About Us

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!

AWCC has been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors to AWCC have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop purchases.

General Admission tickets to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center do not sell out. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival the day of your visit. General Admission is perfect for those who like a self-guided experience via our scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about our resident wildlife via interpretive signs at each animal habitat. AWCC encourages you to visit the center with your walking shoes and camera in hand for an educational Alaskan experience to remember. Or book a tour or Animal Encounter! AWCC offers up-close and personal experiences. Book early and enjoy Moose Encounters, Bear Encounters, and Walk on the Wild Side Tours. We look forward to welcoming you to the sanctuary!

 We thank you in advance for your support and assistance in preserving Alaska’s wildlife.

Why Us?

You are supporting and helping our precious wildlife! As a non-profit, we have been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors like you have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop.

Operating Hours for 2024

Note: Hours are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

January: 10AM to 4PM, last entry at 3PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

February: 10AM to 5PM, last entry at 4PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

March & April: 10AM to 6PM, last entry at 5PM (Open 7 days per week)

May - September 15: 9AM to 7PM, last entry at 6PM (Open 7 days per week)

September 16 - October: 10AM to 6PM, last entry at 5PM (Open 7 days per week)

November: 10AM to 5PM, last entry at 4PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

December: 10AM to 4PM, last entry at 3PM (4-day operations: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

CLOSED: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

OPEN: All other holidays.

Activities

With the purchase of an admission ticket, you can choose between driving the 1.5-mile loop or enjoy your time and walk through the beautiful landscape. Our resident animals include brown bear, black bear, moose, muskox, caribou, wolves, birds, porcupine, wood bison, elk and more! Free to all visitors is the daily animal programs that show an in-depth interaction between animal care staff and our resident animals.   

• Bear Encounter: Get an up-close and personal experience with AWCC’s resident brown bears this summer! Participate in their daily training and feeding all while learning about bear behavior and diet. (30 Minute)

• Walk on the Wild Side: Enjoy a tour with your personal guide through AWCC. Get a chance to be up close and personal with two of the animals living at AWCC

• Moose Encounter: Visitors are able to feed the moose browse right out of their hand while our staff shares information about their diet, behavior, and wild counterparts.

An important part of AWCC’s mission is education, and we are constantly working to provide engaging learning opportunities for school groups and guests throughout the year.

Through interactive displays, animal presentations, school visits, and on-site specialty events, we work daily to provide educational opportunities to our visitors about the animals found at the AWCC. 

Contacts us or visit our website to learn more about our educational opportunities.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers a unique, one-of-a-kind event space that is nestled amongst a breathtaking landscape and Alaska’s beautiful wildlife.

Bison Hall is a beautiful barn-like building with a high vaulted ceiling that showcases wood beams, a moose antler chandelier, and large windows that allow natural light to flow in. For more intimate gatherings consider the 40-person “classroom” or rent the entire hall for a larger event. Bison Hall is available for rent throughout the year.

Location

We are located at Mile 79 Seward Highway. This is approximately 45 minutes from Anchorage