Discover an unforgettable private otter encounter at Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo in Tacoma. Perfect for animal lovers and families, this exclusive experience offers a close-up look at playful otters in a safe and engaging setting. Keep reading to learn more about this unique wildlife adventure!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required.
Wildlife
History
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo has been operating since 1995 and has focused on educational wildlife experiences for over two decades.
Conservation
The zoo actively participates in local otter conservation projects and promotes sustainable practices to protect native wildlife habitats.
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo
Discover an unforgettable private otter encounter at Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo in Tacoma. Perfect for animal lovers and families, this exclusive experience offers a close-up look at playful otters in a safe and engaging setting. Keep reading to learn more about this unique wildlife adventure!
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 the best experience
Getting there in the morning ensures you have ample time for interaction and better photo opportunities.
Wear waterproof footwear
Otter enclosures can be damp; waterproof shoes help keep you comfortable during your visit.
Bring a camera with zoom capabilities
Capture close-up photos of playful otters from a safe distance with your zoom lens.
Follow all zoo guidelines
Help maintain a safe environment for both animals and visitors by adhering to the staff's instructions.
Waterproof camera or smartphone
Capture the playful otters without worry of water splashes or rain.
Layered clothing
Dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable through changing temperatures.
Hat and sunglasses
Protect yourself from sun exposure during summer visits.
summer
Binoculars
Get a closer look at otters and surrounding wildlife from a distance.