The Great Recession caused people to cut spending in many areas.
But apparently not at the zoo.
Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium drew more than 695,000 people in 2011, the highest annual attendance in its 106-year history.
Gary Geddes, director of zoological and environmental education for MetroParks Tacoma, credited the attendance spike to two major events: the birth of clouded leopard cubs Taji and Sumalee, and a record-breaking turnout for Zoolights, the zoo’s annual holiday light show.
“In this challenging economy, it’s heartwarming to see such strong community support,” Geddes said Thursday, “and it’s a testament to the unique up-close experiences that we offer people of all ages.”
The zoo tried to amp up the fun at Zoolights this year, adding new activities that included a scuba-diving Santa in the shark tank. The public responded, with 135,907 people visiting Zoolights. That was a 46 percent increase over 2010 and a 17 percent increase from the Zoolights attendance record set in 1997.
December’s unusually dry weather also helped, Geddes said. Cold, clear nights made winter evening outings that much easier for Zoolights visitors, he said.
The zoo’s clouded leopard cubs also generated significant public interest. After Taji and Sumalee were born in June, visitors lined up to watch them eat, play and snuggle in the cub room of the zoo’s new Cats of the Canopy exhibit.
That $1 million exhibit, funded by the Zoo Society’s Vision for the Future capital campaign and the Helen Mull Foundation, also includes a “vertical playground” where people can observe the cats’ extraordinary climbing skills.
John Houck, the zoo’s deputy director, predicts another big year in 2012.
The zoo plans to open a new zip line and ropes challenge course, he said, and zoo staff members hope for more clouded leopard cubs.
In addition, Houck said, Zoolights will celebrate its 25th year in 2012, which might result in a further attendance boost.
Rob Carson: 253-597-8693 rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
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