14 stories about fascinating critters and plants from Washington state
Washington state teems with curious plants and creatures making headlines. At Point Defiance Zoo, visitors can spot a rare blooming artichoke agave and meet a newborn Malayan tapir that sports watermelon-like stripes. Newly discovered species like the Okanagan crayfish highlight the region's diverse waterways, while animal rescues — such as the rescue of a black bear from a Spokane neighborhood and the rehab of an orphaned mountain lion cub — underscore local efforts to protect wildlife.
Volunteers at Owen Beach help safeguard seals, and new arrivals, including a playful baby bison and a litter of meerkat kits, bring fresh energy to local zoos. Washington's beaches, tide pools, and parks show the variety and resilience of the state's flora and fauna.
A bill in the Washington State Legislature would name the seaweed the state's official underwater forest. | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor
It's the second of its kind to be born at the Tacoma zoo in 120 years. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
These experts are offering free beach tours at low tide this week. | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
The worker was seriously injured and taken to a hospital, the zoo said. | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
'He is zesty. You go, you spicy little dude!' | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brooke Baitinger
'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
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
It has a shell, claws and tubercles extending from its head. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sara Schilling
Volunteers will be dispatched to Owen Beach to monitor for seals that appear on shore during pup season. | Published May 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isha Trivedi
The nine-foot plant is blooming at the Point Defiance Zoo. It has been maturing for nearly 20 years. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Constanza Montemayor
'Heaven forbid a girl have hobbies.' | Published May 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
Wildlife officers and firefighters responded. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
She will soon be reunited with her boyfriend, zoo officials said. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
The fluffy animal can be seen during a tour at the wildlife park. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
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.
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