Northwest Trek News

  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 …

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 …

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.

For many, it’s a late-winter hobby, but for the keepers in Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area, it’s just another part of their job: shed hunting. The bull (male) elk are beginning to drop their antlers—a yearly occurrence that happens a few months after breeding season due to a decrease in testosterone.   “We’ve already seen some impressively large antlers drop,” said assistant curator Dave. When a bull elk drops its antlers, they immediately begin growing a new set. “Antler grows faster than any other bone,” said Dave. “During the summer months, bull elk antlers can grow up to …

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 …

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’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).

  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 …

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. …

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 …

Tucked behind the scenes at Northwest Trek’s Conservation Center property is a small but important wetland known as Toad Pond. The pond serves as one of the few known remaining breeding sites for western toads in Pierce County. Each spring, adult toads migrate to the shallow water to lay thousands of eggs, beginning the next generation of this declining amphibian species. Recently, however, Northwest Trek’s conservation team noticed something unusual: instead of reflecting the sky, the water appeared bright red. The color is a sign of changing conditions in the pond and comes from water fern (Azolla), a tiny floating …

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 …

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 …

In Northwest Trek’s nursery, a small group of young trees is beginning a journey that will last for generations. Recently, the wildlife park received a donation of sequoia saplings from a Nisqually Tribe elder and PropagationNation, a local nonprofit working to bring redwoods and sequoias to the Northwest. “These young trees carry deep cultural significance and an exciting future here at Northwest Trek,” said Nature Engagement Curator Craig Standridge. For many Indigenous cultures, trees represent endurance, connection to the land, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Sequoias symbolize strength, resilience, and longevity, values that echo …

What a windstorm! Tuesday night’s strong gusts hit Northwest Trek hard. Fallen trees and branches covered nearly every road and pathway in the park and fences had to be rebuilt. But, with great team effort and the help of a few leaf blowers, the park will open just in time for the 3-day weekend ahead (it even has dry weather in the forecast!). It was all hands on deck this week, as employees from each department surveyed the forested paths, picking up branches while maintenance staff worked tirelessly to clear trees. “Thank you all for pitching in so we can …

Tomatoes. Apples. Almonds. Pumpkin. Coffee. Tea. Chocolate. All pretty important, right? And they all have one thing in common: they need pollinators. Around 1,000 plants that humans use for food, drink, fiber, spices or medicine need to be pollinated by a very special group of animals called pollinators. Bees, butterflies, wasps, moths, hummingbirds, bats and even some kinds of beetles, flies and ants are incredibly necessary to produce much of the food humans need to survive. As pollinators forage for nectar, they transfer pollen from male to female flowers to allow the plant to reproduce – and feed humans. But …

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 …

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 …

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 …

When it’s wet and cold outside, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and meet amazing animals! Step inside the E.H. Baker Cabin Step inside the cozy forest cabin to get an up-close look at the gray wolf habitat. Climb into a tunnel to get nose-to-nose with a gray wolf (through a window). You might even catch a howl or two! Visit the Cheney Discovery Center Guests of all ages will discover a tiny world of reptiles and amphibians like a garter snake, northern leopard frogs, rough-skinned news, and more inside the Cheney Discovery Center. While …

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park has received the Significant Achievement Facility Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for its Discovery Tram Tour Station, a project recognized for excellence in facility design and construction that advances the mission of accredited zoos and aquariums. Presented at the 2025 AZA Annual Conference in mid-September, the award honors transformative non-exhibit projects that elevate operations, enhance guest experience, and promote sustainability. The Discovery Tram Tour Station was celebrated for its innovative approach to accessibility, environmental stewardship, and immersive visitor engagement. “Congratulations to the team at Northwest Trek for their hard work and dedication …

Elk bugling tours are sold out for 2025 At Northwest Trek, fall is a magical time. A palette of bronze sweeps the hillsides. Golden light streams through the trees. Dust rises from bison, rolling and sparring. And through the forest comes an eerie, haunting whistle – the sound of elk bugling. The rut – mating season – runs September-October. Out in the Free-Roaming Area, male elk, bison and bighorn sheep vie for dominance and select their mates. Whether you prefer a leisurely Wild Drive in your own vehicle, an up-close experience on a Keeper Adventure Tour or Elk Bugling Tour, …

Down a peaceful side trail at Northwest Trek, a tiny door is just visible in the grass. No, you’re not imagining things. It’s a fairy house, and at least a dozen more are dotted along the same trail – just keep your eyes open. “I was inspired by a ‘gnome trail’ I hiked with my family,” says Rick Dietz, Northwest Trek’s Deputy Director. “I thought it would be a fun way to add some excitement to our trails and encourage people to explore them more.” Fairy Fun And the Northwest Trek Fairy Trail does make for a fun mini-hike, especially …

It’s cold. It’s wet. It’s the Pacific Northwest in winter – and that includes Northwest Trek. But there’s also a certain magic out here in winter: hushed silence, frosted ferns, thick bison coats. Don’t wait until spring. Here are seven reasons to visit Northwest Trek in the most magical season of the year – winter. 1. Peace and Quiet Feeling cabin fever? Step onto our paved trails and experience nature at its most tranquil: tall, solemn trees, quiet meadows, and a lake so still it reflects the mist. Spend the day in the kind of peace that refreshes you deep …