Through January, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will have more than local wildlife wandering their woods.

The addition comes courtesy of Danish artist Thomas Dambo, whose larger-than-life wooden trolls have settled among the trees to observe human visitors.

Dambo’s traveling exhibit follows the curious troll Taks, who ventured into human territory and returned to the forest puzzled by what he saw — strange machines, noisy boxes, and people rushing through life enamored by their “pocket stars.” He gathered his 11 siblings to investigate further, launching the adventure that became “Trolls: A Field Study.” 

Taks, the fearless leader, can be found along the cat pathway.

Dambo began experimenting with large-scale installations while studying interaction design at the Kolding School of Design. His work brings together sculpture, storytelling, environmental awareness, and the joy of discovering something unexpected outdoors. His sculptures are constructed from reclaimed materials such as scrap wood, pallets, fallen branches, and twigs, encouraging people to rethink what waste can become.

At Northwest Trek, the trolls are nestled within an environment already dedicated to wildlife and nature, inviting visitors to think about conservation and ecosystem preservation while they engage with the park’s new inhabitants. Visitors can pick up a map that guides them through the exhibition and includes activities connected to the different trolls. Each troll also has a QR code nearby, allowing curious explorers to scan and learn more about its personality and story.

Bignut, the clever planner of the group, is known for setting traps to catch humans off guard, so keep an eye out as you explore.

The exhibit also offers aspiring artists of all ages the opportunity to make their own troll using natural and recycled materials. At the kids’ zone, young explorers can put their detective skills to the test by decoding the troll’s writing system to solve riddles posted across the park.

Those wanting to take a bit of troll whimsy home can shop for troll-themed merchandise at the gift shop. The park’s café has themed offerings as well, including Wilde’s Bog Logs, fried with cheddar, bacon, and ranch, and Kirse Wild Berry Cups, featuring vanilla pudding topped with blueberries, among other choices.

Anja, the counting troll, pays close attention to human kindness, including efforts to recycle, plant trees, and care for animals.

Coinciding with the mysterious newcomers’ arrival is Northwest Trek’s Hoot ‘n’ Howl after-hours Halloween event, with lights, activities, and decorations being arranged throughout the grounds and enclosures. The combination of Halloween decorations and Dambo’s creations feels particularly fitting, with enormous wooden faces peering out from among the lighted woods.

Five of Northwest Trek’s eight trolls will be available to see during Hoot ‘n’ Howl on Oct. 16–17, 23–24, and 30. 

Valle can be found in Northwest Trek’s 435-acre free-roaming area, sharing a habitat with the park’s native Northwest animals, including bison, deer, and mountain goats. Visitors may spot Valle during the Discovery Tram Tour (included with admission) or book an upgraded Wild Drive or Keeper Adventure Tour for a closer look.

The trolls exhibit opened to the public Oct. 15 and runs through Jan. 24, 2027. The exhibition is included with general admission or membership at each location. Visitors who want to find all 12 can ask for a coupon at the front gate of whichever park they visit first and get a $10 discount at the other location. 

Additionally, Dambo is scheduled to appear at the Sons of Norway Lodge in Poulsbo from 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 18. His Q&A presentation will offer attendees a chance to learn more about the artist and his recycled-wood trolls as Poulsbo explores the possibility of bringing one to its own community.