Business Details
About
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, porcupines climbing, and more!
Details
- Onsite servicesAvailable
- Free parking garageNot available
- Free parking lotAvailable
- Free street parkingNot available
Location
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK
99587, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.7
6,356 reviews
5 stars
4,832
4 stars
1,064
3 stars
309
2 stars71
1 star80
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Animal Care
Customers appreciate the well-cared-for animals and spacious enclosures, highlighting the center's commitment to wildlife rehabilitation.
Visitor Experience
Many visitors enjoyed the opportunity to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife up close, with positive remarks about the scenic location and educational aspects.
Pricing Concerns
Some customers felt the admission price was high relative to the number of animals visible, with mixed feelings about the overall value.
Staff Knowledge
The staff received praise for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.
Mixed Reviews
While many enjoyed their visit, some expressed disappointment regarding the number of animals and the overall experience compared to expectations.
- DPDominique PollardNov 5, 20253.0It was ok. Nothing too major. Goes to a good cause so I’m upset about.
- TMTravis MillerNov 2, 20255.0I love to see a place where the animals are well taken care of and they have a place to call a home. Love to hear about the history of the animals their story.
- JKjason karrasNov 2, 20253.0I really want to give this place 5 stars but there were some issues that kept me from doing so. First they had hours posted. I arrived just at opening time and the gates were closed. Myself along with a few other vehicles waited at the gate for about 20 minutes. Finally a car came and told us they would not be opening until 12:30. So I left and came back. Upon coming back I was greeted by a friendly person at the toll booth. I paid my fare and entered. The first thing I noticed were a lot of the exhibits were vacant. Not sure if it was the time of year or if they had lost or removed some of the animals. I watched the crew feed bears and that was great and absolutely the highlight of the trip. In all I would say it took me about 40 minutes to see everything including the 15 minutes or so I spent watching the bear feeding. It was neat but don’t think I’d come back.
- PNPedro NunezOct 25, 20255.0An excellent place to see some animals that one normally won’t see daily. We have seen some wolves, bear, an owl, some eagles, a lynx, several musk oxen, moose, deer, several bison, and several others whose names now escape my memory. Highly recommended. The fee is reasonable and parking is free.
- MMMelodious MerriOct 18, 20255.0This place is great for seeing the Alaskan animals in very large and natural enclosures yet still getting to see the animals up close. They have a great gift shop with lots of local products. We did a field trip which was a nice combo of indoor teaching and outdoor energy burning. They had a nice building(Bison Hall) to teach the kids about the animals. They even has antlers, hides and skulls for the kids to handle and experience. I highly recommend rubber boots, hat, and gloves for your visit.
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.