Brand Certified
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
4.7(6399 reviews)
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
Business Details
43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK
99587, United States
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
(907) 783-0058
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
https://www.alaskawildlife.org/
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
About
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
Tourist AttractionsWildlife Sanctuary
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. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying 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, and more!
Details
- Credit cardAvailable
- DebitAvailable
- Mobile paymentsAvailable
- Cash onlyNot available
Location
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK
99587, United States
Hours
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Apr 12, 2026
Monday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reviews
4.7
6,399 reviews
5 stars
4,869
4 stars
1,068
3 stars
310
2 stars71
1 star81
- LRLaurie Ryan2 days ago5.0Been here twice, a great adventure for the kids. Animals were very active and playful. Nestled in between a picturesque valley and surrounding mountains.
- KPKenneth Pepper6 days ago5.0If you are remotely thinking about going, then you should go. Cool place and great staff. We really enjoyed the efforts here. We saw all the brown bears and tons of other cool animals as well!
- FMFrancis MirandaApr 5, 20265.0The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was an amazing experience, especially for an animal lover like me. Bears? Check. Moose? Check. Wolves? Check. If there’s an Arctic animal you’ve been hoping to see—minus whales, seals, and sharks—this is absolutely the place to go. Everything was well organized, the animals were incredible to see up close, and the whole visit felt both enjoyable and memorable. A definite must-visit for any animal lover.
- IKIryna KabanchukApr 5, 20265.0Super – Area: ~200 acres of natural habitats; Type: Non-profit sanctuary (not a traditional zoo); Open: Year-round: – Summer (May–September): best visibility and activity; – Hours vary by season (longest in summer, shorter in winter).
- GVGamaliel VillamarMar 31, 20265.0Good to walk around to see the animals. If you are driving, drive slowly since some of us are walking in a slow pace to take it in with nature. We noticed fast driving doing some Marathon to look at the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Do you have a gift shop?
We do! You can view all our items on our website.
Are Educational Programs free?
Free to all visitors, our educational programs are a fun and in-depth way for visitors to learn about our resident animals.
Programs happen daily and are hosted by AWCC Naturalist’s outside of the designated animal’s habitat. Upon your arrival, check the sign posted at the top of the ramp on the parking lot side of the Be Wild Gift Shop for specific times and locations.
What is AWCC?
AWCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.
Are wheelchairs available?
AWCC does not provide a wheel chair or walker for guests, however they can drive around via the 1.5 mile loop through the 200 acre sanctuary.
How did the animals get here? Will they be released back into the wild?
The majority of our animals have a permanent home at the AWCC. Animals come to us for a variety of reasons. Some animals are abandoned at a young age and others are injured in the wild. Because of this, they often lack the skills needed to survive in the wild and are also reliant on humans for their care. Our Wood Bison Re-Introduction Project was a unique case. AWCC worked directly with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Department of Fish & Game to conduct the re-introduction of these animals back into their native ranges in Alaska.
Can I bring my dog?
We do not recommend bringing pets, as they are not allowed to walk around the AWCC as it may frighten our animals. If you must bring a pet, you are required to leave your pet in your vehicle at all times. Please keep in mind that it does get sunny in the summer and we do not have shade in our parking lot.
What animals can I see at AWCC?
Visitors to AWCC can observe a variety of Alaskan wildlife, including porcupines, wood bison, wolves, reindeer, muskox, lynx, great-horned owls, foxes, elk, deer, coyotes, black bears, bald eagles, brown bears, and moose.
Does the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center have a gift shop?
Yes, the AWCC has a gift shop, and you can view all items on their website.
Are the educational programs at AWCC free, and when do they take place?
AWCC offers free educational programs daily, hosted by naturalists outside designated animal habitats. Check the sign at the Be Wild Gift Shop upon arrival for specific times and locations.
What kinds of animals can I see at AWCC?
Visitors can see porcupines, wood bison, wolves, reindeer, muskox, lynx, great-horned owls, foxes, elk, deer, coyotes, black bears, bald eagles, brown bears, moose, and more.
Can I bring my dog to AWCC?
Bringing pets is not recommended as they may frighten the animals. If necessary, pets must remain in your vehicle at all times due to lack of shade in the parking lot.
Does AWCC provide wheelchairs for visitors?
AWCC does not provide wheelchairs or walkers, but visitors can drive around the 1.5 mile loop through the 200-acre sanctuary.
Where is AWCC located and what are its hours?
AWCC is located at 43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587. It is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; closed Tuesday through Thursday and certain holidays. Last entry is at 5 PM.
What type of organization is AWCC?
AWCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and animal care.
What nearby places might visitors to AWCC also enjoy?
Visitors can explore the nearby nature reserve and zoo areas of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center itself, which acts as both a wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden, offering natural experiences in one location.
How might nearby locations in Anchorage and Girdwood enhance my visit to AWCC?
Since AWCC serves areas including Anchorage and Girdwood, visitors can combine their wildlife experience with local attractions and transit options in these communities, making travel and exploration convenient.
Are there accessible facilities and amenities at AWCC for visitors?
Yes, AWCC offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, as well as playgrounds, picnic tables, and hiking areas, making it family- and accessibility-friendly.
Brand Certified Facts from Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
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