The PNW has some new trolls in town
Oct 20, 2026, 5:11 PM
Giant troll structure. (Photo: Thomas Dambo via KIRO 7)
(Photo: Thomas Dambo via KIRO 7)
A dozen Danish trolls have made Pierce County their new home and can be found at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Constructed from twigs, pallets, and scrap wood, the woodland giants will be on display through Jan. 24, 2027.
The trolls are meant to encourage guests to see their environment through a new lens. The exhibit pairs the sculptures with a book that describes the trolls’ findings from their perspective, according to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium website.
Where to find them
Eight trolls are hidden within the forests of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. The remaining four can be found within the plant and animal habitats at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. A full guide on the trolls can be found here.
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Behind the vision
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is behind the sculptures. Each troll has its own expression and distinct look. Their goal while living among us? To study humans and their complicated but creative world, according to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
In this exhibit, the trolls are paired with a book that describes the trolls’ findings from their perspective.
In a similar project, Dambo previously created six trolls. The project “TROLLS: Save the Humans” is meant to teach humans how to be good stewards of the earth. Those six trolls were recently on display in Nebraska and New York, according to the artist’s website.
Trolls among us
The Pacific Northwest is known for its trolls. The Fremont Troll statue located under the Fremont Bridge was constructed in 1990, The Seattle Times reported.
Additional Dambo trolls have made their homes in Ballard, West Seattle, Issaquah, Bainbridge Island, Vashon, and Portland since 2023. The project was in partnership with the Scan Design Foundation. The City of Seattle previously proclaimed Aug. 25 as “Bruun Idun Day,” which celebrates the importance of environmental sustainability.
The newest troll installations at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park debuted Oct. 15 and will remain on display through Jan. 24, 2027.
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