Love at the Zoo

Astra and Laerke, two polar bear cubs who have captivated much of the country since their births two years ago at the Detroit Zoo, arrived at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Friday evening. The twin sisters are settling into their new Tacoma home and will make their public debut Thursday, June 15. “These exceptional bears have captured the hearts of millions of people across the country with their heartwarming stories,” said Malia Somerville, interim general curator for Point Defiance Zoo.…

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, announced today that two polar bear cubs, Astra and Laerke, will move to Point Defiance Zoo in spring 2023.  The transfer is being conducted per recommendations by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) polar bear population experts. As with all recommendations, zoos collaborate to ensure the best possible outcomes for the animals. These recommendations support the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied polar bear population,…

Collaborations with our community are an incredible opportunity to create meaningful connections. Tacoma students at Science and Math Institute (SAMi), School of the Arts (SOTA), and School of Industrial Design, Engineering and Art (IDEA) have the option to select a “Mini-term.” For one month, students participate in a daily, intensive project-based class. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Tacoma Public Schools co-designed the Photo Ark class. And the results are beautiful and inspiring! Students in this course are able to…