Zoos in Alaska

Alaska can be found right at the top of the world and is a hidden treasure. There aren’t many zoos in Alaska because the whole state is practically a huge wildlife park. However, those that do exist are beautiful facilities that were built for the preservation of our precious wildlife.

They are also dedicated to the research, rehabilitation, and public education of injured or orphaned animals. These zoos are also home to most of the state’s flora and fauna, serving as tourist attractions for people and wildlife sanctuaries for many animals. Whether you’re looking for bears, raptors, moose, otters, seabirds, or wolves, here are some of the best zoos in Alaska.

Cities that Have a Zoo in Alaska

Here are various zoos and wildlife conservation homes that you can visit in Alaska. Currently there are two amazing facilities showcasing local animals to the state.

Girdwood – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Opening to the public in 1993, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center aims to educate visitors about the wildlife in Alaska, where Coyotes take a peek from behind bushes. Here, animals that can no longer make it in the wild are given a permanent home. Inside, you’ll become immersed in the exciting programs as you witness these animals in their natural habitat.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is one of the most important wildlife conservation centers in the whole state. It is spread throughout an area of around 200 acres, making it the perfect habitat for a wide range of species in the northernmost part of the world. One of the most popular animals in the conservation center is the Wood Bison, which is considered to be an endangered species.

As a result, the conservation Center has started a rehabilitation program to help increase the population of the Wood Bison by the end of the decade. The conservation center is open to visitors throughout the year and tickets usually cost around $15. It is located at Mile 79 Seward Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587.

Apart from the Wood Bison, some of the animals that you’ll find here include:

Bald Eagle
Brown Bear
Coyote
Elk
Lynx
Porcupine
Musk ox
And more

Every day at 2 pm, the Walk on the Wild Side Tour allows visitors to take a look at the inner workings of the conservation center. This 90-minute tour comes with a guide that will take you through the history and stories of their resident wildlife. It will give you the chance to get close enough to an animal to feed. There is a maximum of 10 persons per tour and is suitable for kids aged 10 and up.

Address: Mile 79, Seward Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587 | Phone: (907) 783-0058 | Website: alaskawildlife.org

Anchorage – Alaska Zoo

Alaska Zoo started in 1966 with just one baby elephant named Annabelle with the mission to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Since then, it has expanded to become the only zoo in the state and has come a long way in terms of its conservation programs and quality education. August 2019 marked the 50 years that have passed since it first opened its doors to more animals and visitors as a zoo.

Today, the zoo has expanded to include 100 species of birds and animals and is situated in an area spread over 30 acres in the mountains of Anchorage. It boasts the widest variety of native animals as well as some exotics that make up their center for research and education. This allows for animal rehabilitation and wildlife conservation, which ensures their survival in the future.

Once called the Alaska Children’s Zoo, animal encounters are a popular activity among visitors. The zoo also offers birthday parties, summer adventure camps, virtual encounters, and wildlife lectures. Alaska Zoo is located at 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA.

Here are some of the animals that call this zoo their home:

Brown and black bear
Wolverine
Amur Tiger
Dall Sheep
Golden Eagle
Alpaca
Trumpeter swan
Red-tailed hawk
And more

The Tiger or Porcupine encounters offered at Alaska Zoo are a popular way to get to know the animals first hand, where it is offered weekly from January until April 2022. For the tiger encounter, up to 10 participants may join while a total of 4 participants may join the porcupine encounter. It lasts for 30 minutes and includes a training demonstration and a behind-the-scenes visit.

Address: 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507 | Phone: (907) 346-3242 | Website: alaskazoo.org

A Guide to Visiting Zoos in Alaska

Before you can go around to visit zoos in Alaska, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind, such as policies and rules to abide by:

Youth under the age of 16 are allowed to visit the zoo without an accompanying adult.
All youth under the age of 15 will need to be accompanied by an adult during their visit.
Masks are not required but are encouraged when on the trails. Masks are also required for special programs.
Visitor groups are required to stay 6 feet apart inside the zoo grounds.
Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted to enter the zoo. If you are sick, you should stay home for the safety of the animals and others.
Do not touch your face unless they are freshly cleaned.
Keep in mind the adult to youth ratio: Minimum of 1 adult per 5 youth that are 12 and under.
It’s best to wear running shoes or something comfortable for your feet since most zoos will have gravel trails.
Most people also bring their food since they can be expensive inside the zoos and there aren’t many options.

Conclusion on Visiting Zoos in Alaska

Alaska is a wonderful place that displays the true magic of animals in nature. The zoos and wildlife centers above are just some of the safest places in the state where you can truly see wild animals in their full majesty. From the beautiful birds of prey to the various forms of wildlife, zoos in Alaska will never fail to surprise you.

If you weren’t already an animal lover before you stepped through their gates, you will surely be transformed by the time you come out. If you’re looking for a place to get away from your busy and noisy city, make your way over to Alaska and into the wild.