Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications Photo by Adam Hunter, LMN Architects Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren | Woodland Park Zoo Through a treetop path, across a forest landscape, and inside an all-seasons pavilion, the all-new Forest Trailhead exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo will bring to life every animal’s and human being’s connection to forests. In honor of World Wildlife Day today, the zoo is proud to announce that the 12,000-square-foot building and 1-acre grounds dedicated to the global movement for forest conservation will open on Friday, May 1, 2026.  Forests are home to the greatest diversity of wildlife on land, enriching the planet with species that Earth can’t afford to lose. The interactive, multi-sensory exhibit will be home to tree kangaroos, red panda, kea parrots, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. LMN Architects and Sellen Construction were the design team and general contractor, respectively. Bordering the zoo’s West Plaza entry, Forest Trailhead...

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications Photos: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo 1-year-old female sloth bear Bowie is behind the scenes for several weeks, recovering from surgery to repair a broken bone. Bowie, a 1-year-old, female sloth bear at Woodland Park Zoo, is recovering from surgery to repair a fractured femur in her right thigh. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Duane Robinson and his surgical team joined the zoo’s animal health staff on Sunday to help the bear. Bowie is recovering from surgery in the quiet, off-view den where the animal keepers can monitor her closely while she heals. She and her mom, Kushali, who continues to be with her daughter during recovery, will be off view for six to eight weeks. Bowie and her attentive mom, Kushali, are together in a quiet behind the scenes den where our animal care staff can monitor her while she heals. Fracture repair surgery is commonly known as open reduction and internal fixation. “Once the fracture was reduced with good alignment,...

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications Lorikeets and lories are brilliantly colored parrots that primarily eat pollen and nectar. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo Imagine ... a dazzling array of squawking lorikeets taking flight in search of nectar. Curious goats leaning in for a scratch. Aldabra giant tortoises walking slowly, steadily toward you. These unforgettable moments will come to life in Wild Encounters, where Woodland Park Zoo’s Family Farm will transform into a new and refreshed hub for up-close animal experiences for guests of all ages.  Phase one to open this summer. Located at the site of the current Family Farm, Wild Encounters will be designed around the concept, where everyone cares like a keeper. The space will be reimagined to give guests of all ages hands-on and up-close experiences with animals and animal care activities. “Our animal keepers are caretakers for wildlife, and everyone who feels a connection with animals can be inspired to care in t...

Posted by Craig Newberry, Communications Woodland Park Zoo is bursting with pride as it announces the birth of two South African lions—the first birth of lions at the zoo since 2014!  Scenes from the den cam where Ilanga is bonding with her cubs, Woodland Park Zoo. The zoo’s animal health team did a quick health assessment of the cubs and determined both cubs are female.  The cubs were born Wednesday, January 14 to first-time parents, mom Ilanga and dad Tandie. Mom and cubs are currently living in the off-view maternity den where the new family can bond in comfortable, quiet surroundings. The father remains separated from the cubs and mother until the cubs are older.  Photo by animal keeper Matthew Cline, Woodland Park Zoo Photo by animal keeper Matthew Cline, Woodland Park Zoo According to Martin Ramirez, Curator of Mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo, the average litter size for lions is two to three, so this is a typical litter. “As a first-time mother, Ilanga so far is doi...

Posted by Jeana Chaffin, Events, with Tianyu Every night during WildLanterns, Woodland Park Zoo's PACCAR Auditorium lights up with awe-inspiring acrobatic performances at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm. Audiences leave buzzing with whispers of “How did they do that?” thanks to four extraordinary Tianyu performers, who blend centuries-old traditions with modern showmanship! Here’s a closer look at the artists and the incredible acts they bring to the stage. Rolling Cylinder Acrobatics Performed by Zhang Jianguo (张建国) Imagine balancing on a metal cylinder… then stacking another on top… and another. Rolling Cylinder Acrobatics is a breathtaking blend of strength, control, and nerve. Perched atop swaying metal tubes, the performer moves through spins, jumps, and even handstands, all while maintaining perfect balance. This act has deep roots in ancient Chinese court performances, dating as far back as the Han Dynasty. Over the centuries, traditional balancing skills evolved into today’s slee...

Posted by Elizabeth Bacher, Communications    Photos: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo  December 9th is International Day of Veterinary Medicine—a day to honor the hard work of all veterinary professionals for the health and well-being of animals. From infancy through geriatric and comfort care, we have an amazing team of veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and animal keepers who all contribute to ensuring the animals in our care have everything they need to live their best lives. To mark the day, we spoke to one of the newer members of Woodland Park Zoo's Animal Health Team, Associate Veterinarian Dr. Laura St Clair, to find out more about her journey to working in veterinary medicine. Dr. St Clair always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian! Hi Dr. St Clair. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. When did you know that you wanted to be a veterinarian ... and what do you think was the motivation for that c...