Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Nature reserve · Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
An approximately 80-hectare sanctuary at the end of the Turnagain Arm, near Girdwood, that cares for orphaned or injured Alaskan animals such as brown and black bears, moose, wood bison, muskoxen, caribou and wapiti, seen up close from a car or on foot.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is in Portage, at the point where the Turnagain Arm ends, about 18 km from Girdwood along the Seward Highway. It is a nonprofit facility that cares for orphaned, injured or non-releasable Alaskan animals and is dedicated to education and conservation.
The animals live in large enclosures across roughly 80 hectares surrounded by mountains and glaciers. A dirt road loops around so visitors can view the habitats by car, and boardwalks bring visitors on foot closer. Residents include brown and black bears, moose, wood bison, caribou, wapiti, foxes, lynx and porcupines.
The center became known for a reintroduction program for the wood bison, a species that had disappeared from Alaska. Animals raised there were released in 2015 in the state’s western region to establish a free population.
Throughout the day, keepers give talks about the species, and at certain times the bears are fed near the boardwalks.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
Year-round; in summer the animals are usually more active in the morning and late afternoon. In winter, bears may be denning.
How to get there
On the Seward Highway, at the end of the Turnagain Arm, about 18 km from Girdwood and 75 km from Anchorage. Tours from Anchorage include the center. Admission is paid, with prices on the website.
Tip
Check the keepers’ talk schedule at the entrance and combine the visit with Portage Glacier, a few minutes away.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
What animals can be seen at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
Brown and black bears, moose, woodland bison, muskoxen, caribou, elk (wapiti), foxes and lynx, among others.
Are the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center free-roaming?
They live in large enclosures. They are orphaned, injured, or otherwise unable to return to the wild.
Where is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center located?
In Portage, at the end of Turnagain Arm, about 18 km from Girdwood via the Seward Highway.