Do you have a departed pet whom you’d like to honor during this year’s Día de Muertos celebrations? Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo has put together an animal ofrenda and is calling for submissions. If you’d like to participate or simply view the ofrenda, we have all the details.
Keep reading for more info!
First of all, what is an ofrenda? During the traditionally Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, families create ofrendas (or offerings) to honor loved ones who have died. These altars typically have photos of the deceased. Woodland Park Zoo has created an ofrenda honoring the beloved zoo animals who are no longer with us, and the public is invited to contribute photos of their own beloved deceased pets and animals.
The zoo’s animal ofrenda was unveiled on Monday, October 27. In an Instagram post, Woodland Park Zoo announced:
Join us in honoring the animals who brought us joy. Visit our community Animal Ofrenda at Briar Oak today through November 2 during regular zoo hours. Today only, October 27, celebrate with fun activities, including paper picture frame decorating and themed animal coloring pages. You can also join us with a digital submission. Whether you wish to contribute or simply experience this heartfelt tribute, join us in honoring the spirit of Día de Muertos and the animals who live on in our hearts.”
Digital contributions to the zoo’s animal ofrenda are being accepted now through Friday, October 31. You can submit photos, drawings, or notes. They will be included in the display in slideshow format.
If you’d like to make a digital contribution honoring a pet, visit the Woodland Park Zoo website. (Scroll down to “Animal Ofrenda” and click on the “Digital submission” button.) The animal ofrenda will be on view in Briar Oak during regular zoo hours now through November 2, 2025. To view the ofrenda, zoo admission is required.