diversity of local beaches and how to protect them.
Savvy Travelers Can Stop Wildlife Trafficking From SEA Airport And Beyond
May 25: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and partners unveil a first-of-its-kind interactive installation to help stop wildlife trafficking.
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Taking Precautions To Protect Birds From Avian Flu
May 12: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife are taking extra precautions to protect their birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
Beloved Polar Bear Blizzard Humanely Euthanized
May 9: Blizzard, a beloved polar bear who inspired generations of guests from across the Puget Sound region and around the world to care about his species, was humanely euthanized at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Sunday morning after a rapid decline in his health.
Get Into Nature & Connect With Family In City Nature Challenge
April 25: Annual global event April 29‐May 2 offers opportunity for Puget Sound folks to discover nearby wildlife, help science and get outside safely.
Volunteer Profile: Shana Osmer, Python Fan
April 18: Long-time Zoo volunteer gets visitors up close to animals for “one of most thrilling experiences” a volunteer can have.
Metro Parks Tacoma Wins Two WRPA Spotlight Awards
April 15: Dickman Mill Park and Wildlife Champions education program both win awards for outstanding achievement from Washington Parks & Recreation Association.
New Magical Animal Show Kicks Off Season Of Wonder
April 4: The brand-new, magical live animal show kicks off at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater May 7-8.
Certified As Sensory-Inclusive For The Fourth Consecutive Year.
April 1: For the fourth consecutive year, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are certified as sensory-inclusive venues by a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for people with sensory needs.
March 25: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be open daily beginning April 1, just in time for Spring Breaks across the region.
Nature Play Garden Opens April 1
March 16: The Little Explorers Nature Play Garden opens April 1 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The immersive nature play garden is designed to cultivate a sense of belonging and excitement for nature along with an appreciation for plants, pollinators and other small creatures.
Volunteer Outdoors And Inspire Nature Exploration
March 4: If you like exploring the natural world and want to contribute to real science research while having fun connecting to the outdoors, then you’re invited to volunteer with a community science program through Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Tacoma Nature Center.
Charlotte The Muskox Is Pregnant
March 2: Charlotte and Hudson, two muskoxen at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, are expecting a calf this spring.
Become An Ambassador For Animals
Jan. 19: Become a volunteer at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and inspire others to make protecting wildlife a priority. The zoo is accepting applications through Feb. 14 for youth volunteers.
Jan. 10: Join us for Love at the Zoo Feb. 12-13! Animals. Enrichments. Feel the love.