Point Defiance Zoo Will Reopen Aquariums Friday

TACOMA, WA — Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium have announced plans to reopen both aquariums to the public starting this Friday.

Zoo organizers say, they couldn't be happier to bring these animals back to their adoring public.

“Getting up close to sea turtles, sharks and other aquarium animals is an exhilarating experience for our guests,” said Alan Varsik, director of Metro Parks’ Zoological & Environmental Education Division. “So we’re excited to reopen the Pacific Seas Aquarium and the South Pacific Aquarium to connect people with our ocean, while keeping everyone safe.”

The aquariums have been closed for much of the pandemic, but are coming back in time for the weekend. The zoo says, to make sure that everyone has a safe and happy visit, they've added a number of new safety precautions and restrictions.

Those precautions include:

• Visitors are asked to follow a one-way path through each aquarium.
• Safe social distancing and mask use are both required.
• Several crowded or high-touch areas have been closed, including Stingray Cove and the Tidal Touch Zone.
• Visitor capacity has been capped at 25 percent.

To reduce congestion, visitors will need to buy a timed ticket ahead of their visit. The zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Mondays — the last tickets allow entry at 3 p.m. Stores will also no longer be accepting cash for in-zoo purchases.

Despite the restrictions, Point Defiance says they're doing everything they can to continue offering a traditional aquarium visit: there will still be unscheduled shows like staff dives, talks and fish feedings that visitors can enjoy during their tour.

The zoos two aquariums offer very different experiences. The Pacific Seas Aquarium contains marine animals from across the Pacific Ocean, like green sea turtles, Hammerhead sharks, and eagle rays. Meanwhile, the South Pacific Aquarium contains several large warm water sharks, tropical fish and even a moray eel.

Learn more at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's website.