Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, marking five decades of connection, conservation, and community built on the extraordinary legacy of one visionary family.
On August 23, 1971, Dr. David “Doc” and Connie Hellyer donated the land that would become Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to Parks Tacoma. Their vision was clear: to create a place where people, especially children, could experience the beauty of wild animals in their natural setting. On July 17, 1975, their dream came to life as Governor Dan Evans wielded a chainsaw to open the park in a symbolic log-cutting ceremony.
Now, fifty years later, Northwest Trek spans 725-acres, with 435 of those dedicated to a Free-Roaming Area for American bison, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats and more. It’s become a beloved place for both animals and people, drawing generations of guests into deeper connection with the natural world.
“This place is the dream of a children’s doctor and his wife,” said Connie Anne Hellyer, one of the donors’ three daughters. “They saw that their land, with its many habitats, would be an ideal place to dedicate to animals of the Northwest. I’m thrilled to see their dream come true and visitors, especially kids, filled with wonder.”
That enduring wonder is made real every day through award-winning exhibits like Eagle Passage, a majestic home for rescued bald eagles, and unforgettable encounters with orphaned wildlife like grizzly bears Hawthorne and Huckleberry. The wildlife park is home to many animals with moving rescue stories, each one deepening visitors’ empathy and understanding of nature.
“From the very beginning, our mission has been to cultivate a connection to wildlife,” said Rick Dietz, Deputy Director of Northwest Trek. “That legacy is alive in every animal we care for, every guest inspired on a tram ride, and every child who plays and learns at the Kids’ Trek playground. The Hellyers entrusted us with this land, and we honor that gift every single day.”
As Northwest Trek looks to the future, one thing remains constant: a deep commitment to being active and respectful stewards of the land and its gifts. This stewardship began with the Coast Salish People, who have nurtured and respected this landscape since time immemorial. Today, that tradition lives on as Northwest Trek honors both the enduring culture and heritage of the Coast Salish People and the Hellyer family’s generous gift. With a steadfast dedication to connecting people with the wild, Northwest Trek continues to inspire a shared responsibility to protect and preserve nature for generations to come.
Northwest Trek is a facility of Parks Tacoma, an entity governed by a five-member Board of Park Commissioners, who guide its mission and vision with a strong commitment to public service and conservation.
“Northwest Trek is a treasure, not just for Pierce County, but for the entire Pacific Northwest,” said Andrea Smith, President of the Park Board. “It stands as proof that when a community comes together around a shared love for wildlife and the outdoors, amazing things happen. We’re honored to steward this remarkable wildlife park and to carry this legacy forward into the next 50 years.”
50th celebration event details
Northwest Trek’s anniversary celebration will take place the weekend of July 19–20, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with fun activities for the whole family, including a historical photo scavenger hunt, birthday hat crafts, memory sharing, and special keeper chats with raccoons, grizzly bears, porcupines, and gray wolves. Guests can also enjoy unscheduled 50th birthday enrichment treats for animals throughout the park.