Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, WA

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, WA – A World-Class Animal Adventure

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, located inside Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA, is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier family attractions. Spanning 29 acres, this impressive zoo and aquarium combination offers visitors the chance to explore wildlife from around the world while learning about conservation and marine life.

Founded in 1905, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. It features over 9,000 animals from land and sea, making it a must-visit destination for animal lovers of all ages.

Explore Diverse Animal Habitats

The zoo is divided into several distinct zones, each offering unique animal encounters. In the Asian Forest Sanctuary, visitors can see majestic Sumatran tigers, playful siamang gibbons, and clouded leopards. The Rocky Shores exhibit showcases seals, sea lions, otters, and even puffins in environments designed to mimic their natural coastal habitats.

Another popular area is the Arctic Tundra exhibit, home to polar bears and muskoxen. Guests can view these incredible animals up close while learning about the fragile arctic environment and conservation efforts to protect it.

A Top-Notch Aquarium Experience

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is also home to the South Pacific Aquarium and the Pacific Seas Aquarium. These state-of-the-art facilities feature vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, and jellyfish. The Pacific Seas Aquarium, one of the zoo’s newest additions, has a giant underwater viewing window where visitors can watch hammerhead sharks and sea turtles glide gracefully through the water.

Interactive exhibits allow guests to touch sea stars and anemones, bringing marine life education to life in a hands-on way.

Conservation and Education

One of the key missions of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is wildlife conservation. The zoo is actively involved in breeding programs for endangered species, habitat restoration, and public education. Programs like “Zoo for You” and summer camps offer educational experiences for kids and families, teaching them the importance of protecting animals and their habitats.

The zoo also participates in conservation projects for animals such as the red wolf, a critically endangered species once thought to be extinct in the wild.

Family-Friendly Attractions

In addition to its animals, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers fun attractions like the Budgie Buddies aviary, where visitors can feed colorful birds, and the Kids’ Zone, an interactive play area for younger children. Seasonal events like ZooLights during the holidays transform the zoo into a sparkling wonderland, attracting visitors from all over the Tacoma area.

A Must-Visit Tacoma Destination

Whether you’re a Tacoma local or just visiting the area, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a destination that offers fun, education, and unforgettable animal encounters. It’s a perfect outing for families, couples, or solo explorers.

Located within the scenic Point Defiance Park, the zoo and aquarium provide an opportunity to experience wildlife from across the globe while supporting conservation efforts. With its diverse animals, engaging exhibits, and stunning marine life displays, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is truly one of Tacoma, WA’s best attractions.