Overview
Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, the Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre zoological garden known for creating realistic, immersive bioclimatic habitats for its animals. It is globally recognized for its conservation and education efforts.
Highlights
- African Savanna: See elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions in an award-winning naturalistic setting.
- Trail of Vines: An immersive Asian tropical forest exhibit featuring orangutans and tapirs.
- Northern Trail: Showcases the rugged landscape and animals of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, including grizzly bears.
History
The zoo dates back to 1899 when the city acquired the land from developer Guy Phinney. It evolved over the decades into an pioneer of naturalistic zoo exhibits.
Visitor Tips
- Weather: Dress appropriately; Seattle weather can change quickly and the zoo is primarily outdoors.
- Walking: Wear comfortable shoes as the park covers a large area over hilly terrain.
- Duration: 3–4 hours.