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.
History
The whole concept of Alaska SeaLife Center started over twenty-five years ago with a vision by the Seward community leaders to improve the current Seward Marine Center research facilities of the University of Alaska. The members of both scientific and local communities distinguished a need as well as expressed their support for public education and expanded research facility in Seward. This concept remained to be a dream for years with efforts to lobby the Alaska Legislature and the University for funding.
Construction
Groundbreaking for the Alaska SeaLife Center took place last May 1995, which was followed by the construction of Phase I that consisted of the site preparations, sheet pile cofferdam as well as breakwater installation, utility relocations, and construction of outfall reservoirs and seawater intake. The contract of Phase I was completed on last December 1995. The construction of Phase II commenced in June 1996 and composed of life support systems, main building, animal habitats, laboratories, landscaping, and exhibits. The Grand Opening happened on the 2nd of May 1998.
Business Model
The mission of Alaska SeaLife Center was to bring visitors in close contact with the best marine research and for this reason, the design of the Center includes a public aquarium with some exhibit tanks to display animals and some North Pacific birds, mammals, invertebrates, and fish. The facility also comes with a complete veterinary suite with the quarantine pools for diseased, injured or orphaned wild animals brought to the Alaska SeaLife Center for rehab and for the resident animals that require medical treatment.
The Future of The Alaska SeaLife Center
It will continue its concentration on marine research. As their world and more particularly the North Pacific faces some dramatic changes that are caused by human components and environmental factors. As a solution, Alaska SeaLife Center continues to be instrumental in developing and understanding ways to maintain the marine ecosystems.
Why Visit The Alaska SeaLife Center?
This original article is © usa-zoos.com 2016
There are many reasons why you should visit Alaska Sealife Center and one of these reasons is that it will give you a glimpse of North Pacific creatures that you won’t normally see in some zoos. That is why this place is a must visit.
Plan Your Visit Today!
If you want to have fun and discover different kinds of animals, then plan your visit now! There are several events you can consider, which will definitely make your visit a great adventure.
Hours vary by season, refer to the website for current hours,
“Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day”
Admission:
Adult (13+) $29.95
Military (with ID) $25.95
Child (3-12) $17.95
2 and Under Free
Visit there website here for full details. www.alaskasealife.org