Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
Located in Tacoma, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (PDZA) is the only combined aquarium and zoo in all of the Pacific Northwest. Sprawled over 29 acres, the zoological park was built in 1905 and welcomes around 70,000 visitors each year. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums nationally recognized the PDZA, which translates to quality animal welfare, education, conservation, and more.
The zoo consists of a 700-acre park that offers a breathtaking view of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
In the 1960s, the Point Defiance Park Aquarium also incorporated a zoo. In 1963, a new aquarium called the North Pacific Aquarium was built but was later replaced in 2018 with Pacific Seas Aquarium. Once you enter the facility, you can witness a range of exhibitions that PDZA has to offer. The zoo’s theme is diverse, featuring ecosystems from the Pacific Rim, the Pacific Northwest, the tundra, Southeast Asia, as well as aquatic habitats.
Asian Forest Sanctuary
If you are all about the lush green trees and an exotic experience, the Asian Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit. This 5-acre land of lush bamboo jungles, sparkling waterfalls, and mysterious animals from different habitats will keep you fully immersed and impressed. The complex is constructed in a way that different species of animals can rotate in different parts of the exhibition each day. You can expect to find an Asian elephant, siamangs, and Sumatran tigers.
Rocky Shores
If you are fond of aqua creatures or the beach, then you will surely enjoy a visit to the Rocky Shores. The shoreline exhibits various seabirds, sea lions, otters, and seals as they go about their day. There is also a building perched in the center of the exhibition area where you can indulge in underwater viewing.
Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive
For a once in a lifetime experience of diving up-close to gigantic sharks, this activity is perfect. You can face your fears as well as learn about the biology and conservation of sharks in the wild.
Aquariums
PDZA has two main aquariums called the South Pacific Aquarium and the Pacific Seas Aquarium. Each of these contains aquatic species from various parts of the Pacific Ocean. These include green sea turtles, big sharks, scalloped hammerheads, tropical fish, and spotted eagle rays. In Pacific Seas Aquarium, you can also find beautiful art and a jelly globe. On the other hand, the Pacific Seas Aquarium contains a tropical lagoon, a blue hole, and a stingray cave. It is an oasis of warm-water aquatic habitat, which includes flamboyant fish, stingrays, and breathtaking sharks.
Red Wolf Woods
The Red Wolf Woods is a habitat containing two different meadows with a hollow log, a rock-strewn creek, and other mesmerizing landscaping. The red wolves woods is also part of PDZA’s prize-winning program that is dedicated to saving species from becoming extinct.
Kids’ Zone
If you are visiting the park with your kids, make sure to take them to the Kids’ zone. There, they can see the lemurs swing, fish wiggle, and wallabies hop. There is also a playground where children can play with nearby animals.
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