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Winter Wildland

Northwest Trek offers family and animal fun during annual event

A raccoon investigates the natural goodies placed in an evergreen wreath as an enrichment. Photo credit: Ingrid Barrentine/Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

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It is a very special holiday indeed for the resident animals at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.

Park staffers will provide the animals special holiday-themed treats and activities during the annual "Winter Willdand" winter break event Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.  

While great fun is planned for the animals,  here's what's even better for their human counterparts: Visitors will have an up-close-and-personal opportunity to watch the animals enjoy their treats as well as adventures and playtime in this terrific holiday tradition held at an iconic and beloved Northwest wildlife park.

This family-friendly event is just one of many enriching activities planned for the Winter Wildland event.  On both days, animals throughout the park will enjoy winter-themed "enrichments" such as fruit cut into seasonal shapes, evergreen trees decorated with treats, and "ice piles" and "snowmen" to play with and explore.

  • 11:30 am - See a Trailside Encounter animal up close as it enjoys a marshmallowy pinecone
  • 1:00 pm - Wetlands critters will get special treats prepared by their keepers
  • 1:30 pm - See a Trailside Encounter animal up close as it enjoys a marshmallowy pinecone
  • 2:00 pm - Watch a bobcat enjoy a special treat
  • 2:00 pm - Watch wolves (Thursday) or a cougar (Friday) devour holiday treats

Raccoons, Canada lynx, wolves, and other native Northwest animals will be featured at this event.

All Winter Wildland activities are free with the price of admission.

Park patrons can also enjoy a narrated Discovery Tram Tour while visiting the park. Heated trams depart regularly to tour the park's 435-acre free-roaming area, which is home to herds of American bison, Roosevelt elk, bighorn sheep and moose (including a new moose calf named Willow).

Northwest Trek is a 725-acre zoological park dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting and researching Northwest wildlife and natural habitats. The park, a facility of Metro Parks Tacoma, has been in operation for 40 years.

Northwest Trek is located at 11610 Trek Drive East in Eatonville (about a 35-mile drive southeast of Tacoma off State Highway 161). Hours for the Winter Wildland event 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Military, Pierce County resident, group and membership admission discounts are available. To view all rates and discounts, visit nwtrek.org/hours-prices.

Parking is ample and free. A gift shop, locker rentals, on-site dining, stroller and wheelchair rentals are also available.

Be sure to visit nwtrek.org to learn more about the park, other special events and opportunities, and helpful tips to know before you go so you can enjoy your visit.

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