At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, we are excited to share some exciting updates about the ongoing projects we’re working on to enhance the experiences of our animals, staff, and visitors. From expanded habitats to infrastructure improvements, here’s a sneak peek at the developments you can look forward to in the coming months.

Fiber Optics Upgrade for Better Connectivity

As many of our visitors know, reliable service has been a challenge here in the Portage Valley. That’s why we’re investing in a major infrastructure upgrade: we’re bringing fiber optics to AWCC! This upgrade will connect our outlying buildings with ethernet cables, improving internet access across the center. Our goal is to have full connectivity to the MOEC building and Bear’s Amphitheater by next summer, helping us better serve our visitors and staff.

The Matson Ocean Education Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is teaming up with Matson to create the Matson Ocean Education Center (MOEC), a new 1,000-square-foot facility located at The Point, where AWCC overlooks the Turnagain Arm. This prime location offers a rare opportunity to view endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, especially during high tides in the spring and fall.

The MOEC will serve as a hub for education and research, supporting AWCC’s ongoing efforts to protect Cook Inlet’s unique marine life. It will expand on the organization’s conservation initiatives by providing a space for educational programs, research activities, and community science events. The facility will also feature interpretive signs for self-guided visitors, a life-size beluga whale skeleton, binoculars for viewing the waters of Turnagain Arm, and a hydrophone to listen to underwater sounds.

Interested in donating to the development of the Matson Ocean Education Center? Here is a link to the campaign. We appreciate any and all support!

https://alaskawildlifeconservation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1301114

Animal Clinic & Housing

The proposed Animal Clinic & Housing Building (ACH) at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the growing needs of the center. The ACH will feature a state-of-the-art kitchen capable of efficiently preparing and storing all animal diets in one centralized space, streamlining daily operations. The facility will also include an expanded animal infirmary, equipped to handle the medical needs of larger animals, with specialized spaces for surgeries and treatment. Additional features will include ample gear storage, workstations for staff, and restrooms. The ACH will also provide staff housing and overnight accommodations, ensuring that AWCC’s growing team has the facilities necessary for extended shifts, emergency care, and seasonal needs, while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

Interested in donating to the development of the Animal Clinic and Housing building? Here is a link to the campaign. Support us in getting this state of the art facility off the ground!

https://alaskawildlifeconservation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=130111

Wolf Habitat Expansion & Kobuk’s New Home

We’re excited to announce that our wolves will be moving to a new and larger habitat this spring! Currently residing in our black bear habitat, they will soon transition to a different yard, giving them more room to roam and explore. This new habitat will also feature upgraded shifts that allow our animal care team to provide more effective maintenance and enrichment for the wolves, ensuring they stay both mentally and physically active.

With the wolves’ move, Kobuk, our young black bear, will return to his original habitat. This will be after a series of renovations tailored to his natural behaviors and love for tree climbing. The new design will include ample trees for Kobuk to climb and explore, offering him the ideal environment for his playful nature. In addition, we’re upgrading the fence line to improve visibility, so you’ll be able to capture even better photos of Kobuk.

New Shifts for Brown Bears & Black Bears

Our brown bears (Hugo, JB, and Patron) and black bears (Uli and Kuma) are also getting upgrades! In the coming months, both bear habitats will feature new shifts, allowing for more controlled and enriched interactions with our animal care team. The goal is to train the bears to enter their shifts during mealtime or when staff needs to enter the yard for maintenance or enrichment activities. For example, we’ll be able to hide treats and scents in their yards for them to discover and enjoy, keeping their minds engaged and their bodies active!

Paving

In the fall, AWCC paved the entrance road, ranging from highway gate to the ticket booths. In the spring, we hope to continue our mission of increasing accessibility for visitors by paving the parking lots outside of the gift shop and more of the exit road. We hope to make it a smooth ride for all those who visit!

Thank you to everyone following along with AWCC developments! We appreciate the support from all of our guests and donors that are contributing to make these changes happen. Stay tuned for more updates about the sanctuary!