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 […]
Meet The “Shining Stars” Of The Aquarium
2024 resolution: Meet the shining stars of the Pacific Seas Aquarium. Of course, we’re talking about sea stars, commonly referred to as starfish. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home to a variety of sea star species, all with incredibly unique characteristics and all worth celebrating. Sunflower Star Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home to […]
Best Photos Of 2023
As another year ends, we reflect on the special moments Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium had the privilege of being a part of in 2023. We welcomed polar bear sisters Laerke and Astra to the Pacific Northwest, explored the shore with our community, and muskox Charlotte gave birth to Willow, among so many other moments. Enjoy some […]
Meet The New Queen Of The Aquarium
Her wingspan is 6.2 feet wide. From nose to tail, she’s 13 feet long. She’s noticeably more prominent than the three other female ocellated eagle rays in the Pacific Seas Aquarium. And her name — Rayna — (a punny take on the Spanish name “Reina”) means “queen.” “Even the hammerhead sharks get out of her […]
10 Wonderful Walrus Facts
The first full week of December every year is Walrus Awareness Week. In recognition of the holiday and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s two walruses, Balzak (pronounced bell’-zik) and Lakina, here are 10 Wonderful Walrus Facts. 10 Walrus Facts Balzak and Lakina, born just weeks apart, are 7 years old and have been together their […]