Woodland Park Zoo
(206) 684-4800
5500 Phinney Ave N
(at N.E. Fifth St.)
Seattle,
WA
98103
47.6685
-122.3543
Neighborhoods: Northwest, Phinney Ridge
What People Are Saying About Woodland Park Zoo
The Owner
Woodland Park Zoo
Owner
Woodland Park Zoo encompasses 92 acres and features more than 1,090 individual animals representing nearly 300 species. The grounds are divided into what are known as bioclimatic zones, the unique habitats around the world, from tropical rain forests to the frigid climes of the Far North. The zoo provides a home for 35 endangered and five threatened animal species. The zoo?s botanical collection includes 7,000 trees and more than 50,000 shrubs and herbs representing more than 1,000 species. The city of Seattle has owned the zoo space since 1899, making it one of the region's oldest zoos. With about 36,000 member households, the zoo boasts the highest membership base among Puget Sound area attractions and museums. The zoo hosts private events as well, from barbecues for 5,000 in the North Meadow to weddings in the Woodland Park Rose Garden.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Woodland Park Zoo earned international bragging rights as the pioneer of naturalistic exhibits when it gave up barred cages in favor of award-winning realistic landscapes. Creatures are grouped together in ecosystem themes instead of species: Lions are found near African animals, while cougars are near other Northwest natives. Stroll along paths in a tropical rain forest--under a canopy of vines and coffee plants--for authentic views of the popular gorillas, poison frogs and other animals that inhabit these forests.
Photo by Chris Daniel
User Reviews
PoppaPat
August 23, 2008
It's not about "habitat"-- the landscaping is OUT OF CONTROL. You take your toddler, and tell her she's going to see lions, tigers, and bears! You have to hoist her onto your shoulders at every exhibit, and all she's going to see is shrubs, dead trees and bamboo... and she has to walk a long, long, way from one disappointment to the next. If you like to pat yourself on the back for being politically correct, have fun missing the animals. If you have small children, just skip it and go to the Seattle Aquarium instead.
read full reviewAnonymous
December 02, 2006
This is a great place to take your family for a good time. Kids love it but adults do too. I think it is the best zoo on the west coast. It has many animals to see.
read full review
jags999
November 20, 2006
This zoo has come a long way! They have an interesting variety of animals that seem well cared for. Try to catch the presentation on the hawks, eagles, etc. Very interesting. The nocturnal house is fun, just remember to shhhhhhhhhhhh! It's fun to go in the winter when it's not crowded and you can still see the animals. Don't forget some of the outerlying areas - great animals there too!
read full reviewThe Details on Woodland Park Zoo
When to Go:
Late June through August is the best time to see the most blooms. They continue blooming through October.
When to Go:
The Family Farm is popular with kids because they can touch goats, rabbits and sheep. Weather permitting, it's open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. During winter, it's open on weekends.
Pruning advice:
The Seattle Rose Society invites the public to an annual rose pruning demonstration on Sunday, February 25th, 12pm-4pm.
A garden wedding:
Reserve the Rose Garden for your special event by calling 206-233-7272.
For the dogs:
Dogs are allowed in the garden, but you are asked to keep them on a short leash.
Look Good:
Learn about the rest of the Woodland Park Zoo
Know Before You Go:
For something a little less buggy, explore the Woodland Park Rose Garden
The Extras:
After your visit to the dung beetle habitat, visit nearby Red Mill Burgers for burgers and onion rings. A bonus? Red Mill is a cell phone free zone.
The Extras:
"Overnight Adventures" are available for groups. Be sure to call for more info.
Fun Fact:
Hansa, the Asian elephant--born in November 2000--is still perhaps the zoo's most popular resident. An expansive jaguar habitat that opened in 2003 is another big attraction. There's just one cat at the moment, but bigger plans for the space are in the works.
Look Good:
Learn about the rest of the Woodland Park Zoo
Know Before You Go:
For something a little less buggy, explore the Woodland Park Rose Garden
The Extras:
After your visit to the dung beetle habitat, visit nearby Red Mill Burgers for burgers and onion rings. A bonus? Red Mill is a cell phone free zone.
When to Go:
Late June through August is the best time to see the most blooms. They continue blooming through October.
Pruning advice:
The Seattle Rose Society invites the public to an annual rose pruning demonstration on Sunday, February 25th, 12pm-4pm.
A garden wedding:
Reserve the Rose Garden for your special event by calling 206-233-7272.
For the dogs:
Dogs are allowed in the garden, but you are asked to keep them on a short leash.
Message from Woodland Park Zoo
- More than 1,000 animal species
- Private events
- Most popular zoo in region
Woodland Park Zoo encompasses 92 acres and features more than 1,090 individual animals representing nearly 300 species. The grounds are divided into what are known as bioclimatic zones, the unique habitats around the world, from tropical rain forests to the frigid climes of the Far North. The zoo provides a home for 35 endangered and five threatened animal species. The zoo?s botanical collection includes 7,000 trees and more than 50,000 shrubs and herbs representing more than 1,000 species. The city of Seattle has owned the zoo space since 1899, making it one of the region's oldest zoos. With about 36,000 member households, the zoo boasts the highest membership base among Puget Sound area attractions and museums. The zoo hosts private events as well, from barbecues for 5,000 in the North Meadow to weddings in the Woodland Park Rose Garden.
