It’s the baby season at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. During a tour of the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area, guests can try to spot Roosevelt elk calves, black-tailed deer fawns, and two bison calves. Plus, a bonus: wild ducklings occasionally make an appearance in the Free-Roaming Area wetlands. The Free-Roaming Area is home to herds of bison, elk, deer, caribou, bighorn sheep, moose, and other animals that wander at will through the gorgeous landscape. Roosevelt elk (named for President Theodore Roosevelt) are social, polygamous members of the deer family that can form huge herds. They breed from September through November, and after …

This fall, the forests and pathways of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will become the stomping grounds for giants. Beginning Oct. 15, guests can step into TROLLS: A Field Study, an immersive outdoor art experience featuring 12 towering troll sculptures hidden throughout the landscapes of both parks- making them the first locations in the Pacific Northwest to host these larger-than-life trolls. Set among towering evergreens, winding trails, and native wildlife habitats, the exhibition transforms the Northwest scenery into a whimsical world where folklore, nature, and imagination collide. Created by internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo …

This summer, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium invite guests to celebrate wildlife, community, and unforgettable outdoor experiences with a vibrant lineup of events and activities. “Summer at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is all about bringing people together through shared experiences with wildlife, nature and community,” said Parks Tacoma’s Park Board President Matt Mauer. “From Pride celebrations and Slug Fest to immersive wildlife adventures and family-friendly programs, these events create meaningful opportunities for guests of all ages to connect with the natural world and make lasting memories.” PRIDE CELEBRATIONS AT BOTH ZOOS …

It’s a cool, wet spring morning at Northwest Trek, and keeper Wendi is cleaning out the skunk habitat. She scoops some poop, then bends down intently. “Aha!” she exclaims, and reaches out a gloved hand. It’s a banana slug, long, mottled and yellow – and Wendi scoops it up in all its slimy glory. Slug Fest is coming, and Northwest Trek is getting ready. Slug Hunt “Fifty to sixty degrees and raining, that’s prime slug hunting time,” explains Wendi. One of the Wetlands keepers, she’s taking part in the staff’s Longest Slug Contest for the ever-popular annual Slug Fest event, …

One-year-old cougar Sullivan recently completed a routine comprehensive wellness exam at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. The exams were led by head veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson with support from veterinary technician Tracy and the wildlife park’s animal care team. The wellness exams included updating vaccinations, dental cleaning, blood and urine collection, ultrasound examination, nail trim, and coat grooming. These regular checkups help the veterinary team monitor Sullivan’s health and address any concerns early. Dr. Anderson says Sullivan is a healthy juvenile. In April, Sullivan celebrated one year at Northwest Trek. He first arrived at Northwest Trek after being found alone in the wild as a …

This spring, a dedicated team of nine AmeriCorps NCCC members partnered with Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to complete a wide range of conservation, restoration, and maintenance projects across the wildlife park. Over the course of five weeks, the crew helped strengthen animal habitats, improve guest access, restore sensitive ecosystems, and enhance overall safety throughout Northwest Trek. One of the team’s major projects focused on restoring the cougar exhibit embankment. Volunteers terraced the shoreline using driftwood, stumps, boulders, rocks, and soil, then transplanted native species including sword fern, Oregon grape, and salal to stabilize the slope and recreate a more natural …

More than 1,160 observers took part in this year’s City Nature Challenge spanning King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, including Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Snohomish and communities throughout the region. Between April 24 and April 27, community scientists shared 17,300 nature observations and identified 1,788 species, documenting the incredible biodiversity found across the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. “This year’s City Nature Challenge once again demonstrated the passion our community has for nature and wildlife,” said Zachary Hawn, Conservation Coordinator at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. “Every observation contributes valuable scientific data that helps researchers, land managers and …

Black bears Benton and Fern recently underwent routine comprehensive wellness exams led by head veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson, with support from associate veterinarian Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein, veterinary technician Tracy, and the wildlife park’s dedicated animal keepers. The exams included vaccines, dental cleanings, blood and urine collection, ultrasounds, nail trims and coat grooming. These routine checkups allow the veterinary team to closely monitor the bears’ health and quickly address any concerns that may arise. Benton and Fern are trained to actively participate in their own veterinary care through a variety of voluntary behaviors. By calmly offering their paws to keepers, animal …

  Northwest Trek Wildlife Park welcomed two American bison calves in less than a week, marking an exciting start to spring in the wildlife park’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area. The first calf, a male named Torrent, was born to mother Rainy on May 8 during Mother’s Day weekend. A second calf, whose sex and name have yet to be determined, was born to mother Cloudy on May 13. Both calves are thriving alongside the park’s bison herd. Keepers had been closely monitoring the expectant mothers, who were nearing the end of the typical 285-day gestation period. In keeping with natural bison …

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is expanding its immersive lodging program, with reservations now open. Northwest Trek Lakeside Lodging features three unique accommodations set within the wildlife park’s breathtaking 435-acre Free-Roaming Area. Last year marked the first time guests could stay overnight at Northwest Trek, with the debut of the Lakeside Lodging A-Frame. Due to its resounding success, two new options have been added for the upcoming season, giving guests even more ways to experience the wildlife park after hours. Northwest Trek Lakeside Lodging is located under towering Douglas fir trees and perched above the tranquil waters of Horseshoe Lake. Guests …