Discover an intimate private zoo experience in Tacoma, Washington, where you can get up close with friendly animals in a relaxed setting. Perfect for families and animal enthusiasts, this outing offers personalized interactions and educational fun in the Pacific Northwest.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly gentle walking and interaction
Wildlife
History
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo has been operated by the Dolitte family for over 20 years, dedicated to wildlife education and conservation.
Conservation
The zoo actively participates in local wildlife rescue and habitat preservation efforts, promoting environmental sustainability.
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo
Discover an intimate private zoo experience in Tacoma, Washington, where you can get up close with friendly animals in a relaxed setting. Perfect for families and animal enthusiasts, this outing offers personalized interactions and educational fun in the Pacific Northwest.
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo is an indoor petting zoo located in Tacoma, Washington. The zoo offers hands-on animal experiences designed for families and animal lovers. Visitors can purchase General Admission to pet kangaroos, snuggle capybaras, and feed porcupines while being guided by knowledgeable staff. Specialized encounters include a 30-minute Sloth Encounter, a 30-minute Otter Encounter with Asian small-clawed otters, and a 25-minute Capybara Encounter that provides a focused, calm setting to pet and feed capybaras. Each encounter includes unlimited access to the zoo’s other animals and a bucket of food where applicable. The facility also provides Party Barn Rental packages with arcade games, discounted admissions, private tours, and tiered upgrades that can include free admissions and food buckets. All experiences are conducted indoors in Tacoma and are supervised by trained staff to ensure animal welfare and guest safety.
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo emphasizes direct animal interaction within controlled settings and offers options suitable for birthday parties and group events. Party Barn Rental options include Deluxe and Ambassador Packages that add perks for celebrations. Encounters are timed (25–30 minutes) depending on the species. Tickets and rental bookings are available for families, groups, and birthday parties in Tacoma.
Location
Tacoma, WA
Conveniently located in Tacoma
Tours Offered
5 experiences
From general admission to private encounters
Encounter Lengths
25–30 minutes
Timed interactions per species
Party Rentals
Party Barn Rental
Arcade games and private tours available
Select General Admission, a Sloth, Otter, or Capybara Encounter, or choose a Party Barn package to host a memorable celebration.
Arrive Early for Best Interaction
Getting to Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo early ensures shorter lines and more time with the animals.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Dress in casual, weather-appropriate clothes since you'll be walking and interacting with animals outdoors.
Bring Snacks and Water
Pack essentials to stay hydrated and energized during your visit, especially in warmer months.
Respect Animal Boundaries
Follow staff instructions and be gentle with the animals to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Good footwear ensures comfort while exploring the zoo’s outdoor areas.
Hat and Sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure during warmer months.
summer
Rain Jacket or Umbrella
Stay dry in case of unexpected rain showers during off-summer seasons.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture special moments with animals and family in beautiful outdoor settings.