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 …

Brrr! You can feel the chill in the air as the temperature drops. You’re likely pulling out your winter coats, if you haven’t already! Many of the animals at the wildlife park also have their winter coats ready and are well-prepared for the colder weather. Wolverine Wolverines are made for the cold- and our wolverine Rainier is no exception. Wolverines are well-adapted for winter living, with extremely dense fur, large snowshoe-like paws that allow them to stay on top of deep snow and crampon-like claws that enable them to climb up and over steep cliffs and snow-covered peaks. Their thick …

Reindeer tend to steal the spotlight in December, but it’s their close relative, the caribou, that turns heads at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. But what exactly is the difference between the two (besides one being Santa’s favorite)? What’s the difference? Scientifically speaking, reindeer and caribou are the same genus and species – Rangifer tarandus. But they are different sub-species – tarandus (reindeer) and granti (caribou). What the animal is called can depend on their origin and domestication. The word reindeer refers to domesticated animals. Both reindeer and caribou can be found in Alaska but have different lifestyles. Reindeer were brought …

This Zookeeper Week, we spent time behind the scenes with Deanna, a dedicated keeper at Northwest Trek. Deanna cares for the wonderful animals in our Free-Roaming Area. We asked her to share what inspired her to become a keeper and what working with wildlife means to her. What do you wish more people knew about the species you care for? I wish more people knew just how truly special Northwest Trek is. I can’t help but share how amazing this place and the people are. It’s not just about the animals (though they’re incredible); it’s about the entire team that …

An American bison calf made a memorable entrance over Memorial Day weekend at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Born May 24, the calf is thriving in the park’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area and has already become a guest favorite.  Keepers had been closely observing the calf’s mother, 4-year-old Sunny, who was expected to give birth around this time following a typical 285-day gestation. In keeping with natural behavior, she separated herself from the herd to give birth and spent a few quiet days bonding with her newborn before rejoining the group. The calf’s sex is yet to be confirmed, and the …

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 …

 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 …

As you glide around the shimmering lake, a herd of majestic Roosevelt elk stands peacefully drinking. Fluffy white mountain goats stare curiously back at you. Deep in leafy shade rests a massive moose. Nothing disturbs the forest’s tranquility – especially not you. Because you’re riding around Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s Free-Roaming Area in a new electric tram: quiet, immersive and eco-efficient. The Eatonville wildlife park is now operating six new electric vehicles, along with a new tour station, to guide tourists and locals alike on the beloved Discovery Tram Tours. “We’re excited to bring back this incredible wildlife tour for …

It’s the baby season at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. During a Wild Drive or Keeper Adventure Tour, guests can try to spot five Roosevelt elk calves and multiple black-tailed deer fawns in the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area. Plus, a bonus: wild goslings and ducklings occasionally make an appearance. Roosevelt elk (named for President Theodore Roosevelt) are social, polygamous members of the deer family that can form very large herds. They breed from September- November, and after an 8.5-month pregnancy, the female gives birth to a single calf weighing 30-35 pounds. Black-tailed deer breed from October to December, and after an 8.5-month pregnancy, females …