08-05-2025
8 stories highlight Point Defiance Zoo's animals, updates and viral moments
Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization
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.
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
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
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
Zoolights kicks off its 37th year on Nov. 29. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor
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
'They are the strangest looking things, but she is utterly adorable.' | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner
'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
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.
