Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Tours

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life
Visit a red wolf habitat, watch polar bears swim and see elephants in a simulated forest environment at this unique zoo and aquarium.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is home to one of the Northwest's most comprehensive collections of regional and international animals. Learn how this unique facility has helped to save the country’s red wolf population. Explore exhibits that recreate environments in Southeast Asia, the Arctic tundra and the Andes Mountains. Touch stingrays and small sharks in the South Pacific Aquarium.

Stop at the zoo’s Arctic Tundra exhibit to see polar bears swimming in a saltwater pool. This exhibit simulates a coastal environment similar to Point Hope in Alaska. Look for Arctic foxes, large muskox and reindeer.

The Asian Forest Sanctuary is an incredible 5-acre (2-hectare) complex that recreates a southern Asian environment. Head to one of the many viewing points to look for clouded leopards, a type of wildcat naturally found in the Himalayan foothills. Spot white-cheeked gibbons, Malayan tapirs and Indian crested porcupines.

Watch brightly colored fish swimming in the facility’s massive South Pacific Aquarium and catch one of the daily shark-feeding sessions. Find the North Pacific Aquarium to see ratfish, salmon and jellyfish. Interact with more than 100 budgies in the open-air, walk-through Budgie Buddies exhibit and go for a fun camel ride.

Learn how the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium was instrumental in the recovery of the red wolf, which was facing extinction in the late 20th century. Due to ongoing efforts by this facility and other organizations, the red wolf population has grown from 14 to over 250.

Visit during the holiday season to see the zoo’s famous Zoolights event, during which over half a million lights illuminate the grounds. The decorations include 3-D animal light displays, such as a 22-foot (7-meter) wide rock crab.

The remarkable Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is located within Point Defiance Park, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the center of Tacoma, Washington. Ample parking is provided at the facility as well as next to the Point Defiance Park entrance.

Get up-close with more than 300 different animal species at this imaginative zoo and aquarium.

Plan a trip to see Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Pan Pacific Seattle
Belltown's Flower Moon
Bellevue Club Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
161
" "5 - Excellent 48.493975903614455%
4 - Good
127
" "4 - Good 38.25301204819277%
3 - Okay
38
" "3 - Okay 11.44578313253012%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2048192771084338%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.6024096385542169%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 17, 2019

Lots of animals were not available to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 21, 2019

We didn't go to the Zoo or Aquarium. We drove through the park which is absolutely gorgeous.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 26, 2018

Awesome Zoo! 10/10 would recommend you go. My wife and I went on a Sunday, around 10:30am. We got to see 90% of the animals eat their lunch, which was great! Great for children of all sizes and for anyone who just enjoys a good time.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2018

good luck parking!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 9, 2018

Very small. Not much to see at aquarium

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