At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, we believe wildlife experiences should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we hosted Disability Adventure Day, a special evening designed for individuals with disabilities … Continued

Every day, an extraordinary team of veterinarians at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium works tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of every animal in our care. This World Veterinary … Continued

Volunteers are the heart of the community at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Every day, they bring energy, curiosity, and compassion to the zoo’s mission to inspire and conserve. They … Continued

In late October, students from Lister Elementary kicked off their first “Park Week” of the year with a visit to Swan Creek Park. The park is a living classroom where … Continued

At this year’s American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) National Conference, the Point Defiance Chapter of AAZK was honored with the 2025 AAZK Chapter of the Year award. This makes … Continued

For Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 12-18), 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

At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, we believe in growing future conservation leaders through real-world experience, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities that make a difference. This … Continued

At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, our volunteers are the heart of our mission to connect people to wildlife and inspire conservation action. One of the shining stars of our … Continued

National Zookeeper Week takes place July 20-26 this year. The week is devoted to sharing the passion and dedication of keepers. Our zookeepers and aquarists are a dedicated group of … Continued

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Erica, a dedicated keeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Erica cares for the wonderful animals at Wild Wonders. We … Continued

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Megan, a dedicated aquarist at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Megan cares for the wonderful animals in our Pacific Seas … Continued

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Dana, a dedicated keeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Dana cares for the amazing animals in the Kids’ Zone. … Continued

Meet Keeper Russell This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Russell, a dedicated zookeeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. He cares for the incredible animals in … Continued

Walking side by side, kindergartners and second graders from South Tacoma’s Arlington Elementary buzzed with excitement as they crossed the street like rows of ducklings, heading toward Oak Tree Park … Continued

Every June, as seniors at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi) toss their graduation caps, the remaining students explore immersive, hands-on learning during a Micro-Term. At SAMi, located in the … Continued

UPDATE: May 15, 2025 We’re thrilled to share that Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has been ranked among the top 5 zoos in the country in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice … Continued

Volunteers are the heart of the community at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 20–26), the zoo is proud to celebrate the time, talent, … Continued

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: Dr. Karen Wolf and the Animal Care Team From polar bears to beavers, zebra sharks to sea stars, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home … Continued

Second graders at Arlington Elementary School got decked out in matching blue coats. There were excited giggles and chatter as they prepared to leave their classroom and venture into their … Continued

They have thick trunks and twisting branches, like winding pathways through time. Their acorns have fallen to the ground, easy pickings for the gray squirrels, birds, and deer that call … Continued

Fourth and fifth graders at Tacoma’s Arlington Elementary were giddy with excitement as they gathered in their gym. Which animals were they about to encounter? Maybe an armadillo? A skink? … Continued

During Tacoma Public Schools January mini-term, students at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi), School of the Arts (SOTA), and Industrial Design Engineering and Art (IDEA) choose one class from … Continued

During Tacoma Public Schools January mini-term, students at the Science and Math Institute (SAMi), School of the Arts (SOTA), and Industrial Design Engineering and Art (IDEA) choose one class from … Continued

Applications are now open for high school students to become summer Zoo Guide volunteers at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. As a Zoo Guide, students will educate guests about the … Continued

On a chilly, sunny November morning in Eatonville, more than 150 third, fourth, and fifth-grade students from Tacoma’s Lister Elementary gathered at the entrance to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. “We … Continued

A group of children skipped down a muddy trail at Tacoma Nature Center, bending to examine nurse logs, gnarled tree roots and an ant hill next to an orange mushroom. … Continued

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

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s volunteer dive team won a significant achievement award in volunteer engagement from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) in September. The national award recognizes … Continued

National Zookeeper Week takes place July 18-24 this year. The week is devoted to sharing the passion and dedication of keepers. Our zookeepers are a dedicated group of people who … Continued

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 & … Continued