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 […]
New Animals Move into Tropical Reef Aquarium
Over 40 marine animal species joined the Tropical Reef Aquarium this month, adding to the roster of more than 130 species already living there! The new residents include four new blacktip reef sharks, a tasseled wobbegong shark, a grey reef shark, a black blotched ray, and dozens of tropical fish, including a spectacular humphead wrasse. There are […]
Summer Zoolympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics are starting this week, and our animals are joining in to show off their unique skills and talents. See who we think would win gold in the Zoolympics! Professional sports climbing is a newer sport in the Olympics. These goat kids were born experts at climbing and jumping to new heights. […]
Female Arctic Fox Joins Sven
Sven, the Arctic fox, has returned to exploring his habitat in the Arctic Tundra area of the zoo, now accompanied by a new female companion! One-year-old Freya joined Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in late spring. While construction was underway in their area, Sven and Freya have been acquainting themselves behind the scenes. According to […]
The votes are in: meet Pepper
Meet Pepper, a one-month-old sea lion pup at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Adoring fans voted online for her name, chosen from a slate of four names offered by keepers at the Tacoma zoo. Out of more than 10,500 votes, Pepper was a clear winner, with 31% of the vote, and the runner-ups were Rosa […]
Tropical Reef Aquarium: Before & After
The Tropical Reef Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium reopened in June after extensive restoration and repair of critical animal-care structures, habitats, and life support systems. The 15,000-square-foot aquarium, previously known as the South Pacific Aquarium, is an oasis of warm-water marine beauty, with vibrant, tropical fish and new shark additions in a refreshed space. The […]
Zoo Temporarily Caring for Abandoned Kinkajou
The kinkajou found abandoned at a rest stop on June 23 in Yakima underwent a comprehensive wellness exam this week at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where he is temporarily living. Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf says he is in fair health overall, but is very thin, weighing only 2.5 pounds. Male kinkajous typically weigh […]
Gardens Galore
When you envision a day trip to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, you may imagine meeting the playful polar bear sisters, exploring the newly reopened Tropical Reef Aquarium, or taking a spin on the antique carousel, a bag of cotton candy in hand. You may not realize there is a world of other adventures and […]