It seems we can’t go on a road trip without stopping at a zoo, and this time was no different. We started our trip on the right foot when we decided to spend a fun-filled day at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Our first overnight stop happened to be in the Tacoma area at a campground we stumbled across called Dash Point State Park (because that is where we tuckered out from a long day of travelling). It was the name of the State Park that triggered a recollection of a friend recommending a zoo with a similar name.
I had absolutely no idea how far away we were from the attraction, or if we had already passed it in our travels. But a quick search on our trusty GPS informed us the zoo was only 7 miles away. Such luck!
Even though it wasn’t in our plans to visit a zoo during this particular trip down south, it was pretty easy to convince everyone to make the detour.
About the Zoo
Compared to say the Oregon Zoo (64 acres) or the San Diego Zoo (100 acres), the Point Defiance zoo is on the smaller size at only 27 acres. However, in this small space, there are over 360 species of animals. And it is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Northwest, so you get more bang for your buck.
They also have a few extra goodies (for an additional cost, of course) that I haven’t found at many other zoo’s. For instance, there is camel riding! How cool would that be!? Unfortunately, the camel riding exhibit wasn’t open when we were there.
My favourite part of the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium are the actual enclosures. The animals aren’t fully enclosed behind wired cages, but confined to a more natural habitat which allows for many different viewing points, and not to mention, awesome photo ops!
The Sumatran Tiger exhibit was much-loved by all. We could have stayed and watched these young tigers and their playful behaviour all day long.
Zoo Exhibits
There are many amazing exhibits at this zoo. The following are the highlights.
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Porcupine
- Meerkats
- Tapir
- Tigers
- Wolves
- Camels
- Fox
- Muskox
- Polar Bears
- Reindeer
- Seals
- Walrus
- Otter
- Penguin
- Kid Zone
- Aquarium
The Aquarium
The Aquarium is separated into two sections (well, three if you count the Rocky Shores area which is home to seals, walrus, otter and penguins).
- The South Pacific Aquarium houses brightly coloured tropical fish, stingray and sharks.
- The North Pacific Aquarium features salmon, ratfish, jellyfish and more.
If you are ever in the Tacoma area and looking for something to do, I highly recommend taking a trip to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. It is a fantastic way to spend the day!
What exhibits are your favourite to visit while at a Zoo? Have you ever been to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you haven’t been, but intend to, pin this for future reference:
2 Comments
One of favourite WA spots.
My niece works here too!
It seems they’re constantly revamping and redoing the zoo and enclosures to make each experience even better. The workers seem to really care for the animals.
It is such a great zoo for being as small as it is. And yes, you can definitely tell the animals are well taken care of.