For Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 13-19), 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: “Our veterinary technicians, Julie, Sara, and Bianca, perform a vast array of duties, and the veterinary hospital could not function without them,” said Head Veterinarian […]
Zoo Boo at Point Defiance Zoo Oct. 19-20
TACOMA, Wash.— Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s beloved Zoo Boo weekend returns on October 19‐20, bringing festive fall fun for the whole family. Enjoy watching animals throughout the zoo munch on pumpkins, and dive into a weekend packed with games, arts, and crafts. Highlights include: Kids can indulge in candy and treats, and the Kids’ […]
“Inside Look” at Animals’ Skeletons
Black cats, pumpkins, ghosts… skulls and skeletons. They’re all symbols of the Halloween season. We asked Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s veterinarians, Dr. Karen Wolf and Dr. Kadie Anderson, to give us an “inside” look at a few of the Zoo’s animals and their not-so-spooky skeletons. The veterinarians regularly take radiographs or X-rays of the […]
Zoolights Returns to Illuminate Tacoma for the Holidays Nov. 29-Jan. 5
TACOMA, Wash. — The beloved Zoolights event at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is back and brighter than ever! The dedicated Zoolights crew is busy preparing for Pierce County’s largest and most enchanting holiday celebration, and timed online tickets are now available. From November 29 to January 5, this annual holiday spectacular will light up the zoo with over […]
Bringing Awareness to Sea Otters
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 to celebrate and inspire deeper awareness of these marine mammals. Now protected, sea otters are still at significant risk from oil spills, parasites that reach […]
Zoo Bamboo
It’s one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It’s used for buildings, dishes, musical instruments. It’s food for animals and people. And there are over 45 types at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. We’re talking bamboo, that leggy, elegant plant known for both lush garden vibes as well as gardener headaches if it gets […]
Point Defiance Zoo’s Malayan tapir expecting a calf this fall
TACOMA, Wash. – Yuna, a 9-year-old Malayan tapir at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, is estimated to be 10 to 12 months pregnant. Yuna’s partner, 9-year-old Baku, is the father. The gestation period for tapirs is about 13-14 months long, and calves weigh around 22 pounds at birth. Yuna already receives a healthy, balanced diet […]
Labor Day weekend animal events at Pierce County zoos
Celebrate Labor Day weekend surrounded by wildlife from August 31 to September 2 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. The zoo will mark the unofficial end of summer with engaging events for the entire family. It’s time to cool down and have some fun! Join Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for an exciting […]
United Efforts Bring Hope to Orphaned Pacific Walrus Calf in Alaska
Five organizations from around the United States have come together to provide care to an orphaned Pacific walrus calf receiving rehabilitative care at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in Seward, Alaska, in hopes of giving her a second chance at life. The ASLC is leading the heartfelt and intensive effort to care for the rare […]