Point Defiance AAZK

06/12/2026

Join DFC for our first ever partnership event with The Coaster in Puyallup!

On June 17th from 6pm to 9pm a dollar of every Sea Shells cocktail and flight will be donated to support our beautiful Washington coast through Washington CoastSavers . We can't wait to see you there!

06/08/2026

It's time to register for our 2026 Owl Together Now fundraising run!

When? Saturday, July 25th, 2026 from 6:30-9 pm at Point Defiance Park, with both 3-mile and 1-Mile options! The routes are stroller and family friendly.

We're also thrilled to continue our partnership with Parks Tacoma and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium! This evening event will take place at Point Defiance Park, racing through 5-mile drive and finishing up the last bit of the course through the Point Defiance Zoo.

A portion of the proceeds from Owl Together Now go to the Point Defiance AAZK General Fund to support animal and habitat conservation, professional development for keepers and support staff, our impending 2026 national conference (!) and help finance other AAZK events.

Can't make it? Support us by buying this year's Owl Together Now swag!

To register or purchase swag follow the links in our linktree!

https://linktr.ee/pointdefianceaazk

05/30/2026

We're excited to announce our Travel & Treasures Auction! The auction will run through Sunday, May 31st. All proceeds from this auction will go towards supporting the 2026 AAZK National Conference.

The “Treasures” part of our auction has some special prints from PDZA animals, as well as a few other art gems and some vintage zoo patches for the history buffs out there.

The “Travel” part has photo safari packages to the Zulu Nyala Game Reserve in South Africa. These packages are for two people and are being offered at a “buy it now” price of $3500 but have a market value of about $7,995 – you will not find a better value on an African safari!

View the full roster of items (more will be added throughout the next week) and start bidding check out the link below!

https://www.32auctions.com/54000526

05/21/2026

We're happy to announce that the annual Bowling for Rhinos pin decorating contest will be back again . . . with a few fun new twists! This year we will be timing the pin decorating contest to coincide with hosting the 51st Annual National AAZK conference right here in Tacoma this September. We figured this fundraiser (and everyone’s art) is way too cool to keep all to ourselves, so why not share it with American Association of Zoo Keepers members from all over the country!

Also new this year – an opportunity to “sponsor” a pin! Want to help save rhinos but feel like you don’t have an artistic bone in your body? That’s probably not true, but you can choose to purchase a pin and we’ll work to match it with a willing person who can provide the artistic flair.

Decorated pins will be displayed at the AAZK conference so that attendees can participate in voting for their favorites, and any pins not requested to be returned to the artists will be included in the AAZK conference auction to raise funds that support our local AAZK chapter.

Let’s get this contest rollin’ . . . and make 2026 a pin-sanely good fundraising year for rhino conservation! Follow the link below to register for your pin. Registration closes June 15th!

https://tr.ee/4VWR9dmuGk

05/17/2026

Hello Pet Pageant Fans! After much debate your AAZK Officers have chosen our Judge's Choice winner...Congratulations Finnley!

And thank you to everyone who entered, voted, and shared our photo contest, we love getting to see all your amazing criiters.

05/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who entered, voted, liked and shared our Pet Pageant Photo Contest. We were able to raise $1059.00 (before fees) and that money is going to help us put on an awesome National AAZK Conference this September in Tacoma, Washington.

Congratulations to our winners Clover, Ollie and Belle! Judge's Choice will be announced soon.

05/02/2026

With about 12 hours left to vote, the race is really close! Please vote for your favorites and help us reach our goal. Thanks!

Show your support for Point Defiance American Association of Zoo Keepers by voting for Texas Chainsaw Meowssacre in Point Defiance AAZK 2026 PET PAGEANT "Springtime Fun!"

05/01/2026

Keep those votes coming and remember funds raised go towards the 2026 National AAZK Conference in Tacoma, Washington this September!

Show your support for Point Defiance American Association of Zoo Keepers by voting for Gus in Point Defiance AAZK 2026 PET PAGEANT "Springtime Fun!"

04/27/2026

Hey Y'all! Just under a week left to enter your pets (free) and vote for your favorites. Check out this cutie whose currently in first place!

Show your support for Point Defiance American Association of Zoo Keepers by voting for Ollie in Point Defiance AAZK 2026 PET PAGEANT "Springtime Fun!"

01/30/2026

It's Friday and we hope that your weekend is as spectacular as this tufted puffin's baby tufts. Enjoy.