Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be open daily beginning April 1, just in time for Spring Breaks across the region. Of course, animals like the tigers, red wolves, hammerhead sharks and harbor seals can be seen, but there’s so much more to do at the zoo, too. Take a look at our top activities […]
Sea Turtle in Bronze
There’s a new sea turtle at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Like many sea turtles, it swims along the sandy ocean floor in a seagrass bed. But this sea turtle won’t ever grow old or weaken. The life-sized bronze sea turtle sculpture is a lasting tribute to its human donors and all sea turtle species. […]
Zoo Animals Visit Tacoma Students
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? The students chatted with their friends about the possibilities as they settled in for the presentation from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium staff biologists. As […]
Feeding A Zoo & Aquarium
It takes many tons of food to feed the more than 12,000 animals that live at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. For example, zoo staff prepare 133,000 pounds of seafood per year. That’s one of many fascinating facts about feeding an entire zoo and aquarium. Asian Forest Sanctuary Most food consumed in a day: In […]
Tacoma Students Create “Jurassic Zoo and Aquarium”
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 a variety of exciting, hands-on courses to deep-dive into all month long. You’ll see students enthusiastic and eager to learn on any given day. Students […]
Take a Leap
February 29th is the hoppiest day of the year! Frogs, cats, lemurs, and more. We’re celebrating our leaping and jumping creatures this Leap Day. Tufted Puffins Spend a few minutes by the tufted puffins’ habitat, and you might see them leap into the water! Puffins are excellent swimmers and dive to find their food: saltwater […]
Tacoma Students Create Robots To Monitor Puget Sound
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 a variety of exciting, hands-on courses to deep-dive into all month long. You’ll see students enthusiastic and eager to learn on any given day. One […]
Zoo Love
Love is in the air at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! There’s no concrete way to measure an animal’s love, but many animals at the zoo are coupled up or longtime companions and enjoy each other’s company. Polar Bears Galentine’s Day, a celebration of female friendship, is unofficially celebrated on Feb. 13, and it’s perfect […]
Volunteer Outdoors: Connect with Nature and Help with Scientific Research
TACOMA, Wash.— If you like exploring the natural world and want to contribute to fundamental science research while having fun connecting to the outdoors, then you’re invited to volunteer with a community science program through Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Community Science volunteer applications are now open. “Whether you love birds, the beach or marine […]