Brand Certified
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
4.7(6427 reviews)
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 2026
Business Details
43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK
99587, United States
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 2026
(907) 783-0058
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 2026
https://www.alaskawildlife.org/
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 2026
About
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 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
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Location
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 2026
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK
99587, United States
Hours
Certified by Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • May 17, 2026
Monday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Reviews
4.7
6,427 reviews
5 stars
4,889
4 stars
1,075
3 stars
310
2 stars71
1 star82
- PCPaulina Courtois1 day ago5.0No es un zoológico es un refugio de rescate animal! Lo que consumes y tu entrada ayuda a su cuidado!!! Los animalitos son amigables especialmente el oso! Hasta show hizo! Igual el puerco espin! Pudimos ver hasta 3 osos grizzlies!!! Te recomiendo caminar! Puedes hacerlo en auto, pero pues no vas a ver mucho je , hay que buscarle y lleva binoculares para verlos más a detalle! Nos toco nublado y un poco de lluvia pero aún así merece la pena :)
- LLLauren2 days ago5.0Loved our visit! We saw almost all the animals listed on the map, even though it was dreary and rainy most of the time we were there! Definitely recommend this as a stop if you’re driving between Anchorage and Seward, you can take as little or as long a time as you want exploring, either driving, biking, or walking the grounds!
- GDGeorgette deGMay 9, 20265.0Brilliant absolutely wonderful. Ok it is as natural as possible -there are still wires and fences and still as lovely as possible. The showstopper for me was seeing Jasper a 17 year old Wolverine - wow Orphaned grizzlies now adult playing in the water. Bison being themselves goofy playful and serene all at once. Bring good walking shoes as you definitely see more walking around than doing a drive through. Leave plenty of time to go back to animals not active as many were when we did a bit of other things first. Gift shop unique and local. All profits go to the reserve so you are a patron when you support them. Win win.
- SCStephen CorneyApr 30, 20265.0This is an amazing location!! The wildlife is fantastic and Kristina, our guide was really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We got to see all three brown bears, which is apparently not always possible. There were also elk, reindeer, Porcupine, bobcat, coyotes, horned owl and a grey wolf, to name but some. Highly recommend visiting to get a great view of this Alaskan wildlife.
- TETroy ErbentrautApr 24, 20265.0Stopped by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center while visiting Anchorage, and let me tell you… if you’ve ever wanted to see Alaska’s greatest hits album in one place, this is it. Yes, it seems a little pricey at first, but once you’re face-to-face with bears, moose, bison, elk, and animals that look like they bench press trucks for fun… it starts to feel worth it. The best part? You can walk it if you’re feeling ambitious… or drive it if your vacation motto is ‘nature, but make it convenient.’ We chose a little of both because cardio and laziness deserve balance. Everywhere you look there’s another animal doing something majestic… or just standing there judging you. The moose looked like he was one bad day away from asking to speak to the manager. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area. And whatever time you think you need… add extra for the gift shop. That place is dangerous. We walked in ‘just to look’ and somehow almost left needing a second suitcase. Overall: great stop, awesome animals, and a fun way to experience Alaska wildlife without accidentally becoming part of the food chain. 5/5 — highly recommend!
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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