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 […]
Sea lion pup makes public debut at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Guests to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium can now see Pepper, the California sea lion born June 6, in the Rocky Shores seal and sea lion habitat. “Pepper made her public debut this morning and is fitting right in,” said Curator Jen DeGroot. “In recent weeks, she was gradually introduced to the other seals and […]
Point Defiance Zoo mourns loss of beloved elephant Suki
TACOMA, Wash. – Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium said goodbye to one of its oldest and most beloved residents yesterday (August 10, 2024). Suki, an elderly Asian elephant who came to Tacoma nearly three decades ago, was humanely euthanized yesterday after a steady decline in her health over the past few weeks. “We lost a […]
Eye-to-Eye Shark Dives Now On Sale at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
TACOMA, Wash. — Tickets for the popular Eye-to-Eye Shark Dives at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium are now on sale. The program returns on August 21. The experience allows guests to get eye-to-eye underwater with more sharks and fish than ever before in the newly remodeled Tropical Reef Aquarium’s Outer Reef habitat while discovering the delight and wonder of […]
Celebrate tigers, clouded leopards, and more at Wild Cat Weekend August 3-4
TACOMA, Wash.— Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is celebrating Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and more during Wild Cat Weekend, August 3-4, with family fun activities that highlight how to protect cats in the wild. Point Defiance Zoo is home to two Sumatran tigers: sisters Kali, 11, and Indah, 10. On both days, guests can talk […]
The Global Race to Save Tigers
When Asian Forest Sanctuary Assistant Curator Erin gives a tiger keeper chat at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, she often tells the crowd, “There are more people at the Zoo today than there are Sumatran tigers on the planet.” Sumatran tigers are vanishing from the wild at an astonishing pace. As few as 400 remain […]