Tacoma, WA

What a better way to spend a Sunday with the family then to head down to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. I took my family to the zoo this past weekend and found that it was a great way to sped time together. From tigers to fish we all found something special there that we really enjoyed. My oldest enjoyed watching the tiger with dad, my youngest was all excited about the sharks and fish, but me I found the new area just finished there that holds the ring-tailed lemur to be my favorite part. I enjoyed my time at the zoo much that not only did we get a seasonal pass, but I also applied to work there too.

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is located in Tacoma, Washington, USA on 28 acres (113,000 m²) in Point Defiance Park. It is one of the few to exhibit Beluga whales; it possessed two half-brothers, Beethoven and Turner, but as of September 7, 2006, Turner has died, leaving Beethoven the only Beluga on exhibit. Necropsy results revealed that he died of a liver infection. Now, Beethoven lives with another male beluga called Qannik who was born at Shedd Aquarium in 2000.

It also housed the world’s oldest aardvark, who died on January 23, 2007. Most of its animals come from the Pacific and bordering continents, with few current species being from Africa or Europe. It possesses several Asian species, such as Sumatran tigers, siamangs, Asian Elephants, Lowland Anoas and Malayan Tapirs. It also possesses an aquarium with several species found in Puget Sound, and a large fish collection, including sharks and seahorses. The zoo also hosts a Wild Wonders Outdoor Theatre, where animals kept in a behind-the-scenes set of exhibits are presented in a show for the audience’s amusement and education. Among its more developed sections include the Rocky Shores exhibits and the Tundra exhibits, containing animals such as Polar Bears, Muskoxenes, Reindeer, Puffins, and Arctic Foxes. Point Defiance Zoo has 3 walruses: ET, Basilla, and Joan. Basilla and Joan, both female, came from the Brookfield Zoo in May 2006. Basilla and Joan are on extended breeding loan from the Brookfield Zoo. The zoo believes that ET may have begun the mating process. In a section on its own is the Red Wolf exhibit, which is part of a conservation program.

Animal Avenue, PDZA’s newest exhibit, is open now. Stop by to celebrate 19 new species coming to the neighborhood. Once all the neighbors have moved in, you’ll see meerkats, lemurs, mole rats and more than a dozen other new kinds of animals. The meerkats aren’t quite ready yet, so won’t be out on exhibit for a couple more weeks.

Admission Rates:

General

Adults (ages 13-64) $11.00
Seniors (ages 65 & older) $10.00
Youth (ages 5-12) $9.00
Tots (3 & 4) $5.00

Pierce Co. Residents*

Adults (ages 13-64) $10.00
Seniors (ages 65 & older) $9.00
Youth (ages 5-12) $8.00
Tots (3 & 4) $4.00

*Pierce County residents support the Zoo through local sales taxes. AAA members and members of the military receive the same discount.

Group Rates:

Discounted group admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more visitors (ages 3 & above). The group rates are $1.00 per person off the general admission rate. Reservations and advanced payment are required 15 days prior to date of visit.

To make your group reservation:

For general groups, call 253-404-3805.
For school and youth groups, call 253-591-5333.

Hours:

January 1 - April 25
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

April 26 - May 23
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

May 24 - September 1
9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily

September 2 - September 28
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

September 29 - December 31
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

Closed third Friday in July, Thanksgiving and Christmas*

*December 25 - Zoolights Open!
Bring the family and start a new holiday tradition. This year, Zoolights will be open 5 - 9 p.m. on Christmas. Visit www.pdza.org/zoolights

Directions:
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in north Tacoma is just 40 miles south of downtown Seattle.

From Interstate 5 –

Take Exit 132 (Highway 16 West). Exit at 6th Avenue and turn left. Take the next right on to Pearl Street. Follow Pearl Street into Point Defiance Park. Directional signs will lead you to the Zoo parking lots. Parking is FREE!

Alternate Park Entrance at Mildred Street –

You can enter the park and easily reach the Zoo using the Mildred Street Entrance. Follow Pearl Street northbound as directed above. Turn left on North 51st Street and drive to Mildred Street. Turn right on Mildred, follow Mildred into the park. Once in the park, follow signs to the Zoo’s parking lots, which will be on the left. Parking is FREE!

This is a great thing to do with the family, and there is so much to learn and see. So get out there and experience Hi-Definition reality.