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 […]
Help Us Name the Sea Lion Pup
She’s thriving, growing, and exploring a kiddie pool behind the scenes. The California sea lion pup born June 6 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is getting closer to meeting her adoring fans. But before she does, she needs a name. Members of the public are invited to vote on one of four names chosen […]
A New Mob Of Meerkats
Five new meerkats are now living in the Kids’ Zone area at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! The two females, Keeya and Naledi, and three males, Kayode, Chaka, and Mkhaya, arrived in Tacoma in June. “We are delighted to welcome these meerkats to Tacoma,” said Curator Natalie Davis. “They are such curious, interactive animals, and observing what […]
Critically Endangered American Red Wolf Pups Receive Exam
Our five critically endangered American Red Wolf pups met the vet team last week for a pup exam at our offsite facility in Eatonville, where the largest Red Wolf population in the world resides. Veterinarian Dr. Kadie evaluated the two-month-old pups’ overall health, checked their heart and lungs, weighed them, and gave them deworming medications […]
Sea lion pup born at Point Defiance Zoo
TACOMA, Wash.—There’s a new set of flippers at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! Keepers in the Rocky Shores area of the zoo are celebrating the birth of a female California sea lion pup born on June 6. The pup is the first born at the Tacoma zoo in its 119-year history and the first for […]
Tropical Reef Aquarium reopens Friday at Point Defiance Zoo
TACOMA, Wash.—The Tropical Reef Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium reopens this Friday, June 14. The aquarium, previously known as the South Pacific Aquarium, closed in 2021 for extensive restoration and repair of critical animal-care structures, habitats, and life support systems. The 15,000-square-foot aquarium is home to seven species of sharks, hundreds of vibrant fish, stingrays, […]
Six penguin chicks hatched at Point Defiance Zoo
TACOMA, Wash.– Penguin Point is chick-central Six penguin chicks successfully hatched in late May at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and are being closely monitored by their parents, keepers, and veterinary staff. They hatched to parents: Four of the chicks are currently being reared by their parents. “One chick from Purple and White and one […]