Planning Underway for Future Zoo Projects

Planning is underway for a new Pacific Rim Aquarium and renovations to the Rocky Shores and polar bear exhibits at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

In addition, the zoo is collaborating with Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute on plans for a new Environmental Learning Center on zoo grounds. The building will include instructional space for SAMI and zoo education programs.

“It’s an exciting time at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium,” said Gary Geddes, director of the Zoological and Environmental Education Division of Metro Parks Tacoma. “Thanks to the voters of Tacoma, we’re able to plan for a new aquarium that continues our ties to Puget Sound and the Pacific Rim and strengthens our conservation commitment.”

Two sites on zoo grounds are under consideration for the new Pacific Rim Aquarium, which will replace the deteriorating, half-century-old North Pacific Aquarium Geddes said.

Arctic Tundra, home of the polar bear exhibit, will be renovated to meet rising international standards and expanded with the goal of the zoo acquiring additional polar bears in the future. Visitors can expect more up-close viewing experiences.

Rocky Shores work will include renovation of spaces that have deteriorated due to saltwater and heavy use and upgrades to animal life-support systems. The renovation is being designed with expanded visitor viewing opportunities in mind. Rocky Shores is home to walruses, harbor seals, sea otters and tufted puffins.

The Pacific Rim Aquarium, Rocky Shores and polar bear exhibit work will be done with $65.4 million approved by voters as part of the 2014 Metro Parks Tacoma Parks and Zoo Bond.

In a separate project, the zoo and Tacoma Public Schools are working together on an Environmental Learning Center to serve SAMI students and staff, as well as zoo visitors and staff. The two-story shared-use building, to be constructed with school district bond funds, would serve a range of classroom needs from the high school students who attend SAMI to the littlest learners in the zoo’s early education programs. It also would replace portable buildings now used by zoo education staff and volunteers.

A pedestrian bridge over the roadway would provide safe access from indoor classrooms to the outdoor learning spaces of Point Defiance Park, where lessons in the environment literally come alive.

SAMI has operated in the park since the high school’s inception six years ago.

“Our partnership with SAMI is a wonderful example of a shared vision and commitment to the environment,” Geddes said.

“All of this is important work for the zoo and our community partners,” Geddes said. “We’re eager to move forward on exhibits and facilities that will continue our legacy of first-class environmental education and conservation of the earth’s precious animals for generations to come.”

For more information, go to www.pdza.org/capitalprojects.