Big changes are happening behind the scenes for our growing spectacled owlet! The baby owl continues to thrive as its fluffy white down slowly gives way to darker feathers, including the beginnings of the species’ signature “spectacles,” the markings around the eyes.

Balzak turned 10, and this 3,000-pound birthday walrus brought full Kenough energy to the celebration! 🎉 From cool enrichment treats to a party packed with beachy birthday vibes, Balzak celebrated his big day in true walrus heartthrob style. Ken would definitely approve. 💙

Bittersweet news! Our beloved Malayan tapir, Ume, is heading off to her next big adventure at another accredited zoo in the Midwest in early June. After growing from a spotted little “watermelon on legs” into an independent young tapir, it’s time for Ume to begin the next chapter of her journey.

Arctic fox Freya celebrated her third birthday with a special ice cake and other frog-themed treats. 🐸 HOPpy birthday, Freya! 🎉 Freya and Sven share their habitat with tree frogs each spring, making the birthday celebration extra fitting! 📹: Animal care staff Noelle

The four-week-old critically endangered American Red Wolf pups continue to thrive. The nine wiggly pups are growing more confident each day, venturing farther outside their den with their attentive parents, Fiddle and Violet, always nearby. They will remain behind the scenes at our off-site facility

Sumatran tiger Bintang recently underwent a routine wellness exam. While under anesthesia, the veterinary team performed a full physical assessment, including X-rays, ultrasound imaging, bloodwork, IV fluids, updated vaccinations, and a dental evaluation. 1/2

While otter parents Sebastian and Pintar tried to enjoy a peaceful hammock lounge behind the scenes, baby Bao came with maximum playful chaos. 📹: Animal care staff Katie

Willow is deep in her annual emo phase, just in time for summer. 🖤 Our muskoxen are currently shedding their qiviut; the ultra-soft underwool that’s warmer than sheep’s wool and softer than cashmere. Each spring, muskoxen naturally shed this cozy layer.

Birthday boy Sven celebrated turning 7 in true style alongside his bestie Freya! 🎉 His birthday sniffari featured mealworms, icy treats, meat, eggs, and a special layered cake. From sniffing to snacking, Sven made the most of his big day. Happy 7th birthday to this rescued cutie! ❤️🎂

Just an owl-dorable little fluff! Meet our newest (and cutest) resident, a baby spectacled owl growing steadily behind the scenes. The owlet’s sex is still unknown; our veterinary team plans to perform a simple blood test in a few weeks, once the chick is a bit older.

The nine critically endangered American Red Wolf pups, born at our offsite facility on April 18, meeting their dad Fiddle. Both mom and dad Red Wolf parents share responsibility for raising the pups. The pups will remain behind the scenes at our off-site Red Wolf facility. Stay tuned for pupdates!

Behind the scenes with the coolest snack crew!Our otter family received a wiggly, chilly treat to enjoy: frozen Jell-O enrichment! Sticky paws and happy squeaks. 💙 📹: Animal care staff Katie

Lakina turned 10, and her birthday bash came with a splash of Barbie-inspired fun! With enrichment treats fit for a walrus queen, Lakina celebrated her big day in style. 🎀✨ 📸: Animal care staff Kristyn

Meet polar bear, Laerke, for #HappyBearsDay! 🐻‍❄️ Laerke’s start in life was difficult, requiring intensive care after a medical emergency shortly after birth. Ongoing health issues meant she was hand-reared. Though she’s made progress, Laerke still has specific needs.

Baby Bean serving wood wool lewks! ✨

April’s featured aquarium animal is actually a tag team! 🧽🦀 Suberites latus (a species of sea sponge) teams up with a yellow hermit crab to create the ultimate custom home. The sponge grows over the crab’s shell, so as the crab grows, its house grows too. No upgrades needed. 🏠

Our Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater show, Zoo’s Got Mail, presented by Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, returns this Saturday, May 2! Bring your curiosity and prepare to be amazed as animals showcase their incredible natural behaviors in this lively, family-friendly experience.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Disability Adventure Day! Last Saturday, April 25, we proudly hosted an unforgettable, after-hours evening designed for individuals with disabilities and their families. Learn more at, www.pdza.org/disability-adventure-day-thank-you

Willow the muskox is on a mission to find the perfect scratching stick! 📹: Animal care staff Russell

Endangered Sumatran tiger recently had a routine wellness exam. These important checkups allow our veterinary and animal care teams to monitor everything from heart and lung health to mobility and nutrition, using tools like X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, and vaccines.

Happy World Tapir Day! 🖤🤍 Ume is now over a year old and embracing her independence, recently taking the next big step of separating from mom, Yuna. This milestone is a natural part of growing up for young tapirs. 📹: Animal care staff Katie

Baby Pedro is chasing down one last reminder, Tacomans: penguins are on the ballot! 🐧 Parks Tacoma’s 2026 bond proposal, Proposition 1, would fund more than 100 projects across parks, community centers, and the Zoo's Penguin Point habitat, without increasing the current parks-related tax rate.

Turn up the volume for #WorldPenguinDay! 🐧 Our Magellanic penguins have a lot to say. That braying sound? It’s how these charming waddlers communicate (and yes, it does sound a bit like a donkey).

Happy World Penguin Day! 🐧 It’s nesting season at Penguin Point, and our penguin pairs have officially laid eggs. 💙 From building the perfect nest to taking turns keeping their eggs warm, these dedicated parents are hard at work.

“Look what I can do!” 💦🐻‍❄️ Laerke the polar bear is showing off her pool skills with a perfect underwater handstand. 📸: Animal care staff Kacie

Happy World Penguin Day! 🐧 It’s nesting season at Penguin Point, and our penguin pairs have officially laid eggs. 💙 From building the perfect nest to taking turns keeping their eggs warm, these dedicated parents are hard at work.

This #WorldVeterinaryDay, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our three remarkable veterinarians: Dr. Karen, Dr. Cassidy, and Dr. Rachel. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication make a lasting difference for thousands of animals. 🩺

Hi, Moea! 👋 Rescued from an oil spill and rehabilitated at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this curious, confident Southern sea otter is thriving. 🦦 📹: Animal care staff Kristyn #seaotter #animalcare #otter #cuteanimals

Get outside. Watch nature. Discover something new. 🌲👀 The #CityNatureChallenge is back April 24-27! Your chance to become a community scientist and help document the wild side of the Puget Sound region. 🐿️ Just head outside, snap a pic, and upload it to the free iNaturalist app.🍄

While Pretzel soaks up a little downtime, Willow makes sure she’s not missing her moment (photobomb). 💖 📸: Animal care staff Dayna

Lychee & Lotus, 9 years young and fully embracing spa day energy. 🐢 These black-breasted leaf turtles are pros at soaking. Keeping hydrated is key for their health, helping with everything from shell condition to overall wellness. 📸: Animal curator Natalie

It might look like seaweed, but this is an underwater forest. 🌿 Today marks Washington’s first Bull Kelp Day, celebrating the underwater ecosystems that power life in Puget Sound. Bull kelp creates habitat for fish, otters, and more, while helping protect our coastlines and climate.

Meet our newest jelly residents! Chilean sea nettles move through the water using a gentle pulsing motion, pushing water behind them to glide forward. 🪼

Exciting news! 💗 Rescued sea lion Eloise is pregnant. This anticipated arrival will be only the second sea lion pup born in our 121-year history. Eloise gave birth to our first-ever sea lion pup, Pepper, in June 2024.

Bao is growing up fast and snacking like a pro! At four months old, this playful Asian small-clawed otter pup is enjoying most of his meals. From crunchy bites to curious nibbles, Bao is exploring new flavors while building the skills he’ll use every day. 📹: Animal care staff Katie

Laerke the polar bear is making a splash while showing off her toy-stacking skills, because enrichment isn’t just play, it’s brainwork. Balancing, carrying, and arranging objects helps keep her mind and body active in ways that mirror natural behaviors. 🐻‍❄️ 📸: Animal care staff Kacie

It’s penguin nesting season, and love is in the air at Penguin Point! Keeper Stephanie is delivering fresh lavender and cozy nesting materials to help the colony prepare for the season ahead. 🐧

We’re thrilled to welcome Onion, an 11-year-old blind harbor seal, who recently arrived from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Rescued as a pup off the coast of Massachusetts, Onion’s journey is one of resilience. After being found stranded and experiencing vision loss, he was deemed non-releasable.

Bocce goes on an adventure! 💚 This rare southern three-banded armadillo pup is thriving and growing, now weighing 2.4 pounds. At just four months old, he’s already made Zoo history. Bocce is only the second healthy armadillo pup born at the Zoo in our 121-year history.

Baby Bean is officially 24 karat gold! ✨ The queen celebrated her 24th birthday in true luxury, with a 24 karat gold-themed bash fit for a legend. 👑🫘 Happy 24th, Bean! 🎂 📹: Animal assistant curator Erin

Say hello to the adorable beaver family, Nutmeg, Walnut, and Butternut, for #InternationalBeaverDay! 🦫 These busy builders are more than just cute; they’re ecosystem engineers. In the wild, their dams help create wetlands that provide vital habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, and more.

Throwback to baby Butternut for International Beaver Day! 🦫 Butternut turns 7 on April 29.

Bao is growing up fast! At four months old, our Asian small-clawed otter pup is getting more confident every day. He's splashing, exploring, and discovering new habitats alongside his loving parents.

Hudson the muskox is soaking up the sunshine like a pro! ☀️ 📷: Animal care staff Kacie

Sound up! Sven has something to say. 🥹 As spring rolls in, our rescued Arctic fox is shedding his winter coat. In the wild, Arctic foxes swap white for brown to blend into the tundra when the snow melts. 📹: Animal care staff Brittany

Happy Friday from Onion! 💙

Laerke is diving into enrichment time with new pool toys, designed to spark natural behaviors like exploring, problem-solving, and play. 💙🐻‍❄️ 📹: Animal care staff Dayna

Our cherry blossom tree is officially in bloom! 🌸

Sven is entering his ✨de-fluff era✨ Arctic foxes shed their thick winter coat each spring, trading all that fluff for a shorter, darker summer look that helps them stay cool and camouflaged. 📸: Animal care staff Noelle

Hudson is a certified snack-time professional! 💙 Muskoxen spend a big chunk of their day grazing, fueling up on grasses and browse to keep those massive bodies (and cozy coats) going strong. 💪