“We have an area that is great for making up-close connections but is outdated and in need of major upgrades,” explains Dr. Luis Neves, Senior Director of Animal Care at Woodland Park Zoo. Those upgrades are underway and, beginning in the summer of 2026, zoogoers will be able to experience an array of very different up-close and hands-on experiences in a space the
zoo is renaming Wild Encounters.

The extensive transformation will include habitats for Aldabra giant tortoises, arboreal lorikeets and lories, and there are plans for additional species to be introduced in the future. The zoo’s existing herd of lively and popular goats will remain but will move into a refreshed area within Wild Encounters.

(Image: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo)

The first of the new species to be viewable to the public this year will be two Aldabra giant tortoises, one of the world’s largest land tortoises. The female pair were rescued with the help of longtime friends of the zoo, Madeline and Geoff Haydon. “We were happy to facilitate this rescue and give them the opportunity to become ambassador animals for Woodland Park Zoo where they can encourage curiosity, compassion, and respect for wildlife (…)” says Madeline Haydon.

Fostering curiosity, compassion, and respect for wildlife will be key aspects of all the visitor experiences within Wild Encounters. Programing by the zoo’s animal keepers will focus on bringing guests closer than ever to a variety of ambassador species and keepers will share their expertise on diet, behavior, and will allow guests to practice caring for individual animals.

(Image: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo)

And, coming next spring, Lorikeet Landing will be a paid experience to get up close with the brilliantly feathered, medium-sized parrots native to the Indo-Pacific region. Inside the aviary, visitors will be allowed to feed these colorful birds and view other bird species such as ground-dwelling pigeons and kookaburras.

For more information about Wild Encounters, future developments, and to contribute to the zoo’s fundraising efforts, visit Woodland Park Zoo – Wild Encounters.

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The once-busy 7,000-square-foot roadside menagerie in Monroe first announced its closure last October. Zoo owner Isaac Petersen said then that the attraction suffered during the pandemic and has since been burdened by rising costs. The October media coverage drew visitors to the zoo on Highway 2, leading to a brief comeback that ends this week.

Will there be another return? Very unlikely. There’s no turning back when you rehome the many (130 currently) reptiles that drew in tens of thousands of visitors over 30 years.

Did you know Crested Geckos use their tongues to clean their eyes? (Image courtesy The Reptile Zoo)

Off They Crawl

According to news reports, most of the zoo’s creatures have already been adopted and will head out to their new homes starting next Tuesday, February 17. Reptile rehoming to other zoos or places with the knowledge and equipment to care for them will continue through Feb. 28, said Isaac Peterson, zoo owner and son of zoo founder Scott Petersen, a zoologist, educator, and author.

As of Wednesday, February 11, a few reptiles were still in need of adoption, including an Amazon Tree Boa, several alligators and crocodiles, a host of venomous snakes, and others. See the list on The Reptile Zoo website. Isaac was clear last fall that all the animals in the zoo would be placed in vetted, appropriate care should the zoo close permanently:

“I’m not going to be dumping any animals,” he told Seattle’s Child. “If I don’t feel like you’re going to be able to house the animal or I don’t think you can do it in a safe way, I’m not going to sell or adopt an animal out if you’re going to get your arm bitten off.”

Scott Peterson, aka ‘The Reptile Man,” showing animals in a school (Image courtesy The Reptile Zoo)

The Reptile Man Plays On

The zoo’s closure does not mean the end of Scott Petersen’s popular reptile shows, however.

The family keeps several reptiles used in public educational performances separate from the zoo’s collection. Scott and his family will continue to offer mobile zoo shows in schools, libraries, and at other locations. In fact, the Reptile Man website touts the shows as “Washington’s #1 school assembly.”

They’ve certainly done enough of them: The Reptile Man has visited more than 800 schools and performed at events throughout the region. Scott Peterson was once featured on “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”  You can still book a show on The Reptile Man website.

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Check out the new cats in their special den:

Both cubs are girls, born to first-time parents Ilanga (ee-LONG-uh) and Tandie. For now, mom and babies are tucked away in a cozy, quiet maternity den, bonding and settling in. The cubs will stay off view until they’re a bit sturdier on their paws and Seattle’s temperatures reliably hover at 50 degrees or warmer.

“As a first-time mother, Ilanga so far is doing a terrific job and is resting and bonding with the cubs,” said Martin Ramirez, curator of mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo. Animal care staff and veterinarians will be keeping a close eye on the little family in the weeks ahead to be sure everyone is thriving.

Lion litters typically include two to three cubs, Ramirez noted — making this pair right on track. At birth, cubs weigh just 2.2 to 3.5 pounds and arrive into the world blind, opening their eyes within a week or two.

Mom, Ilanga, and Dad, Tandie, are pretty proud. (Image: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren / Woodland Park Zoo

The new cubs also carry a meaningful family legacy. They represent the third generation to call Woodland Park Zoo’s lion habitat home. Their grandfather, Xerxes, was a familiar favorite at the zoo before his death in 2022.

“We are very excited about the birth of these lions, especially since they are the grandchildren of Xerxes,” Ramirez said. “It’s a big win for the Lion Species Survival Plan gene pool, and we’re looking forward to establishing a new pride here.”

Woodland Park Zoo’s lions are part of the South African subspecies, Panthera leo krugeri — also known as the Transvaal lion. Native to the grassy plains, savannas and open woodlands of southern Africa, these powerful cats can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are also considered a vulnerable species, making the arrival of two healthy cubs not just adorable, but important.

For now, Seattle families will have to wait a bit to meet the newest zoo stars — but the roar of good news is already echoing through the park.

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Not so at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the 723-acre wildlife park in Eatonville, about an hour east of Seattle. In January, February, and March of 2026, the park will host twelve Dog Days, during which families and their dogs can explore the park together.

“Dogs are typically kept away from wildlife for good reason,” says Tessa Miller, NW Trek’s spokesperson, “but our new dog-friendly days were created very intentionally with animal wellbeing for both the wildlife park’s animals and visiting dogs.”

Having fun at NW Trek on Dog Day (Katie G. Cotterill / Northwest Trek Wildlife Park)

Event days are carefully planned with all animal welfare in mind, Miller says.

“The animals in our care live in habitats that are safely distanced from guest pathways, and our staff and animal care team thoughtfully planned this program to ensure there’s no stress or risk to the wildlife.”

During Dog Days, park visitors are invited to wander dog-friendly forest trails, gobble up a pup cup, and participate in activities designed for dogs and their humans. Any guest aged 18 or older may bring one leashed, well-behaved dog. Canines won’t be allowed on park trams, but are welcome on 400-plus-acre Dog Days Wild Drives. During a drive, you and your pet will see free-roaming animals like bison, moose, mountain goats, and more, all from the comfort of your own car.

Miller points out that the park has a lot to offer visiting pet dogs.

“Dog Days gives dogs a chance to enjoy new sights and smells in a safe, outdoor setting. It’s great mental and physical enrichment for them,” she says.

The park also recognizes that many families consider their dog a member of the family pack. In that sense, Dog Days make for a truly full family outing. “It’s a fun, low-stress way for people and their dogs to explore nature together,” says Miller.

A word of warning for heavy barkers: Park staff may ask dogs that show aggression, excessively bark, or who cause distress to animals or other guests to head for the exit.

A family’s best friend watched an otter (Katie G. Cotterill / Northwest Trek Wildlife Park)

The Details

Dates: January 4, 10, 19, 30; February 7, 15, 21, 27; March 6, 13, 22, 28

Visiting hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Adults (13-64) $25 online, youth(3-12)  $17, Seniors (65+) $23. $20 for one dog. A Dog Days Wild Drive ticket covers admission for up to eight humans and one dog in a vehicle. Starting Jan. 5, the non-member drive ticket is $120.

Register required: Each guest aged 18+ may bring one leashed, well-behaved dog. All dogs must be registered in advance with either an online Dog Days ticket or a Dog Days Wild Drive purchase. You’ll be asked to sign a waiver after purchasing your dog’s ticket. All dogs must be well-behaved, up to date on vaccinations, and kept on a non-retractable leash no longer than six feet. No walk-up dog admissions.

First, read the FAQs: To learn the rules of Dog Days, go to the NW Trek Dog Days webpage.

​

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Sebastian and Pintar arrived at Point Defiance Zoo in spring 2025 as part of PDZA’s commitment to Species Survival Plan conservation efforts. These very social and vocal otters are the smallest of the world’s 13 otter species and are native to southern India, China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Parents in this species watch their little ones carefully, helping them to regulate body temperature for the first weeks after birth.

“As is typical for the species, the new parents are extremely protective and territorial during the early weeks of pup-rearing,” said sTelena Welsh, curator of PDZA’s Asian Forest Sanctuary, where the new family (called a “romp” or a “raft”) resides.

Fun facts to share with kids

Asian small-clawed otters use at least a dozen distinct calls, along with touch and scent, to communicate. Here’s a little about pup development:

• Eyes: Begin opening between days 17–28; fully open around day 45
• Teeth: First teeth emerge around day 20; canines by approximately day 91
• Thermoregulation: Begins to self-regulate body temperature by about day 38
• Movement: First independent movement between days 39–50
• Coat: Born grayish, darkening by 6–7 weeks
• Diet: Begins showing interest in solid food around 7–8 weeks

For now, this romp will remain out of sight for zoo visitors. But when the pup is more mobile and the weather improves, get ready to “Ooooo and ahhhh”.

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“We’re celebrating a major global conservation milestone,” said zoo spokesperson Tessa Miller in an email “Jelly represents a significant step forward for conservation teams working to restore endangered zebra shark populations in their native waters.”

A peek inside a zebra shark gestation pod (Katie G. Cotterill/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium)

Jelly, a female shark, came from the seven zebra shark eggs produced at the Tacoma zoo. The eggs were sent 7,000 miles across the glob to the Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC) nursery in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, as part the ReShark global conservation’s StAR Project to restore wild shark populations. She arrived at 9.8 inches long, 3.5 inches in girth, and 2.5 ounces in weight—that’s about how much a slice of bread weighs, according to the zoo.

Jelly, the just-hatched female zebra shark (Image: Mardia Sultan – RARCC/ReShark)

Jelly will be reared by “shark nannies” with minimal human conditioning, then when she’s mature she’ll be tagged for post-release monitoring and released into Raja Ampat’s protected ocean habitat. Long-term monitoring is critical to process of rebuilding endangered zebra shark populations throughout their native Indo-Pacific range.

PDZA announced it had successfully produced seven genetically valuable zebra shark eggs destined for rewilding in September.

According to PDZA officials the embryos laid by Peanut and fertilized by Butter, “are heterozygous—carrying the genetic diversity necessary to support long-term species recovery.

“This is conservation in action,” said Chris Spaulding, PDZA aquarium curator. “To see pups from our adult sharks in Tacoma hatching in Indonesia and preparing for a life in the wild is extraordinary. It shows the powerful, real-world impact of global collaboration.” Learn how the StAR Program with help of organizations of PDZA, are scaling up zebra shark population rebuilding:

Zebra sharks, listed as Endangered on the 2024 IUCN Red List, have disappeared from large portions of their historic range due to overfishing and habitat loss.

When Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium reopened its renovated Tropical Reef Aquarium in 2024, it expanded its zebra shark population specifically to support ReShark global recovery work. Learn about PDZA’s shark conservation efforts online.

Check out Jelly’s first experiencing eating after her emergence from her pod with video from the RARCC:

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With their rolling antics, hilarious grooming, and whip-fast dive-and-swims, rescued sea otters are a draw at zoos and aquariums across the country. But when 45-pound Ruby recently arrived at the Seattle Aquarium from Monterey Bay Aquarium, she came with special honor: Ruby is the Seattle Aquarium’s first southern sea otter.

The aquarium isn’t new to sea otters, however. In fact, it has done research on helping recover and care for northern sea otters unable to live in the wild for nearly 30 years. Ruby is simply an expansion of the organization’s commitment to sea otter recovery. Northern sea otters are found in waters from Washington to British Columbia to Alaska, while southern sea otters hail from California.

“We are so excited for everyone to meet Ruby,” Veronica Seawall, Seattle Aquarium curator of birds and mammals, said in a news release. “We’ve been working very closely with the team at Monterey Bay Aquarium for several months to ensure her move to Seattle is a smooth transition.”

Check out the otters’ live webcam below:

After being found stranded, 1-day-old pup Ruby was rescued. She weighed just 1.9 pounds at the time. She grew and was nurtured in the California aquarium’s surrogacy program. Unfortunately, she became dependent on humans for food and is unable to survive in the wild after several attempts.

Here in Seattle, Ruby will room with northern sea otters Mishka and Sekiu, who are both slightly larger than Ruby at 50 and 53 pounds, respectively. Despite their differences in weight and origin, Seawall said northern and southern sea otters “happily cohabitate in zoos and aquariums as their care needs are the same.”

You can visit Ruby and her new otter friends any day the Seattle Aquarium is open.

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(Image: Jordan Veasley)

The cubs were born at the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas, and are now permanent residents of the Issaquah zoo. The cubs, two females and one male,  are two months old.

“This is an incredibly special moment for our zoo community,” said zoo Director Jarod Munzer in a release this week. “Welcoming these young lions allows us to share their story and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect their wild counterparts.”

A vulnerable species

Making a home for the cubs is part of Cougar Mountain Zoo’s commitment to species survival and education. African lions were once widespread across much of the continent. Today, however, African lions face significant population declines due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey populations.

African lion numbers have plummeted by more than 40% in the past three decades, with some populations now considered critically endangered. Cougar Mountain Zoo officials hope that immersive educational experiences with the lions will inspire visitors to support global conservation initiatives. For now, visitors will be able to see the cubs in their specially designed nursery habitat, with opportunities to learn more about lion behavior, ecology, and conservation challenges during scheduled keeper talks and programs.

Lion facts

According to WWF International:

• Nearly all wild lions live in Africa. However, one small population exists in western India elsewhere.
• Adult male lions are heavy. They weigh, on average, about 419 pounds for males and about 278 pounds for females.
• They start off spotty. Young lions have rosettes and spots on their sandy-colored coats, but these generally disappear as they mature.
• Most male lions grow impressive manes the older they get, but not all males have them. ‘Maneless’ male lions are common in parts of Africa.
• Lion cubs are raised together. A “pride” or group of lions usually includes related females and their cubs, plus a male or a small group of males who defend their pride. The lionesses rear their cubs together, and the cubs receive milk from any female.
• Adult lions eat a lot. They can eat up to 88 pounds of meat in a single meal. Their tongues have sharp-pointed “papillae” which they use to scrape meat off the bones.
• Lions primarily hunt at night. Their eyes adapt to the dark, giving them a significant advantage over their prey.
• Lions are the only known cats that roar together. Even cubs join in with their mews. The calling sequence usually lasts about 40 seconds.
• There are likely only about 23,000 lions left in the wild, and they have disappeared from over 90% of their historical range.

(Image: Jordan Veasley)

A special habitat

For now, visitors will be able to see the cubs in their specially designed nursery habitat, with opportunities to learn more about lion behavior, ecology, and conservation challenges during scheduled keeper talks and programs.

“We hope that watching these cubs grow and mature will spark a lifelong passion for wildlife,” added Munzer. “Every visit supports conservation work here at home and around the world.”

For more information about Cougar Mountain Zoo’s conservation work, please visit cougarmountainzoo.org.

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How about sharing the hilarious news with your kids while they stand in front of the African crested porcupines that now live at Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ)? At that point, you might add that the African crested porcupine is one of the world’s biggest rodents!

Fom Neglect Case to New Home

The porcupines, which are currently staying in the zoo’s old hippo habitat, were brought to WPZ after being seized as part of a suspected animal neglect case in Oregon. The case is ongoing.

Since their arrival in May, the prickle has grown. A pair of porcupettes (baby porcupines) was born on July 24.

“While performing a morning routine for the porcupines, including checking on, feeding, and cleaning the den, a member of the animal care team came upon the two baby porcupines,” Martin Ramirez, a Mammal Curator at Woodland Park Zoo, said in a release. “It was a nice surprise to discover little, soft quills moving about.”

These African crested porcupines are part of Woodland Park Zoo’s growing “prickle.”
(Image: Woodland Park Zoo)

Where to See the Prickle at WPZ

Adults in the prickle can be seen in the renovated habitat while the babies’ parents care for their young out of the public’s eyes.

Woodland Park Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and works alongside a coalition of more than 90 partners to reduce, and hopefully eventually eliminate, the illegal trade of wildlife.

Cool Porcupine Facts

• The body of an African crested porcupine is covered with coarse, sharp quills that range from 1 to 13 inches long.
• African crested porcupine adults can be 30 to 35 inches long and weigh more than 60 pounds.
• When threatened, the species will stamp their feet and make a rattling sound with their quills — warning the offender to back off.

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Farrel-McWhirter Farm, Redmond

• Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Location: 19545 NE Redmond Rd, Redmond
• Contact: 425-556-2300
• Cost: Free
• Animals: A cow, rabbits, pigs, goats, chickens, a donkey, ducks, sheep and ponies. Note: This is not a petting zoo, and the animals are there for observation!

Home to farm animals, nature trails, and a preschool that Old MacDonald himself would approve of, this Redmond park is a great bet for free farm fun. Your children will love exploring the 68-acres of grassy lawn, quiet nature trails, and the animal farm. Visit Lily, one of the resident goats, and say hello to Sunny, the 600-lb sow. Pack a lunch and chow down near the climbing tree or, if it’s raining, head to the sheltered picnic tables. Got a cowboy or cowgirl in the making? Check out the farm’s riding school (geared for ages 3 and up) or their farm school programs for kids 3 to 12 years old, where they can learn about agriculture. 

Rosie the cow napping in the field (Image courtesy: Farrel McWhirter Farm)

Kelsey Creek Farm Park, Bellevue

• Hours: Barnyard open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, animal viewing until 3 p.m.
• Location: 410 130 Pl SE, Bellevue
• Contact: 425-452-7688
• Cost: Free (fees apply for farm classes and camps)
• Animals: Pigs, goats, cows, horses, sheep, bunnies, chickens (temporary suspension). In the spring, piglets, calves, and baby goats! 

Who knew that you could find a charming 1930s working farm in the heart of Bellevue? Kelsey Creek Farm Park is a glimpse into old-fashioned country life, and a surefire hit with tots. Visit pigs, goats, sheep, and bunnies, play in the oversized sandbox, explore nature trails, and make a playground pit-stop on your way out. Note: Interaction with the chickens and birds are limited due to avian flu.

Visit Kelsey Creek Farm every day and view their farm animals. (Image courtesy Kelsey Creek Farm)

Enchanted Farms, Duvall

• Hours: Vary by activity, check website for availability
• Location: 31620 NE 129th ST, Duvall, WA
• Contact: 425-287-5860
• Cost: $18-$21.50 for farm tours, $40 per person for picnic with alpacas. Tickets here.
• Animals: Alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits and their newest addition… mini donkeys!

Visit this farm for an immersive one hour farm experience, where families can meet and interact with their friendly animals and hands on encounters. You can feed and pet alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits and their newest addition… mini donkeys! The alpaca tours include feeding and petting all the other animals as well.

 

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Flower World, Snohomish

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
• Location: 9322 196th Street SE, Snohomish
• Contact: 425-481-7565
• Cost: Free (except for what you buy!)
• Animals: Sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, and many baby lambs

This Snohomish gem features more than just flowers. A perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon or a Mother’s Day outing, Flower World is a 15-acre oasis of rolling lawns and roaming roosters, duck ponds, foliage and farm animals. Wander through the rows of gorgeous blooms, veggie starts, and fruit trees. You may even encounter a turtle or two in the tiny nursery ponds. Cross the road and head to the Maltby Produce Market for a selection of locally grown fruit and veggies, fresh eggs, apple cider, and dried fruit snack packs — perfect for a post-park pick-me-up. Visit the farm and say hello to resident sheep, lambs, goats and peacocks. 

Visit this garden center and see some animals including sheep, goats and more! (Image courtesy Flower World)

Family Farm at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle

• Hours: Contact Area will open in the summer. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting May 1, 2025
• Location: N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N. or N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave
• Contact: (206) 548-2500
• Cost: Included with zoo admission
• Animals: Goats, pigs, rabbits, donkeys and chickens

Goats, cows and sheep can be just as exciting as their more exotic Woodland Park Zoo neighbors, and most kiddos will jump at the chance to pet a goat or two in the Contact Area. Other Family Farm activities include petting sheep, donkeys, bunnies and chickens, and getting some playtime in at the toddler-geared, farmer-inspired play area. 

Pet a selection of domestic farm animals and learn more about them in supervised areas at Woodland Park Zoo’s Family Farm. (Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo)

The Red Barn Farm, Redmond

• Hours: Hours vary by activity, check website for more info
• Location: 5703 208th Ave. NE Redmond 98053
• Contact: Visit website for more details. Call 425-440-0033.
• Cost: $10/each person. $5/feed bag. $7.50 meet the baby goats. Under 2 is free.
• Animals: Pigs, geese, chickens, goats, miniature horses, cows, and bunnies (feed may be purchased in the farm store)

A farm with everything! From farm tours to special events to a CSA, to a venue perfect for family reunions, weddings, and more, The Red Barn Farm is a wonderful place to explore with your little farmers in tow. Spring season means cuddling with goats, walking with chickens, and getting friendly with the geese. Feed bunnies, pigs, and small horses too!

Don’t forget to visit the historic red barn on the farm and learn about the history of the restored structure.

Need eggs? The farm has over 150 chickens laying. Restock with a fresh dozen from the store. Buy local honey, dried flowers, and farm memorabilia while chatting with Chelsea, the friendly farmer and owner, as you check out. The kids got to see a natural honeycomb inside the store, too — there’s no telling what other cool things you’ll find! The farm also hosts seasonal events and family activities like an egg hunt, tulip, and fall festivals. They sell out quickly, so get on their newsletter list for your first chance to book tickets.

Note: Cuddle sessions with the animals happen at various times of the year. Hours to visit the animals is Wednesday-Saturday. Saturday only starting in May. Book your visit online.

Two kids peek out from the goat stable ready to be picked up and snuggled at The Red Barn Farm. (Image courtesy The Red Barn Farm)

Debbie Dolittle’s Indoor Petting Zoo, Tacoma

Beat the rain and check out this year-round indoor petting zoo where tots can visit with a range of cuties, from rabbits to wallabies! This spot specializes in miniature animals, so expect to see miniature pigs, dwarf goats, mini horses, and lots of babies! Ride a pony or a donkey, but keep your goldfish crackers to yourself — no food or drinks allowed in the petting area. 

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday-Monday. Animal encounters are Thursday- Monday at the outdoor farm.
• Location: 120 138th St. South, Suite C, Tacoma
• Contact: 253-539-5011
• Cost: $15 per person; under age 2 free. Animal encounter cost extra.
• Animals: Wallabies, rabbits, cockatiels, budgies, miniature pigs, piglets, dwarf goats, kids goats, lambs, zebu calf, mini chickens, mini horse, mini donkey and ponies.

 

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Pasado’s Safe Haven, Further Afield

Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this 85-acre property offers a unique experience. Named after the neglect and abuse of a donkey named Pasado, the sanctuary is a haven for animals of all kinds.

Take a guided tour and learn about Pasado’s mission to rescue abandoned and neglected animals. Get the chance to meet with donkeys (ambassadors of the farm), goats, sheep, chickens, cows, dogs and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about each animal’s rescue story and have a chance to feed, pet, and observe the animals in their habitat.

If you’re feeling inspired by Pasado’s Safe Haven mission, donate and sponsor an animal of your own. You’ll receive an email and a photo that tells you more about your animal’s story and personality. All donations help purchase nutritious foods, medical care, and plenty of love for the animal.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Closed on Sunday.
• Location: Please contact the Sanctuary for location details
• Contact: Register in advance for a tour
• Cost: $25/per adult, $18 per child (4-12), under 4 free
• Animals: Donkeys, horses, cows, pigs, llamas, chickens, dogs

Pet one of two ambassador donkeys at Pasado’s Safe Haven. (Image courtesy Pasado’s Safe Haven)

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, Renton

Be sure to head to Sammamish Animal Sanctuary where kids can cuddle up with cute animals including cows, bunnies, goats, horses, sheep and more. Many of these animals are known from the Rescue Series books written by Diane Odegard Gockel. It is free to visit the farm but only by reservation only. The sanctuary is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday (only pre-arranged field trips can be accommodated on Mondays).

Bonus: You can now sign up for goat yoga, held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. During this visit, you and the family can practice yoga with goats ($25 per person, and only kids 12 and older can participate).

• Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (reservation only)
• Location: 16515 SE May Valley Rd, Renton, 98059
• Contact: (425) 877- 9002
• Cost: Free, reservation required
• Animals: Alpaca, goats, mini horses, mini donkeys, horses, Llama, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks

 

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Old McDebbies Farm and Jim’s U Fish, Spanaway

At this family farm, there is something for everyone! Kids can fish for rainbow trout, walk the I-Spy trail, discover the musical forest and go on a wildlife scavenger hunt. The owners invite families to visit and feed the animals. They have a variety of animals including goats, pigs ponies and more!

• Hours: Open hours vary by season
• Location: 4924 268th St E, Spanaway, 98387
• Cost: $14 admission for ages 8 and up, $12 admission for ages 3-17, free for ages 2 and under. Extras include $6 for each fish caught; bring your own fishing gear or rent on site. $4 for a veggie bucket to feed the animals.
• Contact: (253) 875-0356
• Animals: Goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, alpacas, zebra, emus, camels, kangaroos, wallabies and more!

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