Point Defiance Zoo, Northwest Trek to hold special Pride weekend later this month

In honor of Pride month, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are inviting the public to a weekend celebration.

From animals eating rainbow-themed ice treats to goats in rainbow bandannas, Pride will be represented in a two-day celebration, June 25-26.

“We’re delighted to celebrate and honor our LGBTQ+ community with a weekend full of rainbow‐themed fun,” Point Defiance Zoo and Northwest Trek director Alan Varsik said in the news release.

According to a news release from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the zoo will host its second annual Animal Pride Parade.

The animals from Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater and Kids’ Zone at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, along with their keepers, will be leading the parade. The parade will start at 1:30 p.m. on both days and will go from the Wild Wonders stage to Pacific Rim Plaza. Visitors can also carry their own Pride flags in the parade that they decorated in Pacific Rim Plaza.

According to the news release, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park animal exhibits will have different themes based on the different Pride flags. Visitors at Northwest Trek will also get the chance to take home their own Pride flags that they colored.

According to the release, both zoos will have Pride flags flying at the entrances throughout June and July.

The two zoos are partnering with Rainbow Center and Oasis Youth Center for these events.

“Last year was a great way to start, while much of the Tacoma Pride celebration was virtual. This year, we are back in person, and anticipate an even greater partnership,” Rainbow Center director Troy Christensen said in the news release.

The event will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m for Point Defiance Zoo and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Northwest Trek both days. Tickets for the Pride celebration are on sale and the event is free for people with memberships or admissions. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pdza.org/visit/prices/ for Point Defiance Zoo or www.nwtrek.org/visit/prices/ for Northwest Trek.