Exciting changes are happening to our aquariums as we move our four nurse sharks from the Outer Reef habitat in the Tropical Reef Aquarium to their new home, the Baja Bay habitat in the Pacific Seas Aquarium. This move is part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best care for our animals while also creating an engaging and educational […]
Top Rainy Day Activities At The Zoo
When it’s wet and cold outside, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and meet amazing animals! Warm, Indoor Aquariums The Pacific Seas Aquarium is indoors and heated and is open year-round. Guests can see green sea turtles, a giant Pacific octopus and a variety of colorful fish and vibrant jellyfish among […]
Big Steps for Pepper the Sea Lion Pup
Pepper, our playful and curious young sea lion pup, is growing more independent every day! As she gets bigger, she’s reaching some important milestones that will help her thrive. Pepper continues to nurse and bond with her mom, Eloise, and has integrated well with all of the seals and sea lions, including her dad, Boomer. […]
Introducing Ume
And… it’s a girl! We’re excited to share that our rare and endangered Malayan tapir calf has been named Ume (pronounced oo-may), a name chosen by her dedicated keeper staff. Ume means plum blossom and apricot in Japanese. The calf will remain behind the scenes in the Asian Forest Sanctuary, nursing and bonding with her […]
Endangered Malayan Tapir Calf Born
A rare and endangered Malayan tapir calf was born at the zoo on Sunday, February 2, marking only the second tapir birth in our 120-year history. The newborn, covered in distinctive white spots and stripes that resemble a tiny, walking watermelon, is considered healthy. Mother Yuna, 10, is also doing well, according to Head Veterinarian […]
Muskox Meetup: Willow Meets Pretzel
This morning, one-year-old muskox Willow was officially introduced to one-year-old Pretzel in the large Tundra habitat, and it was a success! Willow and Pretzel have been seen grazing and exploring together, and their introduction has added a vibrant dynamic to the habitat. Willow’s parents, Charlotte and Hudson, observed the introduction nearby in their own space. […]
Pretzel’s first wellness exam
Our new muskox, Pretzel, underwent her first wellness exam at the Zoo today with head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf, associate veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson, and team. The one-year-old muskox had blood drawn to assess her overall health, and her hooves were trimmed. Pretzel will soon be introduced to Willow, born at the Zoo in September […]
2024 in Photos
As the year ends, we reflect on the moments Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium had the privilege of being a part of in 2024. We opened the Tropical Reef Aquarium, welcomed seven adorable goat kids, and extensively cared for penguin chicks, among many other moments. Enjoy some of our favorite photos from this year, taken by staff photographer […]
Arctic Fox Sven Receives Knee Surgery
Our beloved Sven recently sustained a serious injury to his left knee, tearing all the ligaments and damaging his meniscus. To stabilize his knee, board-certified veterinary surgeons Dr. Brian Heiser and Dr. E.B. Okrasinski performed surgery with our associate veterinarian, Dr. Kadie. During surgery, a surgical pin was placed across Sven’s joint to stabilize the […]