Twelve giant troll sculptures open to the public Thursday, Oct. 15, at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville.

The exhibit, called "Trolls: A Field Study," features recycled-wood creatures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo scattered across both Metro Parks Tacoma locations through Jan. 24, 2027. Four trolls are at the Tacoma zoo. Eight are hidden along trails at Northwest Trek.

Each sculpture stands 7 to 9 feet tall, handcrafted from fallen branches, scrap wood, pallets and twigs, according to Point Defiance Zoo's exhibit page. Visitors can hug the trolls and take photos but should not climb on them.

Rick Dietz, deputy director of Northwest Trek, told KING 5 the sculptures should draw visitors during the parks' quieter months. "They fit so well in our environment," he said. "They're whimsical, they're curious, they're fun. Everyone loves trolls."

At Northwest Trek, seven trolls line the main walking path. An eighth, a troll named Valle, lives in the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area alongside bison, elk and mountain goats. Valle is visible from the Discovery Tram Tour, which is included with admission, or from added-cost Keeper Adventure Tours and Wild Drives, according to Northwest Trek's exhibit page.

At Point Defiance Zoo, the four trolls are named Boge, Larke, Poppy and Birch. An early-morning Wild Zoo Tour lets visitors see them before the zoo opens to the public.

No separate ticket is needed. The trolls are included with general admission or membership at each park.

Both zoos are open Thursday through Monday. Parking is free.

Visitors who pay full-price admission at one park can pick up a $10 coupon at the front gate for the other location, according to a Metro Parks Tacoma press release. The coupon must be redeemed at the gate and cannot be combined with other discounts.

The exhibit overlaps with several seasonal events. Point Defiance Zoo's annual Zoo Boo runs Saturday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18. Northwest Trek's Hoot 'n' Howl evening Halloween event takes place Friday and Friday, Oct. 16-17, then Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30, from 5 to 9 p.m., with five of the eight trolls visible.

Dog-friendly troll hunts are scheduled on select Dog Days at both parks through December.

Veterans and active-duty military members get free admission Nov. 11-15, trolls included. Immediate family members receive half off. Proof of service is required.

Three of the four zoo trolls will also be on display during Zoolights, Point Defiance Zoo's holiday lights event running Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2027.

Dambo's troll sculptures have appeared in public spaces around the world. Permanent installations already stand in Ballard, on Bainbridge Island and Maury Island, in West Seattle, and in Issaquah. This traveling exhibit previously stopped at the North Carolina Arboretum and the South Coast Botanic Garden in California, according to South Sound Magazine.

Dietz said Metro Parks Tacoma hopes to eventually bring a permanent troll to each park.