




There’s something magical about walking into Woodland Park Zoo on a bright Seattle summer day. The weather on June 25th was pure perfection a comfortable 74°F, with blue skies peeking between the trees and a light breeze making it easy to roam for hours. With school out and locals enjoying the tail end of the Fremont Solstice Parade weekend, the energy in the city was lively yet relaxed—perfect for a visit with nature.
Gorilla Glamour Shots
One of the highlights of the day was without a doubt the gorilla habitat. The silverbacks and juveniles seemed to be in a particularly photogenic mood—lounging just so, gazing thoughtfully into the distance, and even striking what looked suspiciously like Instagram-worthy poses. It was as if they knew they had an audience and were leaning into their charisma.
A Feathered Rainbow
The aviary was an explosion of color and song. Brightly plumed birds fluttered and called to each other like nature’s own flash mob. A vibrant scarlet ibis strutted past visitors like it owned the path, while a group of rainbow lorikeets flitted around in a dizzying display of greens, blues, oranges, and reds. It was like walking into a painting.
Bears on the Hunt
Over in the Northern Trail, the grizzly bears were having their own lunch hour. We arrived just in time to witness a chase in the stream—one bear lunging after a glimmering trout. The trout didn’t stand a chance. It was a sad moment for the fish, but a powerful reminder of the wild instincts that remain in these massive, beautiful creatures.
Penguins at Play
The penguin exhibit was pure joy. The penguins zipped through the water like little torpedoes, popping up and diving again with childlike glee. Their antics drew lots of laughter and cheers from nearby kids (and adults too). It’s hard not to smile when penguins are playing.
Lions in Lounge Mode
The African Savanna brought a more mellow vibe. The lions were taking a serious siesta, sprawled across the sun-warmed rocks like royalty on vacation. Even in stillness, their power was unmistakable—every muscle relaxed, yet commanding respect.
Giraffes in the Spotlight
The giraffes were in full show-off mode, gracefully striding across their habitat with slow-motion elegance. One even paused near the feeding platform, giving visitors a chance to see its long lashes and impossibly long tongue up close. Kids gasped, and cameras clicked. It was a perfect finale to a day full of wonder.
Local Vibe:
Seattle was buzzing that week, especially after the Fremont Solstice Parade and the official kick-off to summer. The city felt alive—with art, music, and now, memories from a day well spent among the animal kingdom.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent zoo-goer, Woodland Park Zoo continues to surprise, inspire, and connect us to the wild world in unforgettable ways.
Highly recommend a visit
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