ZooWashington, US

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers a captivating journey through global wildlife.

About

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers a captivating journey through global wildlife.

This unique destination, the Pacific Northwest's only combined zoo and aquarium, is nestled within Tacoma's expansive Point Defiance Park, offering stunning views of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. Home to over 9,000 specimens representing 367 animal species across 29 acres, it provides an immersive experience into diverse ecosystems from the Pacific Rim, focusing on conservation and education. Visitors can wander through lush habitats, witness incredible marine life, and learn about vital conservation efforts for endangered species.

Explore the Asian Forest Sanctuary, a five-acre complex mimicking Southeast Asian forests, where you can come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and Malayan tapirs. Dive into the aquatic wonders of the Pacific Seas Aquarium, marveling at scalloped hammerheads, green sea turtles, and giant Pacific octopuses, or immerse yourself in the vibrant corals and sharks of the Tropical Reef Aquarium, which reopened in 2024. Don't miss the Rocky Shores, home to playful sea otters, California sea lions, and magnificent Pacific walruses, or the Arctic Tundra, where polar bear twins, Laerke and Astra, enchant visitors.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is more than just an attraction; it's an engaging educational experience that fosters a deep connection to wildlife. With its thoughtfully designed exhibits, interactive encounters, and commitment to preserving the natural world, it promises a memorable adventure for all ages. From thrilling shark dives to gentle goat encounters, it offers unique opportunities to get up close with animals and learn about their care and conservation. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

The origins of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium trace back to 1905 when the zoo was established following the land's gift to Tacoma by President Theodore Roosevelt. Initially, the zoo began with a collection of native Pacific Northwest species like elk, bison, and black bears. The aquarium component started separately in 1935, opening on the waterfront in 1936. In the 1960s, the Point Defiance Park Aquarium was incorporated into the zoo, and a new North Pacific Aquarium was built on the zoo grounds in 1963. Subsequent bond measures and financial aid allowed for significant improvements and expansions, including the Arctic Tundra complex in 1981, the Rocky Shores area in 1982, and the South Pacific Aquarium in 1989 (which reopened as the Tropical Reef Aquarium in 2024). The zoo has been instrumental in conservation efforts, notably establishing a breeding program for endangered red wolves in 1967.

What to do here

Explore diverse habitats and observe a wide range of animal species.

* Participate in daily keeper chats and animal encounters to learn more about the residents.

* Experience the Tidal Touch Zone in the Pacific Seas Aquarium and Tropical Shallows in the Tropical Reef Aquarium for hands-on marine encounters.

* Consider a "Zoo for You" premier experience for behind-the-scenes access or an Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive.

* Visit the botanical gardens, which include over 50 species of bamboo and sensory gardens.

* Enjoy the playground and carousel, especially for younger visitors.

Seasonal info

Winter: Zoolights is a popular holiday light display from late November to early January. Many indoor and covered exhibits make it a great rainy-day destination.

Summer: The zoo has extended hours during the summer season. Outdoor exhibits and shows are in full swing.

Accessibility

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is ADA-accessible with smooth, flat surfaces and elevators to different habitats. Wheelchairs, powerchairs, and strollers are available for rent. The facility is also certified as sensory-inclusive, offering sensory bags and trained staff to assist visitors with sensory needs. The Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive is accessible for wheelchair users with a Hoyer lift.

Don't miss

Asian Forest Sanctuary

See Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and Malayan tapirs.

Pacific Seas Aquarium

Features scalloped hammerheads, green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and a giant Pacific octopus.

Tropical Reef Aquarium

Home to a variety of sharks (nurse, blacktip, grey reef, whitetip, zebra), stingrays, and vibrant coral. Offers shark dives and a touch tank with stingrays and epaulette sharks.

Rocky Shores

Observe Pacific walruses, sea otters, harbor seals, California sea lions, and puffins.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Asian Lady Beetle

Bee

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early on Weekdays

To avoid crowds and maximize animal activity, aim to visit right when the zoo opens, especially on weekdays.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is built on a hill, with paths that include inclines and declines. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Check Daily Presentation Schedules

Plan your visit around keeper chats and feeding times for a more interactive and educational experience.

Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

Buying tickets online can save you time and potentially money, and it's required for special events like Zoolights.

Utilize Accessibility Resources

If you have mobility needs, note that the zoo is ADA-accessible, and you can rent wheelchairs or powerchairs at the front gate. The shark dive is also wheelchair-accessible.

Explore Point Defiance Park

The zoo is part of the larger Point Defiance Park, which offers additional attractions like gardens, hiking trails, and Owen Beach, perfect for extending your day.

Frequently asked questions

: Absolutely, the zoo grounds are designed to be ADA-accessible with smooth paths and elevators. Wheelchairs, powerchairs, and strollers are available for rent, and the facility is sensory-inclusive, offering tools like sensory bags and staff training for guests with sensory needs.
: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has numerous indoor and covered exhibits, including both aquariums, the Red Wolf Woods viewing area, and parts of the Asian Forest Sanctuary, making it a great option for a rainy day. Zoolights is also a rain-or-shine event.