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 […]
5 Animals that Beat the Cold
We’re all feeling the cold right about now in the Pacific Northwest. But here at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, our animals have some pretty cool ways to deal with it. From fur coats to heated hammocks, here are five ways our animals beat the winter cold. 1. Arctic Fox: Grow a winter coat Visit […]
Apply to be a Youth Volunteer Guide at the Zoo
TACOMA, Wash.— Applications are now open for high school students to become summer Zoo Guide volunteers at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. As a Zoo Guide, students will educate guests about the zoo and aquarium’s animals and important conservation and environmental issues. Zoo Guides will also inspire guests to prioritize protecting wildlife while gaining valuable […]
Tacoma students engage with wildlife on field trip to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
On a chilly, sunny November morning in Eatonville, more than 150 third, fourth, and fifth-grade students from Tacoma’s Lister Elementary gathered at the entrance to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. “We can’t wait to see the bears!” “The wolves!” “The cougar!” students all chimed in, bundled up in jackets and hats. Their excitement far outweighed […]
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo returns Friday
Tacoma, Wash.– Festive and bright holiday magic returns with Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium this Friday, Nov. 24, and runs through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25). The annual event boasts more than 800,000 colorful LED lights and dozens of sparkling 3-D animal light displays. The tradition has dazzled the South […]
Bilingual Walruses: French 101
Plenty of evidence suggests animals are incredibly intelligent: elephants have exceptional memories and demonstrate self-awareness, octopuses use their arms to solve puzzles, and insects, such as bees and ants, work together in colonies. But… have you ever heard of a bilingual walrus? What about two of them? Walruses Balzak (pronounced bell’-zik) and Lakina (pronounced la-kee’-na) […]
Polar Bear Sisters Celebrate Third Birthday
Polar bear twin sisters Astra and Laerke are celebrating their 3rd birthday at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium November 18-19. Since first arriving at the zoo in June, the pair have captivated the South Sound and the entire country, with multiple videos of them going viral in the last few months. They love to polar plung– […]
9 Wildly Fun Holiday Gift Ideas
For the holidays this year, consider gifting those close to you something wildly fun to experience together at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Get up close to a moose, pet a goat (in a holiday coat!) or touch a jellyfish. 1. Enjoy Zoolights Give a magical evening of holiday wonder […]
Free admission for veterans on Nov. 11 to Northwest Trek, Point Defiance Zoo
U.S. military veterans are invited to enjoy both Pierce County sister zoos, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, at no charge on Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11. The offer is open to all who are serving or have served honorably in the United States armed services. Veterans’ immediate family members will […]