The keepers at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park feed over 100 animals a day. It takes specific science to prepare proper diets for all the different animals. Each animal’s diet is balanced based on species, age, and health-related issues. We asked the keepers for some of the most fascinating food facts that came to mind. “The black bears and grizzly bears have quite drastic changes in their diet, depending on the season,” said keeper Carly. “In the summer, they eat a wide variety of fish, fruits, and leafy greens as they prepare for their metabolisms to slow for their winter torpor naps. …

The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining. But there’s so much more that points to Spring at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. MASON BEES START POLLINATING EARLY SPRING BLOOMS Mason bees begin to hatch when the weather consistently reaches temperatures above 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperatures rise, these bees emerge to pollinate early spring-blooming native plants such as currants, Oregon grape, and salmonberry. Northwest Trek has two mason bee hotels that provide homes for hundreds of mason bees each spring. Watch for these gentle pollinators as they help around the park. GRIZZLY BEARS ARE OUT …

World Frog Day is celebrated annually on March 20. Northwest Trek is home to Northern leopard frogs, Pacific tree frogs, Western toads, and a Great Basin spadefoot toad. Northern Leopard Frog Our Northern leopard frogs, Tater and Tot, are incredible ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Once abundant throughout North America, northern leopard frogs rapidly disappeared from their native ranges in Washington, Oregon, and western Canada. The species has been listed as endangered in Washington since 1999, and with only one known wild population remaining in the state, there is still a long path to recovery for the frogs. Likely causes …

Marigold, our 8-month-old skunk, recently had a routine wellness exam and passed with flying colors! While under anesthesia, she received x-rays, an ultrasound, a dental check and nail trim, and a birth control implant. Weighing in at a healthy 5 pounds, Marigold is thriving. She’s now ready to rejoin Dewey, our two-year-old striped skunk, in their shared habitat. The duo will be reunited later this week, and we can’t wait to see them together again! 

As the year ends, we reflect on the moments Northwest Trek Wildlife Park had the privilege of being a part of in 2024. We welcomed new animals, including beaver Hudson and adorable raccoon kits Hickory and Bluebell, opened our new electric tram experience, and raised and released nearly 400 endangered northern leopard frogs, among many other moments. Enjoy some of our favorite photos from this year, taken by staff photographer Katie Cotterill. Beaver Hudson chomps on a carrot. Bobcats Tanner and Tahoma. Western toad amplexus and egg masses were spotted during amphibian egg mass monitoring. We are helping to save wild …

We’re excited to announce that our bison calf is a girl! Though her name is still being decided, she’s already showcasing her vibrant personality.  Keepers report that she enjoys her pellet diet and grazes alongside the herd. She gets excited easily, often running and bucking while kicking her hind legs. Mom keeps a close watch on her energetic calf, always staying nearby. Keepers have also noticed that her cinnamon coloring is beginning to turn brown. Be sure to see the bison herd during your next visit to the Free-Roaming Area!

The word “enrichment” is said dozens of times a day around Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. As in, “we have the enrichment ready for the otters” or “Luna and Calli the moose really seemed to enjoy their enrichment today” or “we need to create the beavers’ enrichment this afternoon.” Providing enriching experiences is a vital part of providing high-quality animal care at Northwest Trek- but what exactly is enrichment? “Enrichment items are things like food, smells or toys that enhance the health and well-being of the animals in our care,” said Haley, animal keeper and coordinator of the Behavioral Husbandry Committee …

Being native to the Pacific Northwest, the animals at Northwest Trek don’t seem to mind the colder winter weather. But the snowy owls at the park don’t just put up with it, they thrive in it. Tundra, a male, and Taiga, a female, embrace these cooler temperatures and it shows. “They’re more active at this time of year and we notice a big increase in their food drive,” said keeper Miranda. “Their favorite food is mice!” In the wild, snowy owls live near beaches and fields in the winter in Alaska and Canada… brrr! Now you see me, now you …

 After weeks of careful planning, a heartwarming introduction was set to take place between two striped skunks in our Woodlands habitat. Marigold, a playful six-month-old female, and Dewey, a calm and curious two-year-old male, were about to meet snoot-to-snoot for the very first time. Our dedicated animal care team carefully prepared for this moment, creating a neutral, enriching environment filled with familiar scents to ease the transition. Initially, the pair were separated by a temporary gate, allowing them to observe and sniff one another at a safe distance. Both skunks approached cautiously, their body language calm and curious. Marigold …

 Meet our little surprise! This adorable bison calf was born just five days ago in the Free-Roaming Area, a delightful addition we weren’t expecting but are so thrilled to welcome! The young calf is already showing off its spirited little personality, exploring its surroundings with curiosity, while staying close to mom. Bison are North America’s largest land mammal, with a tufted tail and long brown hair that thickens in winter. Northwest Trek has plains bison, and the other subspecies is wood bison. After a 285-day pregnancy, female bison give birth to a single calf, which is reddish-brown and weighs …