The sea lion pup will remain behind the scenes for the next few weeks as he learns to swim and continues to bond with mom. He will join the other … Continued

Three Magellanic penguin chicks are healthy and thriving at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium after successfully hatching earlier this month, marking an exciting milestone in the zoo’s ongoing penguin conservation … Continued

A baby spectacled owl, hatched on April 1, is growing steadily behind the scenes at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Because the owlet is still so young, the zoo’s veterinary … Continued

Sea lion Eloise is expecting a pup this June at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. This anticipated arrival will be only the second sea lion pup born in the zoo’s … Continued

It’s that time of year again! Our Magellanic penguins have found their mates and are in the middle of nesting season. Earlier this month, keepers observed our penguin pairs snuggling … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is welcoming a new resident to its Rocky Shores habitat: Onion, an 11-year-old male harbor seal, who recently arrived from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The community … Continued

A three-month-old Asian small-clawed otter pup named Bao will make his public debut this weekend, Feb. 21-22, in the Asian Forest Sanctuary at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. For the … Continued

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 … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is excited to announce the arrival of two critically endangered American Red Wolves, Bronto (male) and River (female), who are joining the Zoo’s Red Wolf … Continued

The two-month-old Asian small-clawed otter pup at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium now has a name – Bao! The name Bao (Bảo) primarily means “treasure” and “precious” in Vietnamese. Asian small-clawed … Continued

February 2, 2026, Update: The armadillo baby has been named Bocce!   Southern three-banded armadillos, Vespa and Scooter, welcomed a male pup into the world. This is the second healthy armadillo … Continued

Welcoming the heart-grabbing Malayan tapir Ume into the world, sending seven zebra shark eggs to Indonesia to support the long-term survival of wild populations, and hosting our first DreamNight highlighted … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is celebrating exciting milestones for its Asian small-clawed otter family: the arrival of a new male otter, Yuki, and the recent birth of a healthy … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is excited to announce the public debut of its newest Sumatran tiger, Bintang, meaning “star” in Indonesian, also affectionately known as Bini. The 7-year-old tiger … Continued

Looking for a fun, meaningful way to treat your pet this holiday season? At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, enrichment is part of everyday care, and something you can bring … Continued

Senya, a 6-year-old siamang, is now swinging around the Asian Forest Sanctuary at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. She arrived in Tacoma on a breeding recommendation through the Association of … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to welcome a new resident: Pippa, a one-year-old Southern tamandua. Pippa joins the zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan® breeding recommendation … Continued

Black cats, pumpkins, ghosts, skulls, and skeletons symbolize the Halloween season. We asked Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s animal care team, head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf, and the veterinary technicians … Continued

 Astra, one of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s beloved 4-year-old polar bears, will soon move to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home to three endangered sea otters in the Rocky Shores habitat. Every year, Sea Otter Awareness Week takes place during the last full week of September … Continued

It’s that time of year again—molting season for our Magellanic penguins! You might notice some of them looking a little extra fluffy or patchy as they shed old feathers and … Continued

This Saturday, Sept. 6, Mawar, a 6-year-old female Sumatran tiger whose name means “rose” in Indonesian, will make her public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Born January 17, … Continued

Wild, rare, and right here at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: we’re home to more than just your typical zoo animals. We proudly care for some of the most unique … Continued

As a heat wave hits the greater Tacoma area with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, keepers at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma are finding ways to keep … Continued

 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s youngest Magellanic penguin has officially passed his swim lessons and joined the rest of the colony at Penguin Point. Guests can now spot him … Continued

 It’s a season of growth and curiosity at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Over the past few months, four litters of meerkat kits have been welcomed into the zoo’s … Continued

One very special Magellanic penguin chick has made its debut at Penguin Point! The chick, fostered by a pair of first-time penguin parents, hatched recently after a careful incubation process. … Continued

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of two new residents at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! Sebastian (age 7) and Pintar (age 3.5), a pair of Asian small-clawed otters, can … Continued

This spring, two of Point Defiance Zoo’s meerkat moms, Keeya and Naledi, each welcomed a litter of kits. Now, guests can catch both meerkat mobs taking turns in the Kids’ … Continued

It’s tapir time! Ume, a spirited three-month-old Malayan tapir calf, is gearing up for a big adventure. She will make her public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Asian … Continued