Point Defiance Zoo: animal stories, new exhibits, updates

This list of stories includes major updates at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, such the births of a sea lion pup and baby meerkats.

The Tropical Reef Aquarium reopened last year after a $7M renovation, and the zoo's newborn Malayan tapir, Ume, became a social media star.

More recently, Laerke the polar bear went viral on social media after her behavior caused a visitor and online commentors to worry about her well-being. The zoo explained the the behavior is normal for Laerke, who has special needs.

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NO. 1: POINT DEFIANCE AQUARIUM SET TO REOPEN AFTER $7M RENOVATION. HERE’S WHEN, WHAT TO EXPECT

There will be sharks, a lagoon and a “very charismatic potato grouper named Tater,” zoo officials say. | Published May 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

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NO. 2: 95 NEW SPECIES COMING TO TACOMA AQUARIUM AFTER $7M REVAMP. HERE’S A SNEAK-PEEK INSIDE

The 15,000-square-foot space features several shark species and a grumpy-looking potato grouper named “Tater.” Its facelift cost $7.09 million. | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

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NO. 3: FOR THE FIRST TIME, A SEA LION IS BORN AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO. SEE VIDEO OF THE LITTLE PUP

The sea lion pup is busy exploring her surroundings. | Published July 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by McClatchy Video Team & Video Elephant, with AI summarization

NO. 4: MORE THAN 1 MILLION LIGHTS, NEW DISPLAYS AWAIT VISITORS OF THIS TACOMA HOLIDAY TRADITION

Zoolights kicks off its 37th year on Nov. 29. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

People watch as jet skiers speed past Owen Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash. By Pete Caster

NO. 5: WHERE TACOMA’S METRO PARKS PLANS TO INVEST $25M IN PARKS, HERITAGE SITES IN 2025-2026

Waterfront parks, Point Defiance Zoo Aquariums, neighborhood parks and community centers set to see investments. | Published November 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The Tacoma zoo welcomed the birth of a new animal on Feb. 2.

NO. 6: THIS FUZZY RARE CREATURE IS UPLIFTING VIEWERS WITH HER ‘CUTE ANTICS,’ WA VIDEO SHOWS

“They are the strangest looking things, but she is utterly adorable.” | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

A meerkat kit lays on its stomach across a rock in its habitat on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. This kit, along with three others born in March and another four kits born in April, added eight baby meerkats to the zoo’s total. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 7: NEW BABIES ADD TO ‘THE MOB’ AT TACOMA’S POINT DEFIANCE ZOO. HAVE A LOOK

“Each birth is a wonderful opportunity to connect guests with this fascinating species,” according to the zoo’s curator. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isha Trivedi

Zoo staff say that polar bear Laerke’s seemingly strange behavior is the result of her unique upbringing around humans and special needs. By Katie G. Cotterill/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

NO. 8: TACOMA ZOO ADDRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT ‘SPECIAL NEEDS’ POLAR BEAR AFTER VIRAL VIDEO

A Tik Tok of polar bear Laerke caused some concerns, but zoo staff said she is a “special needs” bear who often displays that behavior. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isha Trivedi

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.