Park Interactives
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• Zoo Quiz
Facts and Fodder
Find out about the different animals at the Point Defiance Zoo.
• Animal Facts
Park Discussion
Point Defiance Park is an essential part of living in Tacoma and the South Sound.
• Park memories
Along with the park, the Point Defiance Zoo marks its 100th anniversary in 2005. Its development from novelty to a serious educational and research facility mirrors the evolution of zoos nationwide.
Drew Perine/The News Tribune
Kikuyu, a 28-year-old aardvark, wanders by Jessica, 5, and Sierra Stillwel, 4, earlier this month. Staff biologist Jenn Donovan is practicing two facets of modern zookeeping - giving certain animals exercise outside their habitats and allowing people a chance to meet them. The philosophy represents an evolution from the time of concrete cages.
By KRIS SHERMAN • The News Tribune f not for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the red wolf might howl no more.
If not for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, generations of South Sound children might have grown up without ever spying an elephant, a polar bear or a walrus.
If not for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Dub Dub and ET, Cindy and Suki, Kenneth and Boris would have gone unloved in Tacoma. And they would not have loved us back.