Plastic Bag Ban

Starting September 15 the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will begin charging for bags in accordance with the plastic bag ban in the Municipality of Anchorage. Each bag will cost $0.10 per bag up to $0.50 per transaction. No member or military discounts can be...

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

Upcoming 2024 Dates: October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

Join us at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for Rufous Hummingbird banding demonstrations and presentations with biologists from US. Fish & Wildlife and AWCC's naturalists.

Summer Hummingbird Days Program Schedule

9:00am – 2:00pm Banding demos, activities, and talks will all be happening in and around Bison Hall

9:00-10:00am Hummingbird Banding Demos as birds visit the feeder at the Bison Hall patio.

10:00-1:00 Banding demos will continue in between scheduled talks.

10:00-2:00pm Hummingbird and Pollinator Activities near Bison Hall
Pick up a passport when you arrive at AWCC, visit each activity location for a passport stamp, then enter your complete passport into a drawing for door prizes at Bison Hall. Door prize drawings will be held after each talk at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 1:00. *

10:00am Hummingbirds 101
Learn about what makes up a natural hummingbird diet, the best practices for setting feeders at home, and how they use their flashy color to communicate. *A door prize drawing will take place at the end of this talk.

11:00am Hummingbirds and Climate Change
Researchers are focused on understanding what impacts a changing climate may have on species like the Rufous Hummingbird. Learn about current impacts to hummingbirds and how banding research will provide baseline knowledge for future research and conservation of rufous hummingbirds. *A door prize drawing will take place at the end of this talk.

12:00pm Hummingbirds as Pollinators
Did you know hummingbirds are pollinators? Learn about the important role hummingbirds and other pollinators play in pollinating Alaska’s plants. *A door prize drawing will take place at the end of this talk.

1:00pm Hummingbird Migration
Learn about the perils of migration and what factors likely have led to an apparent population decline of over 60% in the past 50 years. This is just one species contributing to the loss of 3 billion birds in North America. Learn what steps you can take to support hummingbirds in the future. *A door prize drawing will take place at the end of this talk.

1:30pm Story Time
Join an AWCC naturalist in Bison Hall for story time featuring a children’s book about hummingbirds and pollinators.

2:00pm Facebook Live
Join us virtually for a review of the day’s banding project.

*** All Demonstrations are weather and hummingbird dependent. ***

 

AWCC’s Paint an Antler event is back by popular demand! Come express your creative side at the AWCC on Sunday, March 12th, 2023, where an antler from one of AWCC’s resident animals is your canvas.

Every year, antlered animals shed their old antlers and grow new ones in the summer. We collect them, and now we invite you to paint one on Sunday, March 12th from 11AM - 2PM. This event is a free-form style of painting. A variety of designs will be available for inspiration or go with your own unique style. All supplies, antlers to keep, and entrance fees for up to 4 guests per antler are included in the cost. Space is limited and this event always sells out!

Tickets: 12 Total Available - SOLD OUT

  • $125 Level – Small Caribou or Reindeer Antler (1 Total Available)
  • $150 Level – Medium Caribou, Reindeer, or Elk Antler (7 Total Available)
  • $200 Level – Large Caribou, Reindeer, or Elk Antler (3 Total Available)
  • $400 Level – Medium Reindeer Complete Set of 2 Antlers from the Same Animal (1 Total Available)

Need to Know: We are selling 12-tables. 1-antler per table with a max of 4 participants per table. All supplies and antlers are included in the price. (Admission included.) Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little paint on. No prior painting experience necessary. The event will be held in Bison Hall at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Reservations required. Payment due at time of booking. Reservations are non-changeable and non-refundable. If you cannot make it to the event, please pick-up your purchased (non-painted) antler by 2PM on March 31, 2023.

Questions, email events@alaskawildlife.org

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

We would like to say thank you to all the mothers for everything they do with free admission to all mothers on Mother’s Day!

Bring mom for a visit on May 14th, 2023. Come explore the sanctuary and share this special day with Alaska’s wildlife! Tour the center by riding your bike, walking, or driving the 1.5 mile loop around our 200 acres of spacious habitats where animals feel at home and display their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, porcupines climbing, and more!

Help us spread the word and download the PDF Flyer HERE!

Mother’s will also enjoy a 10% DISCOUNT on Be Wild Gift Shop purchases on May 14th.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care.

*Free admission for mothers only on Sunday, May 14th, 2023. 10% Gift Shop discount excludes sale, food, and MuskOx® items.

 

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

Join AWCC and the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday, April 9th for an Easter Egg-xtravaganza!

Below is the fun-filled schedule for the day:

10:30AM - 1:30PM Easter Bunny Photo Ops
Location 10:30AM - 12PM Bison Hall Area
Location 12:15PM - 1:30PM Bears Amphitheater

11AM - Easter Egg Hunt
Location - Inside Bison Hall - Doors will open at 11AM.

11:30AM - Easter Porcupine Puppet Show
Location: Inside Bison Hall

12PM to 3PM - Hay Rides - Cancelled
Due to high winds, we will not offer hay rides today.

12:15PM - Bear Program
Do brown and black bears enjoy Easter eggs? You'll find out at the 12:15PM Bear Program.
Location: Bear's Amphitheater

Animal Keeper Chats and Animal Enrichment Schedule

1:00PM Sitka Deer Habitat
Scent Filled Eggs & Scented Jolly Eggs

1:30PM Foxes Habitat
Cardboard Bunny Ears & Tail + Scented Jolly Eggs

2:00PM Reindeer Habitat
Easter Basket Hay Boxes

2:30PM Wolves Habitat
Hard Boiled Eggs & Paper-Mache Eggs

Map of the AWCC Sanctuary showing where the animals are located and the driving route to see them

Join Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 9th for an Easter Extravaganza! Event highlights include an Easter egg hunt, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, hay-rides, Easter porcupine puppet show, animal enrichment keeper chats, and watch as staff feed special treats to the resident animals of the AWCC. Do brown bears enjoy eggs? You’ll find out at the 12:15PM Bear Program!

This event is free with purchased admission or membership.

Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2023 Dates: January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023 | October 2, 2023 | November 6, 2023 | December 4, 2023

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2023 Dates: November 6, 2023 | December 4, 2023

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The in-person gallery will be open for viewing in the Be Wild Gift Shop during our hours of operation from Friday, December 23rd, 2022 to Monday, January 9th, 2023.

If you are able to view the gallery in-person through January 6th, you are also invited to help us choose who will be the lucky recipient of a $250 scholarship and have their art featured on a t-shirt that will be sold in the Be Wild Gift Shop!

MORE INFO

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2023 Dates: December 4, 2023

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

Cook Inlet Beluga Whales (CIBW) are an important part of our regional ecosystem, and they are critically endangered. The AWCC works in collaboration with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership to contribute to beluga monitoring efforts in Alaska’s Cook Inlet. Participate in this community science project by looking for beluga whales while visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

During high tide, bring some binoculars and go to The Point to look for belugas out in the Turnagain Arm.

Submit any opportunistic sightings to help contribute to research and management efforts for this species!

Date and times for today's high tide during AWCC operating hours: 10:12AM - 12:12PM

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

Come celebrate Halloween with the wildlife. Costumes encouraged!

All Halloween events are FREE with admission.

Bison Hall Boneyard | 11AM – 4PM
Location: Bison Hall
Come to Bison Hall and test your skills in zooarchaeology!

Scat & Track Matching Game | 11AM – 12:30PM
Location: Bison Hall
Come to Bison Hall to play a fun game of matching scat and tracks that help us learn about which animals have walked past! Are you scatologist at heart?

Hayrides | 12PM – 3PM
Pick-Up & Drop-Off Location: In front of Bison Hall
Enjoy a hayride through the sanctuary!

Craft Station | 1PM – 3PM
Location: Bison Hall
Make a festive Halloween themed animal mask in Bison Hall. All supplies will be provided to create a wolf, fox, or owl mask. Or use your creativity to design an animal of your choice.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

Dates: October 3, 2022 | November 7, 2022 | December 5, 2022 | January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Annual Holiday Event at AWCC is Saturday, December 10, 2022. This event is fun for families and all ages.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is hosting a fun-filled holiday event! Visitors will meet Santa, Mrs. Claus & the elves, enjoy holiday-themed educational presentations, partake in fun holiday-themed photo-ops, and get some holiday shopping done at the Be Wild Gift Shop!

Schedule

11AM – 3:30PM | Crafts in Bison Hall

  • Coloring Station
  • Ornament Decorating Station
  • Christmas Card Making Station
  • Free with admission.

12PM – 3PM | Santa Visits Bison Hall

  • Come to Bison Hall to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus and take a picture!
  • Free with admission.

11AM | Storytime in Bison Hall

  • Book chosen by the audience.
  • Free with admission.

11:30AM – 12:30PM | Educational Program

  • Reindeer Presentation
  • Join the AWCC Education Department at the Reindeer Habitat to learn all about reindeer!
  • Free with admission.

1PM | Storytime in Bison Hall

  • Book chosen by the audience.
  • Free with admission.

2PM | Walk on the Wild Side Tour 

  • Enjoy a tour where your personal guide walks you through the Center, offering history and stories of resident wildlife – and you’ll get to feed an animal!
  • $125 per person (includes admission)
  • For ages 10 and up only.
  • Advanced reservations required. Book online HERE.

We encourage everyone to bring their cameras to capture these fun holiday memories.

 

Cook Inlet Beluga Whales (CIBW) are an important part of our regional ecosystem, and they are critically endangered. The AWCC works in collaboration with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership to contribute to beluga monitoring efforts in Alaska’s Cook Inlet. Participate in this community science project by looking for beluga whales while visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

During high tide, bring some binoculars and go to The Point to look for belugas out in the Turnagain Arm.

Submit any opportunistic sightings to help contribute to research and management efforts for this species!

Date and times for today's high tide during AWCC operating hours: 10:55AM - 12:55PM

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

Cook Inlet Beluga Whales (CIBW) are an important part of our regional ecosystem, and they are critically endangered. The AWCC works in collaboration with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership to contribute to beluga monitoring efforts in Alaska’s Cook Inlet. Participate in this community science project by looking for beluga whales while visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

During high tide, bring some binoculars and go to The Point to look for belugas out in the Turnagain Arm.

Submit any opportunistic sightings to help contribute to research and management efforts for this species!

Date and times for today's high tide during AWCC operating hours: 2:59PM - 4:28PM

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

Discover the WILD of Alaska and come meet the locals! Walk on the Wild Side Tours are available year-round. Summer Moose Encounters & Bear Encounters began June 1st. Book early as tours sell-out quickly. 

Join us at AWCC to celebrate National Bison Day and the reintroduction of wood bison to Alaska.

From 11:30AM - 1:30PM learn from Naturalists in Bison Hall through hands-on biofact exploration, wood bison reintroduction videos, and a wood bison themed crafts.

The Be Wild Gift Shop will be offering 10% off bison merchandise all day!

Grab a gift for the bison loving friend in your life, or get something for yourself! As a non-profit, all proceeds from your purchase go straight back to the wildlife, so be like the bison and go wild!

Read more about Wood Bison Restoration HERE!

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

Dates: October 3, 2022 | November 7, 2022 | December 5, 2022 | January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

Dates: October 3, 2022 | November 7, 2022 | December 5, 2022 | January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2023 Dates: January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023 | October 2, 2023 | November 6, 2023 | December 4, 2023

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2023 Dates: January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023 | October 2, 2023 | November 6, 2023 | December 4, 2023

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2024 Dates: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | March 4, 2024 | April 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | December 2, 2024

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center thanks the members of the United States Armed Forces. To show our appreciation, we are offering *free* admission on the first Monday of each month from October through April to all active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. See you then!

2023 Dates: January 2, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | March 6, 2023 | April 3, 2023 | October 2, 2023 | November 6, 2023 | December 4, 2023

*Must present proof of military service with ID or pay stub at time of purchase.

See AWCC's Hours of Operation.