Rearview Mirror: New at the Zoo, Waterfront Coffee, and Alaska Goes to Rome

New Digs for Furry (and Feathered) Friends

Last week, Woodland Park Zoo held the press preview for its Forest Trailhead exhibit, and I nearly lost my mind watching one of the zoo’s tree kangaroos, a 12-year-old named Rocket, eat his second breakfast of fresh veggies. It was seriously adorable. Rocket is housed in a modern habitat adjacent to the 12,000-square-foot building designed by LMN Architectsand built by Sellen Construction, and he seems to be settling into his new home. The exhibition, which officially opens on May 1, features a series of canopy bridges and ground-level walkways that present a choose-your-own-adventure approach to the Forest Trailhead. In addition to tree kangaroos, the 1-acre exhibit holds a red panda, kea parrots, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. The red panda, Carson, enjoyed a sunny nap on a branch for most of the time I was there, but I did manage to snap a photo when he woke up for a brief snack.

A modern building with large windows is surrounded by trees and greenery; a wooden sign labeled “Forest Trailhead” stands near a paved walkway at dusk, just steps away from the cozy charm of Waterfront Coffee.

Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren / Woodland Park Zoo

I had the opportunity to tour the facility before the animals moved in, and I learned that the Woodland Park Zoo has had a Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program for decades. In the 1980s, the zoo obtained Matschie’s tree kangaroos as part of a special export from a Papua New Guinea reserve along with the Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation and Research Center and National Zoo, and has been at the forefront of tree kangaroo breeding under the leadership of Woodland Park Zoo’s lead zookeeper, Judie Steenberg, ever since. “The program reflects the very heart of Woodland Park Zoo’s mission and how all zoos can be a force for global conservation,” says Steenberg, who created the AZA Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan for cooperative breeding plans for all AZA zoos. “YUS [Papua New Guinea] is not just a place we support; it’s a partnership that demonstrates what’s possible when people come together to protect wildlife such as tree kangaroos and focus on local community-led conservation.”

People walk along a path near a modern building with a yellow "COFFEE" sign; a Ferris wheel and waterfront are visible in the background on a sunny day.

Photo by Jeriel Calamayan

Strong Brew with a Sweeping View

Despite living just a couple of blocks away, last week was my first visit to Boon Boona’s new location on the Waterfront’s Overlook Walk. It will now become a weekly staple. The brand’s fifth location, this spacious café is an easy stop when strolling from Pike Place Market down to the waterfront, and, most importantly, it has plenty of seating—both inside and out. Founded by Seattleite Efrem Fesaha, Boon Boona leans into the café culture found in many African communities—he grew up watching his Eritrean family perform a traditional coffee ceremony—that prizes slowing down, gathering with friends, and lingering over great conversation. The coffee is strong, the views are unbeatable, and the vibe is great. Even if you’re just doing the grab-and-go thing, you’ll be supporting a local, independent business with each and every sip.

Six colorful mugs with various place names and illustrations are stacked on a wooden table against a dark blue and wood-paneled background.

Courtesy of Town & Country Markets

Mug Shot

Call this one a triple play: local grocer Town & Country Market is partnering with drinkware brand Miir and a group of Pacific Northwest artists to produce a limited-edition collection. Inspired by the character, history, and landmarks of the communities surrounding Town & Country’s six markets, each handled mug is designed by a different artist: Shogo Otafor Bainbridge Island; Jen Vickers for Ballard; Marisol Ortega for Lakemont and Poulsbo; Stevie Shao for Mill Creek; and Victor Meléndez for Shoreline. (Both Shao and Ota are past Seattle magazine Most Influential inductees.) Upgrade your workplace coffee mug and show your neighborhood pride with one of these new options, which come in cheery shades of blue, pink, and green.

A group of airline crew members in uniform poses for a selfie in front of a sign indicating flights from Seattle to Rome inside an airport terminal.

Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Roman Holiday

Earlier this week, Alaska Airlines hit a long-awaited milestone with the launch of its new, seasonal service to Rome. Operating through October, the airline is the only one offering daily nonstop service between SeaTac and Rome Fiumicino Airport. Flights are on the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (read about its fresh livery here), and the route introduces the airline’s new international business class suites experience, with chef-inspired meals, premium bedding, seatback entertainment and a range of elevated onboard amenities that will help you arrive in Italy fresh and ready to embrace la vita italiana. I, for one, am beyond thrilled—it’s been a few years since I’ve been to Rome, and, in my opinion, early fall is the absolute best time to visit.