Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

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Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium The only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. Experience the Pacific Northwest's only combined zoo and aquarium. Learn more at www.pdza.org.
(42994)

Experience unforgettable up-close encounters with a polar bear, sharks, tigers and more. Enjoy close encounters with animals and keepers. There's always something new to see and do and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a facility of Metro Parks Tacoma.

Stunning Indah 😻Her animal care team describes Indah as a “calm, mellow tiger who goes with the flow.” They say she’s al...
10/20/2026

Stunning Indah 😻

Her animal care team describes Indah as a “calm, mellow tiger who goes with the flow.” They say she’s also very social and personable, and chuffs at the other tigers. She is a fast learner and loves to explore. 🐅

📸: Animal care staff Katie

✨ ZOOLIGHTS TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE ✨The countdown to Zoolights is ON! The beloved holiday tradition returns Nov. 27–Jan...
10/19/2026

✨ ZOOLIGHTS TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE ✨

The countdown to Zoolights is ON! The beloved holiday tradition returns Nov. 27–Jan. 3, with more than 1.5 million sparkling lights, three Thomas Dambo’s whimsical trolls, larger-than-life light displays, and plenty of festive fun. Make magical memories, sip some hot cocoa, and get ready to glow! Popular dates sell out fast, so grab your tickets now. Zoolights is presented by BECU.

🎟️ Get tickets: pdza.org/zoolights

10/17/2026

Otterly gourd times with the Asian small-clawed otter family at Zoo Boo! 🎃 The otters are loving exploring and interacting with the massive, 200-pound carved and decorated pumpkin as part of their fall fun enrichment!

📹 Video (and pumpkin carving) by animal care staff Marco

10/17/2026

Baku and Yuna hit the pumpkin jackpot! 🎃

Our tapirs received a MASSIVE pumpkin today for some Zoo Boo fall fun! And they won’t be the only ones getting in on the action; animals throughout the zoo and aquariums will enjoy their own slice of pumpkin season during Zoo Boo this weekend.

📹: Assistant curator Erin

Two Zoos. Twelve Trolls. One Epic Adventure! 🐾🧌🌲 Your Troll-hunting adventure just got better! Visit BOTH Northwest Trek...
10/17/2026

Two Zoos. Twelve Trolls. One Epic Adventure! 🐾🧌🌲

Your Troll-hunting adventure just got better! Visit BOTH Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study and save.

🎟️ Step 1: Purchase your first admission online at the discounted rate and pick up your coupon at the front entrance during check-in.

🎟️ Step 2: Head to the other park and redeem your coupon at the front entrance for $10 off general admission per person in your party. (Discount applies to in-person purchases only.)

💚 Want unlimited Troll adventures? Explore our membership options and see if it’s right for you.

🧌 Find all 12 larger-than-life Trolls (8 at Northwest Trek and 4 at Point Defiance Zoo) now through Jan. 24! Trolls are included with admission.

🌲 Plan your adventure at TrollTrek.org

10/16/2026

Indah is ready to get this pumpkin party started! 🐅 Our Sumatran tiger received a donated, MASSIVE pumpkin today for some fall enrichment. And she’s not the only one getting in on the fun! Animals throughout the Asian Forest Sanctuary will get a piece of the punkin’ action during Zoo Boo this weekend. You won’t want to miss it! 🎃

Indah is ready to get this pumpkin party started! 🐅 Our Sumatran tiger received a donated, MASSIVE pumpkin today for som...
10/16/2026

Indah is ready to get this pumpkin party started! 🐅 Our Sumatran tiger received a donated, MASSIVE pumpkin today for some fall enrichment. And she’s not the only one getting in on the fun! Animals throughout the Asian Forest Sanctuary will get a piece of the punkin’ action during Zoo Boo this weekend. You won’t want to miss it! 🎃

This weekend’s forecast: Gourd times at Zoo Boo! Dress up and join us for underwater pumpkin carving, troll hunting, spo...
10/16/2026

This weekend’s forecast: Gourd times at Zoo Boo! Dress up and join us for underwater pumpkin carving, troll hunting, spooktacular activities, amazing animals, cute critters, and trick-or-treating around the Zoo. Zoo Boo is presented by BECU.
🎃: pdza.org/zoo-boo

A bittersweet goodbye and an exciting new chapter for Laerke.Early next month, our beloved 5-year-old polar bear will mo...
10/15/2026

A bittersweet goodbye and an exciting new chapter for Laerke.

Early next month, our beloved 5-year-old polar bear will move to Saint Louis Zoo, another AZA-accredited zoo, as part of a coordinated effort to support a healthy, sustainable polar bear population.

Laerke has grown from a young bear into a healthy, reproductively mature female. She will join Kallu, an almost-4-year-old male polar bear. This move may give her the chance to raise cubs and help the next generation of polar bears, an important opportunity for Laerke and for the future of her threatened species.

There’s still time to visit Laerke before she leaves. Watch Laerke enjoy some of her favorite enrichments during special keeper chats at 1:30 pm on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 as we wish Laerke farewell and safe travels.

While we don’t have immediate plans for another polar bear, we remain committed to polar bear conservation, education, and supporting the future of polar bears.

10/10/2026

Breakfast is always better with family. 🥰 A little behind-the-scenes peek at mealtime with our adorable otter family!

📹: Animal care staff Katie

Address

5400 North Pearl Street
Tacoma, WA
98407

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9am - 3:30pm
Friday 9am - 3:30pm
Saturday 9am - 3:30pm
Sunday 9am - 3:30pm

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