All four muskoxen at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium are now together and sharing access to both of their yards. The introductions went very well, and guests may see occasional chasing, head butting, and play as the group settles into herd life. The plan is to keep them together most of the time, creating a more typical social structure.

The herd includes Charlotte and Hudson, longtime zoo residents and proud parents. Their daughter Willow was born on September 7, 2023, and continues to grow bigger and more confident each day. In December 2024, we welcomed Pretzel, a one-year-old female muskox from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Pretzel was introduced to Willow as a companion, and the two are often seen grazing and exploring together, adding new energy to the habitat.

“This successful herd formation is thanks to the hard work of our Rocky Shores and Arctic Tundra team, who consulted with muskox experts to carefully plan each introduction,” said Curator Jen DeGroot. “We are excited for guests to watch this muskox family thrive together in the Arctic Tundra.”

Muskoxen have lived in the frozen Arctic for thousands of years, roaming prairies and tundra in Greenland, northern Canada, and Alaska. They gather in herds for protection and spend their days grazing on grasses and moss. Our muskoxen enjoy a large, grassy tundra habitat designed to reflect that wild landscape and kept fairly free of trees.