Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

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Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and its collection

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, opened in 1905, is a zoo in Tacoma, Washington, United States.

The site occupies 29 acres and holds over 9,000 specimens of 367 species. It draws upwards of 600,000 visits a year.

History

The zoo dates from 1905 and shifted nearer its present site in 1914. A waterfront aquarium was at first a separate operation, though published accounts of its founding date disagree. By the late 1940s the buildings had decayed, and the 36-year-old animal house was razed and replaced with sandstone walls and thick viewing glass.

Exhibits

Exhibits follow Pacific rim ecosystems, covering Southeast Asia, the Pacific Northwest, tundra and aquatic habitats. The Asian Forest Sanctuary, five acres with a waterfall, streams and bamboo, opened on 1 July 2004.

Conservation and approach

Work with red wolves began in 1969 using wild-caught animals, and the first breeding success came in 1977. Federal officials removed the last 14 wild red wolves by 1980, and the AZA cleared a Species Survival Plan here in 1984.

What the venue says

On-site dining options such as the Plaza Cafe and various snack kiosks offer a selection of family-friendly meals, snacks, and beverages, alongside designated picnic areas.
Free parking lots are conveniently located right outside the zoo entrance within Point Defiance Park.
The zoo features paved pathways, accessible restrooms, and rentals for wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) on a first-come, first-served basis to accommodate guests with mobility needs.