Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Little Ume, our endangered tapir calf, loved meeting so many of you over the past two weekends! 💗 This growing baby needs lots of rest, so she’s been catching plenty of zzz’s behind the scenes and in her habitat. 😴 #ume #tapir #behindthescenes #pointdefiancezoo #endangeredspecies #naptime

She was a fairy… ✨ Spinning through life like it’s a water ballet. 🦦 Spinning is a natural behavior that helps clean their fur and dislodge trapped air or food. Otters rely on pristine fur for insulation in chilly waters. #pointdefiancezoo #seaotter #shewasafairy #otter #zoo #aquarium

Learn more about our polar bears at pdza.org/PolarBearCare 🐻‍❄️

Sweet moments with our three rescued Southern sea otters, Clara, Libby, and Moea, snacking on ice chips for #WorldOtterDay! 🦦

Happy birthday, Skinny! 🦭 Our keepers and marine mammals are wishing this fabulous harbor seal a very happy birthday! Skinny isn't just aging gracefully, she's making history! 🎉 At 50 years old, Skinny is the oldest known harbor seal in the world, and she's spending her big day doing what she loves most, sealebrating at her home at @OregonCoastAquarium In June 1975, Skinny was just a pup when she was found orphaned on a beach in Washington. After receiving immediate care she was deemed non-releasable, and found a temporary home at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. She came to her permanent home at the Oregon Coast Aquarium just before its grand opening in 1992. #skinnyis50

Our mischievous meerkat kits are keeping everyone on their toes! Full of energy and curiosity, these rascally little explorers are busy turning every moment into an adventure. Come see the chaos and cuteness in action at Kids’ Zone!

🐧 Meet Pedro the Penguin Chick! 🩵 #pedro #penguin #babyanimals

Ume is such a #prettylittlebaby 🩷 #tapir #endangeredspecies #pointdefiancezoo #babyanimals

We tried capturing Nigel’s legendary crunches with a new microphone… but the mic couldn’t handle the cuteness (or the volume). Total tech fail. Nigel, however, was perfect, as always. Happy World #Porcupine Day! 🥰

Hi, Ume! 👋 #tapir

Ume the tapir calf is now three months old! Check out her first taste of curly willow. 🌿 #ume #tapir #enrichment #pointdefiancezoo

✨ The many sides of Ume ✨ #ume #tapir #babyanimals #endangerdspecies #pointdefiancezoo

Yuna is the best mommy to tapir calf Ume! 💗

Ume’s still working on her swimming behind the scenes. Current goal: face and snoot fully submerged for more than a few seconds. Not quite there yet, but she gave it her absolute snorkelest. Lifeguard (supportive tapir mom Yuna) and the care team are on standby with endless encouragement and snacks. 💗 #ume #tapir #endangeredspecies #pointdefiancezoo

When the group hears "seafood buffet is open," 🐟🍽️🕺 Puffin party in full swing, do the conga! 🧡 #happyfeet #puffin #pointdefiancezoo #conga

🌿 It’s Tapir Time! 🌿 We’re thrilled to announce that Ume, our adorable three-month-old tapir calf, is ready to begin exploring her public habitat at the Asian Forest Sanctuary, starting this Friday at 10:30 am alongside her mom, Yuna! Please note: sightings aren't guaranteed as Ume is still acclimating and will decide when she’s ready to venture out. Just like all little ones, she’s on her schedule! #pointdefiancezoo #tapir #ume #endangeredspecies #babyanimals

Big log for a big milestone! 🪵 Ume is now four months old, 214 pounds, and still prefers logs for her teething chompers. The endangered tapir has a new teething log behind the scenes to help her out (and give mom, Yuna, a much-needed break 😅). Ume’s been busy gnawing, nudging, and nibbling away like a pro, growing bigger and bolder every day! 💗 #ume #tapir #pointdefiancezoo #behindthescenes

Behind the scenes with five-month-old baby Ume! After a big day of exploring her outdoor habitats, our sweet tapir calf is all snuggles and snoozes with mom Yuna. Ume's curiosity keeps growing, and so does her bond with Mom! 💗 #pointdefiancezoo #zoo #behindthescenes #ume #tapir

Happy 9th Birthday, Balzak (pronounced BELL-zik)! 🎉 Our 2,448-pound walrus celebrated in true style with a custom ice cake, garnished with a gourmet selection of shrimp, propeller clams, and herring—all sustainable, restaurant-quality, of course. Don’t miss the “9” artfully crafted from herring by his dedicated keepers! 🎂 Walruses like Balzak are equipped with incredibly powerful suction abilities, allowing them to create vacuum-like seals to feed on the ocean floor. Their strong, muscular tongues help them effortlessly slurp up mollusks, clams, and other invertebrates buried in the sandy seabed. 📹: Keeper Kristyn #pointdefiancezoo #animalcare #enrichment #walrus #zoo #aquarium

Two minutes of polar bear Laerke enjoying today’s beautiful sunshine in her fresh saltwater pool! ☀️