Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium — Attraction in Tacoma

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has become a treasured destination for our family ever since we received a year membership as a Christmas gift. It's safe to say that it has quickly become our favorite place to visit, offering a wealth of unforgettable experiences that keep us coming back for more.

In just a few short months, we've already visited the zoo and aquarium twice, and each visit has been filled with excitement and wonder. What sets Point Defiance apart is its ability to seamlessly blend education with entertainment, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of our recent visit was during Valentine's Day when the zoo staff went above and beyond to add an extra touch of magic to our experience. Watching as the animals received heart-shaped treats was both heartwarming and delightful, creating memories that will last a lifetime for our family.

With five energetic kids in tow, it's sometimes challenging to find activities that cater to everyone's interests without feeling overwhelming. However, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium strikes the perfect balance. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, offering a diverse range of animals and habitats to explore. From majestic lions to playful otters, there's always something new and exciting to discover around every corner.

Of all the attractions, the aquarium holds a special place in our hearts. The mesmerizing displays of marine life, from colorful fish to graceful sharks, never fail to captivate our entire family. It's a truly immersive experience that leaves us in awe of the wonders of the ocean.

Moreover, the value of our membership cannot be overstated. It provides us with the flexibility to visit as often as we like, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in all that Point Defiance has to offer without feeling rushed.

In conclusion, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has exceeded our expectations in every way imaginable. From the heartwarming Valentine's Day festivities to the awe-inspiring exhibits, it's a place that continues to bring joy and excitement to our family time and time again. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that the whole family will love, look no further than Point Defiance Zoo...

Point defiance is small, but this zoo has some of the most well maintained animals I've seen! The keepers spend their entire day making sure these lovely creatures get the best care they can. I personally loved the size and ecodiversity of the enclosures. The benefit of this being a smaller zoo is the attention and care they can give to the animals.

We learned a lot from Ariel who works with the Red Wolves. She gave a talk on the zoos extensive successful breeding program and the Red Wolf extinction history, as these "are the most critically endangered" of canids on the planet.

There were some issues that I hope could be worked on. There are not enough employees on staff to support more than 10 minute talks, so these poor specialist keepers are racing through their talks breathless and being paged they are taking too long.

I also found that with the way they cycle employees through interactive enclosures, half of them could not give much information about the animals when asked. I was curious about the PNW natives in the Pacific Exhibit, and was told "there was nothing special about them" in regards to other subspecies. I feel like some deeper education provided either through visual presentations or designated employees would intrigue people. It was very much a look and move on type of zoo.

I went to most of their interactions scheduled throughout the day since it was my birthday. Most were 10 minute talks that didn't really engage the audience. The budgie interaction is worth it but short, and cost $2 per stick of food the size of a pea. I like this zoo for the care of the animals, but I feel like a lot more could be done to keep their visitors coming back. Interactions and talks are key factors that make a zoo stand out, especially one with such a...

The cleanliness of water in every Aquarium exhibit is REMARKABLE.. Photographing as you will see is clear, the 🪼 displays are the finest I have ever seen , the over your head aquarium with full sized Manta rays gliding as if suspended in space . Any and every display is worth ones time to see and experience !!! The docents at touch & feel stations are knowledge and eager to share ! Oh, I had an incredible day here and the day isn't finished ! The Zoo is surrounding the Aquarium and no matter how you exit you are en route to authentic habitat environments albeit tigers, walrus's, red wolves, the oh so many thoughtfully designed living areas for our treasured animal / mammal / bird guests ! Ok, another half day well spent ✅. Above my personal hurrah goes thanks to the so many private donors that facilitate growing endangered populations of the World right here. E.g. ; the zebra shark ( 7 fertile eggs where air freighted to Kuala Lumpur I believe she said ) , Also, Red wolves were nearly extinct until here at Pt. Defiance some 30 or 40 years ago pups came into being, were raised and reintroduced into the wild where 99% had vanished here in ghe Southern US. There were others I don't recall the specifics so this Zoo Aquarium ranks at the Top of my List on every level. From Jen at the Entrance window with a pleasant and welcoming smile, service extraordinaire helping me plan my day in sequence for best show viewings, proximity to exhibits in between and the cafe for lunch & refreshments. She exemplifies ! This 1st impression made my day even better !!! Ok, you want pics , yes I have some great ones , yet there is much more so please when the time presents itself...