The Wildlife Response Program patients include a young harbor seal and a sea otter pup Seward, Alaska (Sept. 14, 2022) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) recently admitted two patients to the Wildlife Response Program, a young male harbor seal (the third admitted in 2022) and a male sea otter pup. The harbor seal pup was reported by the captain of a local charter fishing boat on August 22, 2022 after the pup climbed onto the boat’s deck near Hive Island, about 15 miles south of Seward in Resurrection Bay. Photographs sent to the ASLC showed a skinny, young male harbor seal pup. Upon meeting the boat in the harbor, it was clear to ASLC staff by the seal’s exhausted appearance and quiet behavior that he would need immediate medical attention. After receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval, the pup was transported back to the Alaska SeaLife Center for treatment. After an initial examination, veterinary staff estimated that the seal was around two months old and was likely separated from his mother or weaned prematurely. The team’s main concerns were malnourishment, dehydration, and lethargy. Some wounds were also noted on the seal’s flippers. Once hydrated with supportive fluids, the seal quickly took to eating fish on his own. Recovering from starvation can be a slow process, and the team is currently providing additional stabilizing treatments and monitoring the patient further to understand the severity of his conditions. The second rescue occurred September 7, 2022 after a caller to the ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (888-774-7325) reported a pair of otters on a remote beach in the western Kenai Peninsula. Observers sent photographs and described a disheartening scene to ASLC hotline operators. They saw a moribund female sea otter that was barely moving or breathing with her juvenile pup vocalizing on top of her. The condition of the mother was dire, and the team determined she would likely not survive a transport back to Seward or treatment. Efforts were then focused on saving the male pup, estimated to be around four months old and too young to survive on its own. With approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the pup was admitted to the ASLC Wildlife Response program for care. The original observers were able to return to the remote site the next day and confirm that the adult had passed away. The pup was examined upon arrival to ASLC and found to be underweight, but otherwise alert and strong. After the exam, he was swimming energetically and eating solid food. Over the next several days the team will be closely monitoring him for signs of illness or challenges keeping his coat in good condition. You can follow the ASLC on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on these rescue patients as the team works to nurse them back to health. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like these thanks to donations from corporate sponsors and individual donors. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of this patient here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, GCI, and a number of individual donors. Call 1-888-774-SEAL(7325) if you see any marine mammal in distress in Alaska.      

The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to announce the appointment of John Fraser, Ph.D., AIA as the organization’s new Director of Mission Impact beginning on July 17, 2023. Dr. Fraser is a noted international conservation psychologist and architect, known in the zoo and aquarium community for leading research on the social value of zoos and aquariums. Fraser was a founder of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Research and Technology Committee and has continued service on that committee for the past 15 years. “For too long, the contiguous states have lacked the Alaskan voice and experience for guiding the national response to our climate crisis. I am excited by the opportunity to join the ASLC team and the partners throughout Alaska to learn how we can raise all of our voices,” said Dr. Fraser. In this newly created position, Dr. Fraser will work alongside Wei Ying Wong, Ph.D., ASLC Chief Science and Education Officer, and the entire ASLC staff to advance social science research, evaluation and monitoring at the ASLC. Fraser will lead the strategies that use scientific knowledge to most effectively promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems by the stakeholders whose choices will shape the future. “We are lucky to have someone of the caliber of Dr. Fraser join us. With his vast experience we will be able to accelerate the ability of ASLC to expand our impact, and lean into our leadership role” said Dr. Wong.  With more than 91 peer-reviewed journal articles, multiple noteworthy books, and articles, Fraser brings decades of research on how to engage stakeholders and public audiences in the ecological challenges of our age and the role of facility design for endangered species breeding. His book with Tawnya Switzer entitled The Social Value of Zoos (Cambridge University Press) is considered a definitive work on how the zoo and aquarium movement can leverage their authority for advancing conservation of the systems on which all life depends. Previously, Fraser was the leader of major national research strategies for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Association of Children’s Museums, the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office, and PBS NewsHour. 

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a newborn harbor seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on June 4, 2024. The abandoned pup was rescued from Kenai Beach. An initial call came to the ASLC Wildlife Response Department from a concerned local, who spotted the lone seal while walking along Kenai North beach at night. Pictures sent to the team showed the pup was skinny with its umbilical cord still attached, indicating it was less than a week old. In addition to its poor body condition, the pup’s mother had not been seen for many hours. With approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ASLC volunteers set out to retrieve the pup. Unfortunately, the group was not able to locate it that night. The next morning, a second call came from the Kenai Peninsula Police Department, fielding a stranded pup report from a second concerned observer. After confirming the seal was the same one reported the previous night, ASLC staff worked with police officers and Kenai Animal Control to arrange a pickup. The initial caller agreed to wait with the pup until animal control arrived to place the pup in a kennel, and a police officer provided transport back to the Kenai Beach parking lot. The pup was then handed off to a volunteer and driven back to the ASLC. After an admit exam, the wildlife response and veterinary staff confirmed that the pup was both dehydrated and underweight. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of its condition. With this new admit, the wildlife response team now has four harbor seal pups under its care. Updates on current patients will be shared on the ASLC’s Facebook and Instagram pages as they become available. 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. 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 and the Theresa Bannister Legacy Fund. Those interested in contributing to the care of these patients can visit the ASLC’s website: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325).

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Brad Ryan as the Center’s first Executive Vice President/Deputy Director (EVP/DD). With a rich background in environmental science and a passion for conservation, Brad’s journey began in the stunning natural landscapes of Oregon, where his love for the outdoors and wildlife inspired him to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences. Brad holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Resources, focusing on the vulnerability of juvenile salmon to avian predation—a crucial area of study for marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. After spending a decade as a research scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), he made significant contributions to the protection of marine resources. Following his time with NOAA, Brad took an adventurous leap, selling his home to travel the world by motorbike. He explored the breathtaking landscapes of Africa, South America, and Central America, which deepened his respect for diverse ecosystems and strengthened his commitment to environmental stewardship. Upon returning to the U.S., he settled in Haines, Alaska, where he worked closely with Native Tribes and watershed councils, honing his expertise in watershed restoration and the protection of Alaska’s unique ecosystems. Brad’s dedication to community service extended to local government, where he served as Director of Public Facilities and later as Borough Manager. In these roles, he leveraged his scientific knowledge and leadership skills to enhance public services and infrastructure, making a direct impact on his community. Now, at the Alaska SeaLife Center, Brad is excited to bring his expertise and enthusiasm for conservation to our team. His unique blend of adventure, scientific knowledge, and commitment to public service will help us advance our mission to generate and share scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems. “We’re delighted to welcome Brad to our executive team,” said Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. “His extensive experience and passion for marine conservation align perfectly with our mission. We can’t wait to see the positive impact he will have on our projects and the community.

June 8, 2022 is World Ocean Day - come celebrate with us at the Alaska SeaLife Center!   We will have activities all day long and special Conservation Talks from the ASLC Staff. All talks and activities are included with regular admission. We highly recommend you reserve your ticket online before you visit. The earlier you book, the more you can save >>> https://www.alaskasealife.org/tickets The schedule of Conservation Talks is coming soon, so check back!

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.

Join us every week on Tuesday at 11 AM for a FREE virtual program for you and your preschooler!   Explore the wonders of Alaska! Each program will feature a new topic, story time, and activities for you and your child.   Streaming live on our YouTube channel every Tuesday 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! Small Fry School is made possible from the generous support from Alaska 529.

Bird fans assemble! Join members of our education and avian teams to get an up-close look at the amazing abilities that allow our seabirds to explore the ocean. Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home!       For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, December 15 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Caring for our Super Seabirds Wednesday, December 16 - 11:00am Episode 3: Caring for our Super Seabirds Tuesday, January 12 - 3:00pm Episode 4: A Day in the Life of an ASLC Puffin Wednesday, January 13 - 11:00am Episode 4: A Day in the Life of an ASLC Puffin Tuesday, February 9 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Eider Natural History Wednesday, February 10 - 11:00am Episode 5: Eider Natural History

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 every Thursday, October 31, 2019–Feb. 27, 2020* from 11:00 am – 12:00 am. Did you know that newly hatched fish are called fry? Bring your little fry to the Alaska SeaLife Center for a free parents and preschooler adventure! Weekly activities will include crafts, stories, hands-on science-based activities games, etc. Themes will change weekly and will be specially designed for children ages 3-5 years old.  Learn more here, or call 907-224-6306 for more information.  *dates subject to change. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day Sponsored by Marjor Marine Tours, Vergeben Services, and Seward Community Foundation.

Variety is the spice of life, especially in the sea! ASLC's award-winning education team will provide an engaging program on a topic of their choice. Topics will change monthly.  Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home - Virtually       For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, November 24 - 3:00pm Episode 2: Benthic Buddies with Special Guest: Ms. Mallory Adventures Wednesday, November 25 - 11:00am Episode 2: Benthic Buddies with Special Guest: Ms. Mallory Adventures Tuesday, December 22 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Family Game Night - Trivia Wednesday, December 23 - 11:00am Episode 3: Family Game Night - Trivia Tuesday, January 19 - 3:00pm Episode 4: Fun with Food Webs Wednesday, January 20 - 11:00am Episode 4: Fun with Food Webs Tuesday, February 16 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Dive into ASLC Wednesday, February 17 - 11:00am Episode 5: Dive into ASLC

Join us for the Seward Seabird Festival! Activities will take place all around Seward June 10, 11, and 12, 2022. All weekend long, visit Seward for events celebrating the migration of Alaska's seabirds through education, science, and art!  Visit www.alaskasealife.org/sewardseabirdfestival for updates on the event!    

                        Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center During Spring Break! Schedule for March 10 - 19, 2023 Open Daily 10 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)  Book tickets online ahead of time and save!     Daily Public Chats With ASLC Staff 11:00 AM: bird chat in the aviary 11:30 AM: aquarium feed at the salmon exhibit 2:30 PM: mammal feed at the seal or sea lion habitat   Book a Behind-the-Scenes Tour! We’re launching NEW tours and have more availability for the week of spring break. Book your experience now!   Steller Sea Lion Exclusive: offered Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 1:30 PM Octopus Encounter: offered daily at 3:00 PM Ice Seal Adventure: offered Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 PM   New for Spring Break 2023: Wildlife Response Sneak Peek: offered daily at 12:30 PM Animal Care Sneak Peek: offered daily at 2:30 PM

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 2, 2023 to see and shop with this month's featured artist: Kwangsook Park Schaefermeyer https://www.kpsfineart.com https://www.facebook.com/kpsfineart   Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.    

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for two beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Friday, July 14, 2023 4-6 PM Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Saturday, July 22, 2022 9-11 AM Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for two beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 22, 2022 9-11 AM Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)   No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Friday, July 14, 2023 4-6 PM Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion  

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Thursday, July 18, 2024; 5 - 7 p.m. Meet at the tent near Branson Pavilion Park No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Saturday, July 27, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach Wednesday, July 31, 2024; 5 - 7 p.m. Meet at the tent near the Seward culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge).

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 27, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Saturday, July 31, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near the Seward culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)    

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 31, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near the Seward culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge) No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!

Join us at the Alaska SeaLife Center for a LIVESTREAM event!  Join Author/Photographer Seth Kantner and UAA Ecologist Paddy Sullivan as they share their unique perspectives, stories and photographs of dramatic changes they have observed while living and working in northwest Alaska. Topics include living with caribou, decline of the Western Arctic Herd, sea ice retreat, changes in climate, thawing permafrost, proliferation of trees and shrubs, stream degradation, and other related issues. Tickets only $10, CLICK HERE to purchase. For more info CLICK HERE

Did you know that Alaska is a haven for over 40 species of waterfowl? The state’s vast and relatively undisturbed ecosystems — including wetlands, tundra, and coastal areas — make it one of the most critical areas in North America for waterfowl conservation.   Learn more at the ASLC on January 17 and 18, where admission includes free crafts, activities, and educational chats!   Activity Schedule   - 12:30 & 2:30 pm: What makes waterfowl so unique in the bird world? - 1:00 & 3:00 pm: Become a "Seaduck Scientist!" - 2:00 & 3:30 pm: Learn to birdwatch!  

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

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