The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a male northern sea otter pup to the Wildlife Response Program on October 31, 2023, the third pup rescued this year. The approximately three-week-old pup arrived late Halloween night after a long transport from the remote coastal town of Seldovia, AK, and is currently under 24-hour care by wildlife response staff.   The pup was first spotted swimming near the docks and vocalizing in distress, its mother nowhere in sight. Although Northern sea otter mothers will leave their pup’s side for short intervals to hunt and forage, concerned onlookers noted that the pup was still alone after nearly two hours and contacted the ASLC via its 24-hour stranding hotline (888-774-7325).    While on the phone with wildlife response staff, onlookers noticed an adult sea otter approaching the pup in an aggressive manner. It was determined that this was likely a territorial male, raising additional concerns for the pup’s safety. With approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the pup was picked up to be transported to the ASLC for rehabilitation. Though the pup’s mother was never spotted, a deceased female adult sea otter was found in the area shortly before its rescue, offering a potential explanation for the pup’s abandonment.   The main concerns found by the ASLC veterinary team upon the initial admit exam were dehydration, malnourishment, and lacerations on the pup’s muzzle, likely sustained during its struggle with the aggressive adult. The team is currently providing stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of his condition.   Sea otter pups require 24/7 care, which will continue for the first six months of the pup’s life. During this critical period, pups rely entirely on their mothers for grooming and nutrition, needs that will instead be monitored and provided for by staff.    The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of rehabilitating marine animals here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI, and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as the Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, and the NC Giving Fund.  

Join us every week on Wednesday at 11 AM for a FREE virtual program for all ages!   Virtual Visits bring you an inside look at the animals and staff that contribute every day to the mission of the Alaska SeaLife Center. Whether you consider yourself an ASLC amateur or "a-fish-ionado," there is always something to discover!  Streaming live on our YouTube channel every Wednesday at 11 AM (AKDT): https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter   Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch new and previously aired episodes!   Virtual Visits are made possible from generous support from Royal Caribbean Group and ATIAF.       

Make your way around Seward and visit local businesses hosting featured artists during the Seward First Friday Art Walk! Visit the ASLC lobby from 6 - 8 PM on August 5, 2022 to see this month's TWO featured artists:     Laura Mendola - Kiln formed, Cast and Lamp Worked Glass This artist's work will be on display in the ASLC lobby all month long! She will be at the ASLC in person every Friday and Saturday for the month of August.    Barbara L. Brovelli-Moon - Family Field Guides of Alaska's Animals This artist will be at the ASLC all day Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6.     Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

Make your way around Seward and visit local businesses hosting featured artists during the Seward First Friday Art Walk! Visit the ASLC lobby from 6 - 8 PM on June 3, 2022 to see this month's TWO featured artists: KC Crowley & @Love from Alaska Both artists will have items displayed in the ASLC Lobby for the month of June AND both will be attending @Seward SeaBird Festival June 10, 11 and 12! See more of the artist's work: https://www.lovefromalaska.com/ https://www.mythinkworks.com/about Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

What makes marine mammals so marvelous? Take a Virtual Visit alongside our education and mammals teams to discover what allows Alaska's marine mammals to thrive both on land and in the sea. Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home!     For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, December 8 - 3:00pm Episode 2: Raising a Steller Sea Lion Pup Wednesday, December 9 - 11:00am Episode 2: Raising a Steller Sea Lion Pup Tuesday, January 5 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Caring for our Steller Sea Lions Wednesday, January 6 - 11:00am Episode 3: Caring for our Steller Sea Lions Tuesday, February 2 - 3:00pm Episode 4: Spot the Spotted Seal Wednesday, February 3 - 11:00am Episode 4: Spot the Spotted Seal Tuesday, March 2 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Ringed Seal Round Up Wednesday, March 3 - 11:00am Episode 5: Ringed Seal Round Up

Join us for this week-long virtual fundraising event!    Sitting at the doorstep of the glacier-carved Kenai Fjords National Park and surrounded by a network of science-based partners, the Alaska SeaLife Center is uniquely positioned to study the region’s seabirds. Our avian team pairs field surveys with controlled studies of resident flocks to reveal how seabirds shape – and are shaped by – a changing environment, while providing hands-on opportunities for students and citizen scientists in our community. With a small gift, you can join this network and support research that guides conservation, informs husbandry, and inspires a new generation of seabird stewards and scientists.     Our "Roundup" event is held each fall on the Alaska SeaLife Center’s social media pages, and this year, we're focusing on our seabird research efforts at the ASLC.    Fans and followers from around the world can learn more about the critical seabird research being done at the ASLC with daily social media posts on Facebook and Instagram.  We hope these stories inspire donations that will benefit a mission-critical program at the Center. This week only (September 15 - 21, 2025) Become a Seabird Steward by donating $25 or more and receive a limited-edition seabird research supporter sticker! Join our flock of seabird stewards and help protect these incredible birds: Donate today!    This year's sticker, created by one of our talented in-house graphic designers:  A preview of the stories:  Photostory: Puffin Poop with a Puspose Blog: Kittlitz's Murrelet and the Kenai Fjords   Video: Voluntary Research with ASLC Common Murres Video: Part 1: Resurrection Bay Seabird Surveys | On the Water with ASLC Seabird Researchers! Video: Part 2: Resurrection Bay Seabird Surveys | The Importance of Long-term Data Collection

Join us for a special community watch party at the Alaska SeaLife Center as we livestream "An Evening with Bill Nye live from Anchorage's Alaska Center for the Performing Arts – part of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s CAS Community Lecture Series. This is a unique opportunity to gather with fellow community members and science enthusiasts for an evening of thought-provoking conversation! Those attending the LiveStream event will have the chance to ask Bill Nye questions via a custom QR code. The stream will take place in the Bear Mountain Conference Room and be displayed on a large screen for group viewing. Seating is limited, and registration is recommended. RSVP here: https://24092.blackbaudhosting.com/24092/tickets?tab=2... The Alaska SeaLife Center’s doors will open at 6:20 pm, August 21, 2025, for registered guests. All tickets not claimed by 6:35 pm will be released for general admission. The program will start at 6:45 pm. This event is cohosted by the Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward Education Advocates, Seward Prevention Council, Seward Arts Council, and Chugach Regional Resource Commission, in partnership with the Seward Community Library and Museum.  

  Enjoy delicious soup served by Seward students in handcrafted ceramic bowls glazed by students and local artists.Take home a one-of-a-kind bowl and help send every 5th grader to KMTA Outdoor School Sleepover. A Zero-Waste Event honoring sustainability and our local marine habitats (Recommended donation for purchase of bowl with soup - $25 Recommended donation of soup with your own container - $5-15).   Join us for a special community watch party at the Alaska SeaLife Center as we livestream Cruisin’ Deep Time with Ray Troll & Kirk Johnson: The Travels of a Scientist and an Artist in search of Paleo America from Anchorage's Alaska Center for the Performing Arts – part of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s CAS Community Lecture Series. The stream will take place in the Bear Mountain Conference Room and will be displayed on a large screen for group viewing.  *Seating is limited for the Livestream portion of this event. Click here to register and secure your spot.    

Spring Break 2026 Availability  March 7-14: 1:45 pm Daily Spring 2026 Availability  March 15 - May 31: 1:45 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays Summer 2026 Availability  June 1 - August 3: 1:45 pm Daily August 4 - September 30: 1:45 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays   Duration: Approximately 30-minute tour Maximum of 5 people per tour - ages 10+* Come behind the scenes for a unique experience with one of our marine mammal ambassadors! This tour will allow visitors to get an up-close view of the exceptional day-to-day care our seals or sea lions receive while learning about how these amazing species are specially adapted for Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Each encounter will be unique (and special!).   No photography allowed on this tour. One Group Per Tour Group Size of 1-2 Guests: $289.95 Group Size of 3 Guests: $339.95 Group Size of 4 Guests: $389.95 Group Size of 5 Guests: $439.95 Members get a 20% discount, buy your membership today and use the benefits immediately. (does not include admission) *Guests aged 10-16 must be accompanied by a paying adult Tickets only valid for date selected. Online tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance.     

Special Experiences    Encounters are available for a single group at a time at a flat-rate price. General Admission must be purchased in addition. Members receive 20% off the regular price! Learn more. To book a reservation by phone please call 907-224-6300. For more information and questions, email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org.  Click on a experience for more details. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Limited space available. Tickets only valid for date selected. ***Occasionally, experiences may be adjusted due to weather or other conditions beyond our control to ensure the comfort and safety of our animals and guests. Accessibility For guests needing accommodations, every effort will be made to allow participation in encounters. Some of our tours require walking on uneven surfaces, kneeling, walking up stairs, and standing for up to 45 minutes.  For the safety of both the service animal and our ASLC animals, service animals may not be present during behind-the-scenes animal encounters. If you require a service animal, please contact our visitor services team to learn about the best ways to participate in an encounter.  Please contact us at visit@alaskasealife.org if you have any questions about accessibility for any of our tours.                                                        Tickets only valid for date selected. Cancellation Policy To change or cancel your reservation, please call 888-378-2525 or email us at onlinesales@alaskasealife.org We encourage you to reschedule your reservation, if possible, as opposed to canceling. We will do our best to accommodate any changes.  1. 7 days or more in advance: no penalty, full refund or free rescheduling.  2. 2-6 days in advance: 50% of reservation refunded or free rescheduling. 3. Less than 48 hours in advance: no refund or rescheduling. All cancellations will be confirmed by phone or email.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has admitted its first live patient of the 2025 wildlife response season: a female northern sea otter pup rescued from a beach in Homer, Alaska. Estimated to be around two months old, the pup was found alone, lethargic, and malnourished. The report came through ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline, prompting a swift response from ASLC wildlife response volunteers Mike Coffing and Sarah Wilhelm. After assessing the pup and confirming her critical condition, the team relayed their findings to ASLC staff in Seward, who immediately contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to authorize her transport for urgent veterinary care.  Before the journey to Seward, the pup received initial triage and stabilizing care at Kachemak Bay Animal Hospital, thanks to the support of Dr. Zach Gardenfors, ASLC Wildlife Response Staff Member Christie Hill, and the hospital team. Their rapid response helped prepare her for the next phase of treatment. With time of the essence, volunteer Mike helped get the pup to the ASLC faster by meeting the transport team en route. “It was a super quick response by our Homer team that gave this little girl a chance,” said ASLC Husbandry Coordinator Deanna Trobaugh, who fielded the original call and helped coordinate the rescue. “It’s always a race against the clock with animals this young,” Trobaugh added. “Our team in Homer responded with urgency and compassion. Everything came together quickly to get her to the ASLC, where she could get the help she needed.” Upon arrival at the Alaska SeaLife Center, the veterinary team found the pup suffering from dehydration, malnourishment, and a suspected injury to one of her front paws. She is currently receiving 24/7 care, stabilizing treatments, and additional diagnostics to better understand the severity of her condition. "Sea otter pups like this one need round-the-clock care in their earliest months of life," said Jane Belovarac, Wildlife Response Curator at ASLC. “They rely on their mothers for everything from grooming to nutrition, and when a pup is orphaned, it’s up to our team to step in. We’re doing everything we can to give this pup the best possible start.” Those interested can follow the pup’s progress with behind-the-scenes rehab stories from the ASLC’s  Instagram and Facebook pages: @AlaskaSeaLifeCenter. As the 2025 rescue season begins, the ASLC Wildlife Response Program stands ready to care for Alaska’s most vulnerable marine animals. You can help make these rescues possible by supporting the team’s work and reporting marine animals in need from across the state. Remember, before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-7325. Our staff and volunteers make handling wild animals in need look easy, but it can be extremely dangerous without proper training. The best thing you can do is call first!  The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI,  and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, The Theresa Bannister Fund, and the NC Giving Fund.   The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. Supporters can help provide vital care for marine animals in need by donating at www.alaskasealife.org/donate.           

Overview The ASLC  Wildlife Response program responds to live and dead marine wildlife that has been abandoned, stranded, or injured throughout Alaska. The ASLC is the only institution authorized to rehabilitate live stranded marine mammals in the state. We operate under permits and agreements issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). ASLC plays a critical role in responding to oil spills or other unusual events. In addition to covering the live animal response and care during the ‘busy’ season, May to September, ASLC remains in a ready state year round to provide basic animal care for oil-affected animals and deploy a mobile treatment and rehabilitation enclosure. The ASLC Wildlife Response Program is an important part of the Center's commitment to generate and share scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystem. The main goal of this program is to learn from live and dead stranded animals to better understand wild populations and maintain capacity to respond to natural or manmade disasters. We accomplish this by: Screening for conditions of concern Determining the health of individual animals Providing humane animal care Training staff and partners for response When possible, returning healthy animals to the wild

How You Can Help Donate Our Wildlife Response program is mostly funded through private donations. Please consider making an online donation today to support this critical program. Wishlist The patients and their caregivers in the Wildlife Response Program can also be supported by purchasing an item on our Amazon Wishlist. Items in need range from formula for orphaned animals to footwear for the caregivers.  Volunteer Volunteers are key to the success of our Wildlife Response team. The Alaska SeaLife Center has volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of schedules.  

Support the Center while you Shop!  There are many ways you can support the Center and one is through purchasing an item on our Amazon Wishlist! By purchasing an item on our list you are making a difference. The items needed range from toys for Animal Enrichment to formula for our Wildlife Response Program. Please include your name, address and email when checking out so we can send you a thank-you! For tracking purposes, you are welcome to forward your purchase confirmation to development@alaskasealife.org so that we can update you on its arrival. Thank you for your support!

Endowment Fund Make a donation today that keeps giving year after year The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has partnered with the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) to create the Alaska SeaLife Center Endowment Fund, which will support the ASLC in achieving its mission of generating and sharing scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems for the years to come. Endowment funds generate a predictable stream of income, leaving a majority of the assets to grow in perpetuity. An endowment offers the flexibility to meet ASLC’s immediate needs while ensuring assets are always preserved for our long-term mission. The ACF protects the fund’s assets from being spent for any other purpose. For example, your gift today will be invested by the ACF and will earn returns every year from the moment you make it. That means a gift of $1,000 today is a gift of $50 every year permanently to the Alaska SeaLife Center. The Alaska SeaLife Center Endowment Fund welcomes gifts of all kinds including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, life insurance and retirement assets. Gifts can be made online directly with the ACF or by calling (907) 334-6700. Online donations can also be made here through the Alaska SeaLife Center which will transfer Endowment Fund donations to the ACF on a monthly basis.  

Discovery Zone Here at the Alaska SeaLife Center, our staff is dedicated to learning more each day about Alaska’s marine ecosystems. We then share what we’ve learned with you, so that you can help us continue to understand and care for the ocean, its animals, and its resources. What does it take to become a scientist? In the Discovery Zone, everyone is a scientist. There are three steps in this important role:          (1) Observe the world around you, then…          (2) ask questions, then…          (3) find ways to answer your questions!   Rules of the Discovery Zone The rules of the zone are simple: Be Respectful, Be Curious, and Have Fun! 

Teachers Room Watch your students gain a deeper understanding of science through discovery at the Alaska SeaLife Center! There are many ways to engage with our exhibits and our marine science expertise: Our programs are offered year-round. Visit the aquarium and participate in Day Programs or our popular overnight Nocturne Sleepovers. For schools in the Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Kenai Peninsula areas, we can bring our Outreach Programs directly to your school. If your class has access to high speed internet connections, our Distance Learning programs are a great way to visit the SeaLife Center without leaving your classroom! Information & Registration For registration, cost information and program details, click on the links above or expand the Education sidebar menu to learn more about our programs. Preparing for your visit  Click here for more information to help you prepare for your group’s visit to the Center. Questions or suggestions?  Contact the Alaska SeaLife Center Education Specialists at education@alaskasealife.org.

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()         MEET DR. BODIL BLUHM MARINE BIOLOGIST AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS WHAT SHE STUDIES: -Marine invertebrates -Sea ice & benthic ecology EDUCATION: B.A. Biology M.S. Zoology Ph.D. Marine Biology ONE COOL EXPERIENCE WHEN WORKING IN THE ARCTIC WAS... "We were trying to trawl for bottom fauna, at like 10,000 feet, in ice (in the Arctic deep sea). We deployed an ROV and deep sea cameras and we were sitting on the ship, and live-seeing what was on the sea floor, creeping around there." Dr. Bodil Bluhm describes what she likes best about Arctic marine research. (1:00) Video Transcript   I think the two things I like best are the interactions with people, and that's both with the fellow scientists from all over the place as well as with outreach activities, just talking to my five year old and her preschool group- the other day they had this ocean topic and I brought my dive gear, and they get all excited- so that's one part I really like, the interaction with people. Also on the international level, with the Arctic being the Arctic there's a lot of countries all around it, and we really have contacts to all of them. The other thing I really like is the study area itself. It has so many challenges, and it is under pressure from all these different activities- including climate change, and oil and gas and so on- but it just keeps being an interesting area to me to study. So those are the two things that really keep me excited about the work.   WHO IS STUDYING SEA ICE?  

  animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()         MEET MARTIN SCHUSTER UAF GRADUATE WITH AN MS DEGREE IN MARINE BIOLOGY AND PAST RESEARCH TECHNICIAN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS WHAT HE STUDIES: -Kelp forest ecology -Scientific diving EDUCATION: B.S. Biological Sciences M.S. Marine Biology   THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED IN THE SCIENCE FIELD IS... "to volunteer. You have to make your interests known to people... The people who ask questions, that's what highlights you as someone who (gets into grad school)." Martin talks about how he got involved with marine research and scientific diving at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. (01:15) Video Transcript   I was just sort of taking biology classes until I stumbled upon this poster that said ‘Scientific Diving here at UAF’ and I thought, ‘well, why the heck not’ and it looked pretty cool.  I was looking for a change, so I took that class with Dr. Conar and it really changed my life in a lot of ways.  After I put on that dry suit and got under the water, I really realized the amazing diversity of life we have here in these super cold waters.  It was hard for me to imagine before because I’d never stuck my face into the water before.  Just seeing a kelp forest for the first time and all the amazing plant and invertebrate life in there really made me realize that this was a thing that I could do.  So after that I took the class again, and then I took it again, and then I ended up joining Brenda’s lab, and becoming a scientific diver for her.  Then eventually became a grad student, which has led me to a lot of other cool fieldwork that’s not diving related as well, including this icebreaker expedition that I went on with Rolf.      WHO IS STUDYING SEA ICE?  

Starting July 23 Summer 2020 Availability - Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays: 3:30 pm  Duration: Approximately 30-minute tour Maximum of 5 people per tour - minimum age 13* Meet Mara, our resident Steller sea lion mom and her pup, born June 26 on this once-in-a-lifetime exclusive tour.   Have a chance to feed Mara and watch her interact with her new pup. Learn from our marine mammal staff what it takes to be a good Steller sea lion mom and what it was like welcoming the pup into the world. Don't miss this first time offered interaction that will be available for a very limited time. For the safety and well-being of our animal residents there is no photography allowed on this tour. Flat-Rate Price: $399.95 per group of 1-5 people - members get a 20% discount, buy your membership today and use the benefits immediately *Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult Tickets only valid for date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one hour in advance. All guests must wear a face covering on this tour. If you cannot wear a face covering due to a medical condition, please email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org to arrange an accommodation before booking the tour.

Winter Nights Series Tuesday evenings – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Unwind, connect, and spark your creativity at our SeaLife Winter Nights series. Designed for adults and young adults, these special evenings feature a mix of crafts, games, and interactive activities in a lively, social atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to get creative, connect with friends, or meet new people, this is your chance to experience the aquarium in a whole new way. Cost: Events Ranging in price from FREE to $25.00 Space is limited; advanced reservation suggested – Click here to register   Calendar of Events: January 13 – Paint Night: Dive into creativity and paint your own ocean-inspired masterpieces to take home. All supplies provided. January 20 – Ocean Trivia Night: Free Event - How well do you know the sea? Test your ocean IQ - top teams take home prizes. *January 27 – Craft Supply Swap & Create: Free Event - Bring your gently-used craft supplies to trade with others, and participate in a variety of ocean-themed crafts (materials provided). *This activity is open to all ages. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. February 3 – Marine Music Bingo: Free Event - Like Bingo, but with music from a live DJ and an ocean twist! Catch the right songs to win prizes (extensive music knowledge not required). February 10 – Nature Journaling:  Relax, socialize, and create a take-home nature journal as you wander the aquarium for inspiration. Supplies provided! *February 17 – Community Game Night: Free Event - Join us for an evening of friendly competition! Rotate through a variety of nature-themed games and activities and collect tickets for a chance to win prizes. *This activity is open to all ages. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. February 24 – Hand-Build Pottery: Join us for an evening of hands-on creativity! Learn basic pottery techniques and create your own masterpiece with inspiration from the aquarium’s animals. All materials provided – just bring your imagination and curiosity! March 3 – Yoga Under the Sea: Stretch your fins and join us for a serene evening of underwater-inspired yoga at the aquarium.  

Seward, Alaska (March 18, 2015) - The Alaska SeaLife Center got a special delivery last week! Mara, an 11-year-old female, is the latest addition to ASLC's Steller sea lion family. Mara arrived on February 12 from the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. She was originally part of a research study at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Aquarium. Here at the Center, Mara will join our Steller sea lion breeding program. The study focuses on the maternal care of females, as part of the Center’s research to better understand this endangered species. ASLC Marine Mammal Scientist Dr. Lori Polasek and her team are looking at the energetic cost of raising a pup from conception to weaning through hormone levels, pregnancy detection, and pup care. So far, Mara has been exploring her new home and loves to play with her enrichment toys. Our animal care team will slowly introduce her to other resident sea lions before putting her on habitat. Dr. Polasek and her team are hoping for a successful encounter this summer with male Steller sea lion Pilot.              

Seward, AK – July 24, 2015 –The Alaska SeaLife Center is hosting its 17th Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run/Walk on Saturday, August 1. The fundraiser supports the rescue and rehabilitation mission of the Center’s Wildlife Response Program. This has been a busy year for the program, which is currently caring for one spotted seal, one ringed seal, 6 harbor seals, and one Steller’s eider.     The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront. Walkers and runners are invited to register online at www.alaskasealife.org. Race bibs and t-shirts will be available for pick up in the Alaska SeaLife Center lobby on August 1 between 9:00 am and 11: 30 am. Untimed walkers will start the course at 11:15 am, and the starting gun for the timed run goes off at noon. Awards will be presented at 2:00 pm.    Premier race sponsors include Shell and ConocoPhillips. Other sponsors include Wells Fargo; Hotel Seward; Petro 49, Inc.; J&R/Kruzof Fisheries; TelAlaska; Seward Family Dentistry; Alaska Serigraphics; First National Bank Alaska; Metco, Inc.; Skinny Raven Sports; Edward Jones; Seward Parks and Recreation Department; and Seward Chamber of Commerce.    The Alaska SeaLife Center is a private non-profit research institution and visitor attraction which generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The Alaska SeaLife Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.alaskasealife.org.   The Alaska SeaLife Center operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded marine mammals or birds, and encourages people who have found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal.  Call first: 1-888-774-SEAL   

CONTACT: Alaska SeaLife Center Tara Riemer, President and CEO Phone: (907) 224-6349 E-mail: tarar@alaskasealife.org U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Andrea Medeiros, Public Affairs Specialist Phone: (907) 786-3695 E-mail: andrea_medeiros@fws.gov Team Works to Understand Cause of Increased Sea Otter Deaths Public Asked to Report Animals Found and Not Approach   Anchorage, Alaska (October 8, 2015)– More than 200 dead or sick sea otters have been reported on beaches in the Kachemak Bay region in 2015.  Similar cases in the past have been linked to streptococcus related illnesses. A team of experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, and the USGS National Wildlife Health Center are working to understand what has caused the spike in sea otter deaths and potential significance to the population. Despite the ongoing investigation, including exams and tests on the carcasses, the cause of death for many of the sea otters remains unknown. Sea otters are aquatic animals and normally do not spend much time on land.  If a sea otter is found on the beach, it is likely to be sick or injured and should not be approached. The Alaska SeaLife Center operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded marine mammals or birds, and encourages people who have found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal.  Call first!  1-888-774-SEAL Be prepared to provide: ·         Exact location ·         Date and time of encounter ·         Number and type of animals involved ·         A description of the condition of the animal(s) ·         Any available digital photographs of the animal(s) To learn more about the Alaska SeaLife Center, visit www.alaskasealife.org. Learn more about sea otters, visit: http://1.usa.gov/1RwjIg9