JB the Brown Bear at AWCC
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

4.7
·6k reviews·Anchorage, United States

A sanctuary for injured and orphaned Alaskan wildlife, offering close-up views in naturalistic, spacious habitats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Animals are most active

CrowdMedium
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JB the Brown Bear at AWCC

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Best Time

Summer mornings

Animals are most active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sanctuary for injured and orphaned Alaskan wildlife, offering close-up views in naturalistic, spacious habitats.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"The animals looked very healthy and well cared for, and the entire place gave the impression of being thoughtfully designed."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive or Walk the Loop

The 1.5-mile loop is perfect for a scenic drive or a leisurely walk. Plenty of parking available!

📸 Capture Amazing Shots

Bring your camera! The enclosures offer great visibility for stunning wildlife photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Moose

Majestic Moose

Moose Enclosure

Witness these iconic Alaskan giants up close in spacious, naturalistic habitats.

Powerful Bears

Powerful Bears

Bear Enclosures

Observe brown and black bears, some of whom have had dramatic encounters, in expansive, well-maintained spaces.

Regal Musk Ox

Regal Musk Ox

Musk Ox Enclosure

Marvel at these ancient, shaggy beasts, a testament to Alaska's wild heritage.

Playful Wolves

Playful Wolves

Wolf Enclosure

See wolves in their element, often coming right up to the fence, offering incredible viewing opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Optimal Wildlife Viewing

To catch animals at their most active, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Many creatures are more energetic during cooler parts of the day, especially during warmer months. Avoid midday crowds by arriving shortly after opening or staying until closing.

Self-Guided vs. Guided Tours

While a guided tour offers in-depth insights, the 1.5-mile loop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is easily navigable by car or foot. Many visitors find the self-guided option provides ample opportunity to see and appreciate the animals without the added cost.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Animals are most active
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, active animals
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Unique snowy scenery
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Kobuk takes the longest to wake up come spring time because he needs AMPLE rest to be able to do this all the time 🥱 #kobuk #awcc #alaskawildlifeconservationcenter #wildlife
@ak.wildlife
47.5K likes • 268.6K views

🚗 Drive or Walk the Loop

The 1.5-mile loop is perfect for a scenic drive or a leisurely walk. Plenty of parking available! Reddit

📸 Capture Amazing Shots

Bring your camera! The enclosures offer great visibility for stunning wildlife photos. Instagram

#CapCut #parati #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #fyp #livinginalaska #alaska #viviendoenalaska #alaska #ak #latinaenalaska #northpole #fairbanks #anchorage #wasilla #juneau #99705 #alaskawildlife
@latinaenalaska
7.9K likes • 188.1K views
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage is so much better than a zoo. The animals look more relaxed and the scenery is beautiful. Today we saw a brown bear standoff between a younger and older larger bear with full growls. We also saw a hummingbird banding presentation. Go visit. #aklife #alaskalife #heybear #akwildlife #akstaycation #ak
shannon_rae_ak
22 likes • 570 views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets in advance for a smoother check-in experience. Instagram

🐻 Respect Animal Space

Never throw snowballs or disturb the animals. Observe them respectfully from a distance. TikTok

Such a good day✨ We took a special trip to the 📍Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for my birthday back in September! It was such a fun day seeing all sorts of different animals! AWCC is a sanctuary for injured and abandoned animals. During our time here, we saw firsthand the great care they take of these cuties. That’s why, during the month of October, we are fundraising for them! Our goal...
active.adventurers
242 likes • 5.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive or Walk the Loop

The 1.5-mile loop is perfect for a scenic drive or a leisurely walk. Plenty of parking available! Reddit

📸 Capture Amazing Shots

Bring your camera! The enclosures offer great visibility for stunning wildlife photos. Instagram

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets in advance for a smoother check-in experience. Instagram

🐻 Respect Animal Space

Never throw snowballs or disturb the animals. Observe them respectfully from a distance. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you plan to walk the loop, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, praising the spacious, naturalistic enclosures and the visible health and happiness of the animals. The scenic location and affordable pricing make it a highly recommended stop for animal lovers and families, though some note it's not the most 'robust' zoo experience.

"My husband and I visited the conservation center as part of a Glacier and Wildlife tour. We had an absolute blast. The bears were our favorite and we got some wonderful pictures. I enjoyed seeing animals up close that are normally behind glass at a zoo. I love the conservation efforts for the wood bison as well. We got to see some very new baby bison while we were there. I highly recommend visiting if you're in Alaska."

Samantha Tucker

"Had higher expectations in terms of number of bears and moose we will get to see here but turned out to be not as great as we expected. We thought of the entrance fee as a donation for the care of the amazing animals they have. We did not see a bull moose which was our main goal. We did get see musk ox and lynx which were quite cool."

Chirag S

"Amazing place to see wildlife up close. Despite the rainy day, everything was very accessible by car, with a few spots where we hopped out for a closer look. Gift shop is really quite nice and had a wide variety of gifts for anyone to find something. Great experience! Will go back!"

Emily Hall

What People Like

Spacious, naturalistic enclosures
Healthy, well-cared-for animals
Beautiful scenic location

What People Dislike

Can get crowded later in day

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located about an hour's drive south of Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway. You can drive your own car or take a tour bus. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is ample parking available, especially in front of the exhibits, making it convenient for both self-driving and walking tours. Reddit

Absolutely! The center is open year-round, and winter visits offer a unique perspective with snowy landscapes and fewer crowds. You can even drive your car through. Reddit

The Seward Highway is a beautiful drive, offering stunning coastal views. It's a straightforward route from Anchorage, making the journey part of the experience. Instagram

While direct public transport might be limited, many visitors opt for rental cars or organized tours that include transportation from Anchorage. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices are considered very reasonable and affordable, offering great value for the experience. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the entrance. However, booking online in advance can sometimes ensure a smoother entry process. Instagram

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the general admission price is already quite affordable. Keep an eye on their website or local tourism sites for potential deals. Reddit

The center is open year-round, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Instagram

Many visitors find the self-guided 1.5-mile loop, which can be driven or walked, to be sufficient for seeing all the animals. Guided tours are available but not essential for a great experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of Alaskan wildlife including brown bears, black bears, moose, wolves, musk ox, bison, caribou, eagles, porcupines, and more. Instagram+1

Yes, the enclosures are notably large, providing animals with ample space to move freely and exhibit natural behaviors, which impressed many visitors. Reddit

The center features a 1.5-mile loop that can be explored on foot, allowing for close-up views of the animals. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for families, offering an educational and engaging experience for kids to learn about Alaskan wildlife. Reddit

Animals are often most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Visiting during these times increases your chances of seeing them move around. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The viewing areas along the 1.5-mile loop offer excellent vantage points for photographing the animals in their spacious enclosures. Instagram

While you can get quite close, always maintain a safe distance and respect the animals' space. Some animals, like wolves, may approach the fences. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the center. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions. Instagram

A telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing detailed shots of animals from a distance, but even a standard camera or smartphone can capture great memories. Instagram

While not explicitly advertised, the center occasionally hosts photo competitions, suggesting a strong interest in visitor photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is an ideal destination for families. Children are fascinated by the large animals, and the center's mission of conservation provides an excellent educational opportunity. The spacious grounds and clear viewing areas make it easy for kids to see and enjoy the wildlife. Reddit

Tips for families:
* Pack snacks and drinks: While there's a gift shop, having your own provisions can be helpful.
* Allow ample time: Kids often enjoy lingering at exhibits, so plan for at least a few hours.
* Talk about conservation: Use the visit as a chance to discuss why these animals need protection and how they ended up at the center. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers excellent value for money. The admission price is considered very affordable, especially given the quality of the experience and the welfare of the animals. Reddit

Tips for budget travelers:
* Self-drive: If you have a rental car, the cost of admission is the main expense. Reddit
* Pack your own lunch: Save money by bringing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings.
* Focus on the self-guided tour: Skip the guided tour fee and explore at your own pace. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center a rewarding location. The naturalistic enclosures and the animals' comfort in their environment lead to authentic and compelling shots. You'll have opportunities to capture everything from the majestic gaze of a moose to the playful antics of a bear. Instagram

Photography tips:
* Visit during golden hours: Early morning and late afternoon light can create dramatic and beautiful photos.
* Be patient: Wildlife photography requires patience. Wait for animals to move into good positions.
* Experiment with angles: The viewing platforms and pathways offer various perspectives. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mission of Conservation

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is more than just a place to see animals; it's a vital sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of Alaskan wildlife. Many of the animals you'll encounter are orphaned or injured and cannot survive in the wild. AWCC provides them with a safe haven, expert care, and a chance to live out their lives with dignity. This commitment to rehabilitation and long-term care is a core aspect of their mission. Instagram+2

Visitors often remark on how healthy and well-cared-for the animals appear, noting the impressive size of the enclosures. These spacious habitats are designed to mimic the animals' natural environments as closely as possible, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors and move freely. This focus on animal welfare and naturalistic settings sets AWCC apart from traditional zoos. Reddit

The center also plays a role in wildlife research and education. By observing these animals in a controlled yet naturalistic setting, researchers can gather valuable data. Educational programs and presentations further inform the public about the challenges facing Alaskan wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. Instagram

Navigating the Scenic Loop

The primary way to experience the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is via its 1.5-mile scenic loop. This loop is designed to be accessible for both driving and walking, offering flexibility for all visitors. Many travelers recommend driving the loop first to get an overview, then perhaps walking sections that pique your interest. InstagramReddit

When driving, you can stop and park at various points along the loop to get a closer look at the animals. The enclosures are strategically placed to offer excellent viewing opportunities. For those who prefer to explore on foot, comfortable shoes are a must, as the loop provides a more immersive experience and allows you to linger at exhibits. Reddit+1

During peak season, the loop can get busy, but visitors note that the crowds tend to pick up as the day progresses. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more peaceful experience with the wildlife. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a photographer's dream, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning wildlife images. The spacious enclosures and naturalistic settings provide a backdrop that feels authentic, making your photos look like they were taken in the wild. Instagram

Many visitors highlight the excellent visibility of the animals, even within their large habitats. This means you can get clear shots of bears, moose, wolves, and other creatures as they move, interact, and go about their day. The center even hosts photo competitions, encouraging visitors to share their best shots. Instagram

While a telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing detailed shots from a distance, don't feel you need professional gear. Even with a smartphone or a standard camera, you can capture memorable moments. The key is to be patient, observe the animals' behavior, and be ready to snap photos when the moment is right. Instagram

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