Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium - Joint Base Lewis McChord

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Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium Logo in Tacoma, Washington State
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium Main Entrance in Tacoma, Washington State
Girl and the Polar Bear in Tacoma, Washington State

City Listings

City Listing Category

Geographical Address

City
Duty Station(s)
Public Address
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400, North Pearl Street, Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, 98407, United States
latitude
47.31
longitude
-122.52

Contact Info

COMM
+1 253-404-3800

Business Info

Operating Hours
  • Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed now
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts about 700,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more.

The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. PDZA is operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington.

 

OUR MISSION

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium practices and promotes effective conservation on behalf of the world’s wildlife.

 

OUR VISION

We envision a world where people and wildlife share the Earth in harmony.

 

OUR VALUES

In living out the Mission and Vision of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, we value:

  • The Living Collection: We are committed to providing the highest level of care to the wildlife ambassadors entrusted to us.
  • Learning: We connect people to nature through unique educational experiences that engage their minds, touch their hearts and move them to embrace responsible stewardship.
  • Conservation: We support and participate in initiatives that protect and save wildlife and wild places.
  • Science: We actively seek knowledge about wildlife and human behaviors that strengthens all aspects of our organization and mission.
  • Sustainability: We are stewards of the Earth by actively conserving resources and minimizing our ecological footprint.
  • Community: We aspire to enrich the lives of the people in our community.
  • Financial Stability: We manage our resources in ways that inspire trust and demonstrate accountability to the community.
  • Innovation: We embrace a creative and entrepreneurial approach to exhibitry, programming, conservation and customer service.
  • Staff: We are committed to the continuous development of our skilled and professional family of employees.
  • Active Living: We connect people with nature by providing unique, healthy recreational experiences.
  • Fun: We provide joyful and entertaining experiences in a stunningly beautiful outdoor setting.

 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, INCLUSION

As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we recognize and embrace human diversity in all its forms and facets, and recognize that our work to conserve wildlife and wild places is inextricably linked to issues of environmental and social justice. We are committed to proactively working toward greater diversity, equity, access and inclusion in all that we do. Full DEAI statement.

 

OUR SISTER ZOO

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, also accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a 725‐acre zoological park dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. A facility of Metro Parks Tacoma, it is located 35 miles southeast of Tacoma, off State Highway 161 near Eatonville.

Together, we make up the Zoological and Environmental Education Division (ZEED) of Metro Parks Tacoma.

 

METRO PARKS TACOMA

2016 MPT Board of Park Commissioners Outdoor
The current Board of Park Commissioners.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a facility of Metro Parks Tacoma, an independent government agency creating healthy opportunities to play, learn and grow since 1907. A five-member Board of Park Commissioners governs Metro Parks Tacoma and is the policy determining body for the park district. View the current Board of Park Commissioners.

 

THE ZOO SOCIETY

The Zoo Society fosters the relationship between Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and our community by raising funds and generating community support.

The Zoo Society supports the mission of PDZA by providing financial and in-kind resources for the Zoo’s recreation, education and conservation programs, its animal collections, and its permanent and temporary exhibitions.

 

ZOO/TREK AUTHORITY

The Zoo/Trek Authority was established in 2001 to oversee disbursement of sales tax revenue to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. In 2000, Pierce County voters approved a one-tenth-of-a-cent increase in the local sales tax rate to support the Zoo, Northwest Trek and parks.

One-half of these new local revenues go to Point Defiance Zoo and Northwest Trek. The other half is divided among park systems throughout Pierce County.

The ZTA is composed of seven elected officials appointed by city and county councils as follows:

  • Pierce County Council: 3 members
  • Tacoma City Council: 2 members
  • Other Pierce County cities/towns: 2 members

The ZTA is charged with approving the biennial operating budgets for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek prior to final adoption by the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners.

 

TIMED TICKETS

Get yours here.
Type Age Price Need Timed Ticket?
Adult Mon.-Thurs. 13+ $18 Yes
Child Mon.-Thurs. 3-12 $14 Yes
Adult Fri.-Sun. and Holidays 13+ $20 Yes
Child Fri.-Sun. and Holidays 3-12 $15 Yes
Infant 2 and under FREE No
Member all FREE No
  • All tickets must be bought as timed online tickets. You must choose a time during purchase.
  • Entry at ticketed time ONLY. Tickets are non-refundable.
  • Check your email for your ticket, and either print it or bring your phone to be scanned at the front gate.
  • Members don’t require timed tickets. Just check in at the front gate with your member card and photo ID.
  • Children ages 2 and under do not need timed online tickets.
  • Parking is FREE. Tickets include zoo and aquariums.
  • Note: No admission discounts are available at this time.
  • Face coverings are required for non-vaccinated guests age 5 and over and encouraged for vaccinated guests – in compliance with CDC and state health guidelines. 
Questions? See our Online Ticket FAQ.

 

Tickets can NOT be rescheduled or refunded.

Please come at your ticketed time ONLY.

LOCATION

Inside Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA

  • 40 miles from Seattle/Bellevue; 1 hour drive
  • 30 miles from SeaTac airport; 40 minute drive
  • 30 miles from Olympia; 40 minute drive
  • 148 miles from Portland; 2½ hour drive

Parking is FREE!

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