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 […]
Celebrate Love at Pierce County Sister Zoos Feb. 10-11
Round up your loved ones and celebrate Valentine’s Day at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and sister zoo Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Feb. 10-11. Watch as animals big and small enjoy unique Valentine’s enrichments, like ice or whipped cream in the shape of a heart. Love at the Zoo There’s plenty of love at the […]
Sumatran Tiger Gets A Root Canal
Point Defiance Zoo’s 12-year-old resident male tiger, Sanjiv, recently had a dentist appointment to fix a fractured tooth. Dr. Alice Sievers, a board-certified veterinary dentist and one of only 250 veterinary dental specialists in the world, volunteered her time with veterinary assistant Sharon Ghormley and veterinary technician Taylor Parker, all from Vancouver-based Pet Dental Specialists, […]
Top Rainy Day Activities At The Zoo
When it’s wet and cold outside, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and meet amazing animals! Warm, Indoor Aquarium The Pacific Seas Aquarium is indoors and heated and is open year-round. Guests can see hammerhead sharks, green sea turtles, a giant Pacific octopus and a variety of colorful fish and vibrant jellyfish among […]