Alaska Zoos and Aquariums
Alaska Zoo. Anchorage, Alaska
In 1966, the Crown Zellerbach paper company held a contest. The grand prize catch phrase was “win $3,000 or a baby elephant.” The contest winner, a local grocer, surprised everyone when he chose the elephant! So a two-year-old female Asian elephant was brought to Alaska. Eventually the grocer offered the elephant to Mrs. Sammye Seawell, who owned the Diamond H horse ranch where the elephant had been kept previously (they had the only heated stalls).
As the local community became increasingly interested in visiting Annabelle, Mrs. Seawell began to realize that Anchorage needed a place where the public could visit animals and learn about them. In 1968, she led a small group of supporters in forming a non-profit corporation. In 1969, the Alaska Children’s Zoo opened, taking in orphaned and injured animals that needed homes. Over 30 years later, we are still committed to this mission.
Today, the Alaska Zoo sits on 25 wooded acres located in the beautiful hillside area of Anchorage. We are home to just under 100 birds and mammals. We are renovating exhibits, planning new construction and expanding our educational services. We are one of the most visited attractions in the state, with an annual attendance of close to 200,000 visitors. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience a unique and special place in Alaska.
Hours vary with season due to less winter daylight.
Hours will vary by season, refer to the website for current hours.
Admission
Adult (non-resident): $20 each
Adult Alaska Resident (with ID*): $17 each
Senior (age 65 and older): $15 each
Military adult (with ID**): $15 each
Youth ages 3 – 17 years: $10 each
Ages 2 years and under: FREE
Visit there website here for full details. www.alaskazoo.org
The Alaska SeaLife Center. Seward, Alaska
The Alaska SeaLife Center is considered as the only facility in Alaska, which combines a public aquarium with marine research, wildlife response, and education. While mainly dedicated to marine education and research, it’s the only permanent marine rehabilitation and rescue facility in the state. It also lies at Mile 0 of the popular Seward Highway on the Resurrection Bay’s shores. Visitors to the windows to the sea have close encounters with octopus, puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, and some marine life while learning regarding the work their researchers conduct both in their laboratories and in the field.
“Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day”
Admission:
Adult (13+) $29.95
Senior (65+) $25.95
Military $25.95
Child (3-12) $17.95
Adult – AK Resident ($23.95)
Military – AK Resident ($19.95)
Child – AK Resident ($14.35)
3 and Under Free
Member Online Ticket ($29.95)
Visit there website here for full details. www.alaskasealife.org