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

Snoots & Toots! 😂 Baby tapir Ume is here behind the scenes adorably booping the camera with her fuzzy snoot. 🥰 Meanwhile, mom Yuna delivers a soundtrack we didn’t ask for but definitely won’t forget.💨

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

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! 🥰

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

Hi, Ume! 👋 #tapir

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

☀️ Bone Appétit, Astra! 🐻‍❄️ On a sunny day, there’s nothing quite like a salty dip and a savory snack! Polar bear Astra is living her best bear life, lounging in her fresh saltwater pool while gnawing on a giant bone like it’s a five-star treat. 🍖 #polarbear #pointdefiancezoo #enrichment

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

Yuna is the best mommy to tapir calf Ume! 💗

Pedro the penguin chick is so curious! 🩵 #penguin #whatsgoingon #pointdefiancezoo #babyanimals

Big splashes for a little tapir! Baby Ume just explored the large waterfall habitat with her mom Yuna for the very first time today! The 252-pound tapir calf swam, frolicked, snuffled through the grass, chomped on sticks and snacks, and chirped with pure tapir joy. 🌿 #pointdefiancezoo #ume #tapir #enrichment #babyanimals #endangeredspecies

Gonzo the tamandua went on a stroll behind the scenes, taking in all the sniffs, sights, and sunshine vibes. 💛 These curious creatures love exploring with their strong snouts and sticky tongues, perfect for sniffing out ants (or just enjoying a sunny day at the zoo). ☀️

Ume has the zoomies! 🏎️ Baby Ume just explored the large waterfall habitat with her mom, Yuna, for the very first time. The 252-pound tapir calf swam, zoomied, snuffled through the grass, chomped on sticks and snacks, and chirped with pure tapir joy. 💗 #ume #tapir #zoomies #babyanimals #pointdefiancezoo #zoomzoom

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