A Tacoman's view, as a zoo it's better than nothing. Great Park though!
Written: Sep 24 '03 (Updated May 12 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Some improvements recently. Kids zone and Wild wonders outdoor theater are added improvements. Aquarium.
Cons: Parts are sad, depressing. Exhibits can't accommodate small crowds well. Some limited sight exhibits.
The Bottom Line: Don't go expecting much. Avoid Crowds for a better experience. Kids might make it a better trip. Don't put it at the top of your list of things to do.
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| imaginetr's Full Review: Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium |
Zoo & Aquarium Overall grade = C, Aquarium = B-, Facilities = C, Point Defiance Park = A See it at: http://www.pdza.org/
5/5/06 update at the bottom of this review!
This first paragraph is just a slight plug for the overall park since it would be unfair to judge Tacoma's "Point Defiance" on just the zoo/aquarium.
It's really not quite fair to limit Point Defiance park to just the Zoo & Aquarium. Point Defiance Park is 698 acres and is among the top 20 largest urban parks in the United States. The park features a replica of Fort Nisqually circa 1855; Camp Six Logging Museum; rose, rhododendron and Japanese garden displays; 14 miles of hiking trails; and a five-mile scenic drive through a coastal forest of fir, cedar, hemlock and giant native rhododendrons and viewpoints of the Puget Sound and surrounding areas. The overall Park is a gem for the City of Tacoma. The annual "Taste of Tacoma" is held here and a real treat. Other events throughout the year, walkathons, Easter Egg hunts, outdoor parties etc. Picnic areas can be reserved for functions. There's a beach to walk along or sit amongst the hugh drift wood logs fixed along the beach.
Now, for the Zoo and Aquarium, it features animals of the Pacific Rim, exhibited in their natural habitats. Beluga whales, seals, penguins, and polar bears inhabit the aquarium, where an underwater viewing window allows you to watch sharks, stingrays and brightly colored tropical fish typically located in the South Pacific.
It costs anywhere from about $4.00 to $8.00 for regular admission. children under three are free. Memberships are offered from $35 - $75 for "normal" family type memberships. $125 - $300 for serious sponsor/benefactor memberships. There are county and non-county resident prices. There is a gift shop located at the entry/exit building. The is the "Red Rooster Cafe" located next to petting zoo but it's limited in selection and not impressive. The grounds also have an amphitheatre where various demonstrations or other events are held.
Honestly, as an overall zoo, I think it's on the sad side. There are really only a few decent exhibits: Polar bear and Beluga whales are two. The rest are depressingly small, dry, dirty, cages and/or pens. Now, realize that I've been to this zoo many times over the past 20 years. We now have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and naturally think "Hey, let's take her to the zoo". We've been twice with her and I'm okay with not going again. Even "The Farm", (kind of a petting zoo) is pretty hoaky. I just remind myself that to a toddler, they think it's pretty cool so maybe we'll go back from time to time.
"The Farm" is a replica of a working Pacific Northwest farm, complete with stables, corrals, milking stands and shearing equipment. Animals like goats, peacocks and geese, chickens and ducks are here. There are coin operated food pellet dispensers here.
The Aquarium does give you lots to watch and talk about. Housed in a large building there is a huge circular center tank from which you can observe from above or go below water level and observe through the glass windows while in a simulated underwater tunnel. (the walls are made to look like natural rock formations). Good viewing of sharks, salmon, and other fish. Within these outer walls of the tunnel are individual, smaller aquariums with separate displays of Sea Urchins, Starfish, crabs, eels and the like. I think kids like running around in the tunnel as much as observing the fish. The building and aquarium seem to me to be obviously dated, old, needing a remodel.
Most outdoor exhibits require walking to as they are spread out. The paths are paved. As the zoo is on a slight hill, once you walk "out" to the exhibits, you have to come back and walk up hill at least noticeably. Keep this in mind for the Elderly or handicap. To me it seems like you walk a lot to end up at a merely okay exhibits. Sadly they are some of the better ones i.e. Polar Bear, Belugas. Again, this is from someone who's seen it over and over despite periodic upgrades. On a hot day, it's just not worth it. (Reminding myself that the toddlers probably like the adventure and that's why we go.)
The Polar Bears are a favorite. Again you can observe them from above or go below and see them at water level. This can be a real treat if they're in a playful mood. Belugas and Walrus are also the better exhibits. Again, these exhibits do require walking out a distance and then back.
This reminds me of a note worthy point: Several of the outdoor exhibits (Polar Bears, Belugas, Puffins, Otters) seem to have limited observation space. That is, on the nicest days when everyone decides to go to the zoo, you really have to wait to get a spot at the railing to see the exhibits. If you're a toddler, forget it unless you're up on someones shoulders. And sometimes you want to wait to see if the animal is going to be cute or move. If you wait, the crowd only gets bigger.
The Elephants, Tigers, and Leopards are often some of the most anticipated animals to see yet here, their exhibits are among the sadest. I believe there are plans to improve these areas in the next couple years. I surely hope so.
Some exhibits may be good for the animals but as an exhibit are not good for the people: Musk Ox, Artic Fox, Reindeer and Red Wolf are often out of sight.
There is an indoor exhibit of reptiles, birds, amphibians, and rodents called "World of Adaptations". Here there are a few classic attractions: Pythons, monkeys, Lizards. Exhibits here are mostly small.
Finally, there is usually a "special" exhibit for a limited period of time such as Koala Bears and recently "Sea Horses".
I'll have to recommend it if you ever do visit Tacoma for more than a couple days. Why do people generally go to a zoo? Usually to take kids and the kids most likely will be more interested than adults. Also, if you can avoid crowded peak times, it most likely would be more enjoyable.
5/5/06 -- Zoo Update: They have added a new "Kids Zone". Here's their plug: "The new Kids' Zone is a bright, colorful environment designed for the way children learn: through touch, exploration and movement. Here, children can climb on play equipment that mimics the ways different animals move. They can also play on the otter slide, splash in the dancing lilypad fountain, feed goats and pretend to be a veterinarian and zookeeper. Children ages 3-8 will especially enjoy Kids' Zone."
We visited the zoo with our young daughters on a warm, sunny day in July. The kids zone is a welcome addition but I think overrated. Still, Something much more tangible for the kids for sure. But small in overall size so it gets congested easily and frankly after the initial "wow factor" it's a tad boring, even for a young child who upon first sight gets excited only to wander through it in about 5 minutes and find it to be pretty tame.
The new kids zone has a medium sized Jungle gym with ropes and bars to climb on, a "lillypad fountain" where water shoots up about 15" from holes in a padded area. Some parents came prepared with bathing suits or change of clothes for kids for this area. There is an area to feed small goats using pelletes that cost .25 for a small handfull. Some misc. displays and semi interactive displays but again kind of weak.
There is a newer "Wild Wonders Outdoor theater" where they have live programs with trainers and handlers showing many different wildlife. It's like a little amphi-theater with concrete seating but also grassy areas to sit on the hillside. Depends on the animal whether this would hold a childs interest for long.
They also have an "Asian Forest Sanctuary where the Elephants, Tigers, Gibbons and a few other animal exhibits are. The Tigers are the main draw here. The Elephants outdoor area is dirty/dusty and limited room to view for crowds. It is better than it was before.
Not enough to make us revisit the monthly. Once a year is probably enough. Visit the zoo at http://www.pdza.org/ for more details that I did not provide. Their programs can and do change which is a good thing.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
imaginetr
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Location: Pacific Northwest, Washington
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Husband and father, born in Washington 1961, military brat and college grad.
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