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 […]
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 […]