A litter of nine healthy American Red Wolf pups was born on April 18 to first-time mom Violet, and dad, Fiddle, at the shared off-site breeding facility operated by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. The litter includes six males and three females. The pups are part of a coordinated conservation effort between the two sister zoos, which jointly manage the facility and is home to the largest population of Red Wolves in the world. Through this partnership, the animals receive comprehensive care and support from both zoo and Northwest Trek animal care …

Ruzco, a nearly 4-year-old caribou who recently joined Northwest Trek’s herd, is settling in well in the wildlife park’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area with his fellow caribou. He is also exploring the expansive habitat alongside mountain goats, moose, bison, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are one of the largest members of the deer family. Their diet is diverse, including mosses, lichens, grasses, and tender shoots. Breeding season begins in September, when bulls shed the velvet from their antlers in striking red displays and may engage in brief but intense battles. After about eight months, females usually give birth …

In honor of World Veterinary Day on April 25, we’re proud to celebrate Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s two incredible veterinarians: Dr. Kadie Anderson and Dr. Cassidy Soehnlein. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication ensure that every animal at Northwest Trek receives the highest level of care. From routine wellness exams to complex medical procedures, our veterinary team works seamlessly to support each animal, no matter their size or species, so they can thrive. Dr. Anderson, the wildlife park’s head veterinarian, brings a remarkable depth of knowledge and experience to Northwest Trek. With dual bachelor’s degrees in animal science and zoology from …

Go beyond the typical Mother’s Day gifts and give mom a memorable experience she can enjoy with the whole family this year. Get up close to a moose, groom a goat or touch a jellyfish! She won’t soon forget these amazing experiences at Northwest Trek and our sister zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! 1. Go on a Wild Drive Uh-oh! There’s a traffic jam… a herd of bison are in the road! This Wild Drive is bound to be much more exciting than rush hour on I-5. Take your own personal vehicle on the paved roads through Northwest Trek’s peaceful 435-acre …

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we want to extend our gratitude to the incredible volunteers who make everything possible at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Because of volunteers, Northwest Trek is able to provide exceptional care for the animals, maintain beautiful habitats, care for park grounds, and create unforgettable experiences for guests. In 2025, we were proud to have 120 volunteers who collectively contributed 6,945 hours of service. The average volunteer logged an impressive 60 hours this year. “Our volunteers make an impact on every corner of Northwest Trek,” said Jackie, one of the wildlife park’s dedicated naturalists …

Rescued, resilient, and now thriving, male cougar Sullivan is celebrating his one-year anniversary at Northwest Trek. To mark the milestone, Sullivan enjoyed a special carcass feed. This enrichment activity encourages natural behaviors like chewing, tearing, and problem-solving while keeping him physically and mentally engaged. Sullivan’s journey began when he was found alone as a young cub in critical condition, severely malnourished and dehydrated. With dedicated, round-the-clock care from the animal care team, he made an incredible recovery. Today, Sullivan continues to grow stronger, exploring his habitat and showing the instincts that make cougars such powerful and adaptable animals.

What species of amphibians are thriving in the Pacific Northwest? One way to find out is to locate and identify their egg masses, and March and April are the perfect months to get outside and search. In late March, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s conservation team and volunteers searched at a 4-acre wetland mitigation site in a behind the scenes area at Northwest Trek and successfully identified egg masses of the northwestern salamander, Pacific treefrog, northern red-legged frog, and long-toed salamander. The northwestern salamander: As you scan the water, look for an unusual shape—something transparent or translucent, often attached to vegetation. …

  Northwest Trek’s four red fox siblings, Radar, Kamiah, Whittaker, and Jack, are turning 13 this month. For red foxes, that puts them firmly in super-senior territory. “In the wild, red foxes rarely reach this age. Even under human care, 13 is impressive,” said Carnivore Keeper Caroline. “That all four siblings have reached this milestone together reflects the commitment of our keepers and veterinary team, and the trust we’ve built with them over the years.” The foxes were rescued as young kits from Idaho in April 2013 and brought to Northwest Trek. Over time, they created an extensive underground den …

Hickory the raccoon recently received a routine health exam, including radiographs, blood collection to assess organ function and overall health, and updated vaccinations to help protect him from infectious disease. Known for his ringed tail, black facemask, and nimble, sensitive forepaws, Hickory embodies the inquisitive nature raccoons are famous for: constantly investigating, climbing, and foraging for anything that might be a tasty find. Since arriving with his sister Bluebell in fall 2024 after being rescued as orphaned kits, he’s grown more confident and adventurous, often zooming around with new enrichment (especially when food is involved).

Parks Tacoma’s 2026 bond proposal would bring significant new investments to two of the region’s wildlife destinations: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. The proposed upgrades would focus on modernizing key habitats, enhancing guest experiences, and expanding opportunities for conservation work, while building on decades of care and connection with the community. If approved by voters on April 28, the bond would support the creation of fresh, dynamic spaces designed to serve both animals and guests for generations to come. “This bond allows us to build the next generation of habitats for …