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()         Three years of spring sampling trips resulted in thousands upon thousands of data samples. Back at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the scientists resettle into their lab. Now with all their samples in front of them, they work to draw meaning from these snippets of information. It's like putting together a puzzle, but this one will take years to finish! Dr. Rolf Gradinger quickly discovered that there was a huge amount of ice algae production happening in the Bering Sea, even more than the team had hypothesized! Dr. Gradinger found that as much as 50% of all the algae growing in the Bering Sea in spring was growing with the sea ice. Armed with this knowledge, Dr. Bluhm and Dr. Iken set to work decoding the food web. First, they wanted to figure out which animals in the Bering Sea feed directly on ice algae. The two scientists are especially interested in animals that feed directly on the sea ice, because changes in the food available for these species will impact animals all the way up the food chain. To study the diet of these primary consumers they used a process called stable isotope analysis. VIDEO: BUILDING A FOODWEB USING STABLE ISOTOPES Learn about how researchers can piece together the marine food web by looking at muscle tissue (1:35) Video Transcript You might have heard the saying before, "you are what you eat". It turns out it's true! Certain chemicals from the foods we eat stay inside our body's tissue long after the food has been digested. Because different foods have different chemicals in them, each type of food has its own chemical signature, it's kind of like a fingerprint. Scientists can look at these signatures inside an animals tissues to see what kinds of food the animal has been eating. The chemicals that scientists look for are called stable isotopes.   In marine ecosystems like the Bering Sea, scientists use this technique to figure out which animals are eating certain types of algae. Imagine you're a clam. You live in the silty sediments at the bottom of the Bering Sea. In the springtime you eat 10 units of food in a day. Of these ten units, eight are of sea ice algae and two are from phytoplankton from the pelagic zone. You go along like this, every day eating eight units of sea ice algae and two units of phytoplankton, until one day.... SCOOP... you end up in our researchers sediment grab sampler. You're hauled up to the surface and taken to the laboratory where a sample of your muscle tissue is removed and tested for stable isotope signatures. The scientists recognize the signature of the stable isotopes from the algae you ate, so they can tell that the ice algae was an important part of your diet. This same techique can be used on animals higher up the food chain. Even the walrus who ate the clam who ate the sea ice algae will have muscle tissue with the sea ice algae's special signature. With the help of stable isotope analysis, the pieces begin falling into place. Dr. Bluhm and Dr. Iken are able to connect primary consumers to the ice algae they ate using their muscle tissue. The food chain doesn't stop there! These primary consumers can be connected to secondary consumers, who can be connected to one of the ecosystem's top predators: the polar bear. Suddenly, scientists are able to show that sea ice isn't just important to a few species; it connects animals throughout the food web! Navigate through the food web below to see what scientists have learned about how arctic organisms are interconnected: The evidence collected as part of this project clearly supports the team's hypothesis that sea ice is an important food source for pelagic and benthic Bering Sea communities during the springtime. The question now is: What will it mean for marine life as sea ice conditions in the Bering Sea continue to change? Scientists aren't sure yet, but they know that research projects like this one are important because they will provide baseline information which will help the science community quantify ecosystem changes over time.       WHO IS STUDYING SEA ICE?   ISOTOPES (n)- different forms of the same chemical   INTERCONNECTED (adj)- connected with each other   CLIMATE (n)- the general weather conditions in an area over a long period of time   BASELINE (n)- a starting value that is used for comparison to future values   QUANTIFY (v)- to assign a quantity to something              

  animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', '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('B', '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()         Eiders are sea ducks, which means that they live in coastal areas where they dabble for small invertebrates or dive for crustaceans and molluscs. Steller's eiders nest on the arctic and subarctic tundra. These birds are sexually dimorphic, so males generally look very different from females. Click on the images below to discover the advantages of different colors on the tundra: Steller's eiders are migratory and winter comes early on the Alaskan tundra. Before ice covers the ponds and coastal waters near the Steller's beeding grounds, the birds must travel south to areas where the coast doesn't freeze over, allowing them to access food resources in the ocean. Watch the video to learn where the Steller's eiders of Alaska travel throughout the year. VIDEO: Annual Cycle of Steller's Eiders in Alaska Discover the life history of Steller's eiders in Alaska. (2:44) Video Transcript In Alaska, Steller’s eiders spend the winter on the coast along the Aleutian Islands, the Alaska Peninsula, and the Kodiak Archipelago. As spring arrives, the birds wait for the sea ice to melt along their migratory paths. Before they migrate, the males begin to dance. All efforts are geared toward finding a mate. Then, the Steller’s eiders that winter in Alaska diverge into two separate breeding populations. Most of them fly northwest to breed and nest in Russia. Others fly north to breed and nest near Barrow, Alaska. These birds comprise the Alaskan breeding population. Historically, Steller’s eiders also nested on the Yukon-Kuskokwim, or Y-K Delta. Now Steller’s eiders are a rare sight on the Y-K Delta, and very few Steller’s nests have been discovered there in the past several decades. In late May or early June the Steller’s Eiders reach their breeding grounds on the arctic tundra. By late June the hens are ready to make a nest on the tundra in close proximity to tundra ponds. The males stay around to guard while the females construct elaborate grass nests lined with cozy down feathers. The end result is so well camouflaged that it virtually disappears into the tundra. By early July the Steller’s hens will lay up to 9 olive-brown eggs. While the females tend to their eggs, the males leave to travel south and return to their molting grounds. Adult eiders molt their flight feathers once each year, leaving them unable to fly for about a month as they grow new feathers. Males travel to protected bays and lagoons to molt before continuing on to their wintering sites. Meanwhile, on the tundra the hens incubate their eggs up to 26 days before the ducklings hatch. Within 24 hours of hatching the ducklings leave the nest to follow their mother around the coastal tundra. In 5 to 7 weeks the young birds are able to fly. Fall will soon give way to winter, so the mothers and their young must fly south to the molting and wintering grounds. The females reunite with the males and with the breeding population that spent its summer in Russia. And the annual cycle of the Steller’s eiders begins again. Every species of bird has different requirements for successful nesting but, with so few of these birds in the wild and so little known about them, how will researchers know what Steller's eiders need? In captivity, these birds won’t have to worry about predators or the challenges of migration. But will the scientists be able to provide them with requirements they need to nest and raise ducklings hundreds of miles away from the tundra?       CLICK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT SEADUCK SCIENTISTS!   CAMOUFLAGE (n) - concealment that alters or obscures the appearance; helps an organism to hide from its predators.   FORAGE (v) - to search for and collect food.   INCUBATE (v) - to keep an egg or organism at an appropriate temperature for it to develop.   IRIDESCENT (adj) - shining with many different colors when seen from different angles.   LIFE HISTORY (n) - the series of changes a living thing goes through during its lifetime.   MIGRATION (n) - seasonal movement from one area to another.   MOLT (v) - to lose a covering of hair, feathers, etc., and replace it with new growth.   PLUMAGE (n) - the feathers that cover the body of a bird.   SEXUAL DIMORPHISM (n) - when the male and female of the same species look distinctly different from one another.  

animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', '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('B', '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()         The Steller's eiders kept the team busy during the 2014 breeding season. The combination of nesting materials, nest placement, privacy, mate choice and staffing worked for the eiders! For the first time in the program’s history, two Steller’s eider hens, Scarlet and Eek, incubated their eggs for the full 26 days and hatched ducklings. Scarlet had three ducklings and Eek had one. Four other ducklings hatched after artificial incubation and were raised by people for a total of eight Steller’s ducklings. The hens fully incubating their eggs was a grand achievement for the eider team! In the early stages of the project, hens would only lay infertile eggs, or not build a nest, or not stay on their nest through the whole incubation. In captivity, Steller’s eider hens had never incubated their eggs completely on their own before now! In addition to the eight ducklings of 2014, the eider team had many eggs that were infertile or that were fertile but never hatched. All the eggs that do not hatch go to the lab where Dr. Katrina Counihan and her lab technicians get to work. Every egg provides further data for researchers to use to learn more about eiders. VIDEO: DATA FROM EGG DISSECTIONS Discover what Dr. Katrina is learning in her eider lab. (1:40) Video Transcript I do various projects with the eiders. The major one is I oversee the processing of the eggs every summer. We get eggs from the captive spectacled and Steller’s eiders. For this summer we got over 300 eggs from both species, so we have help usually in the summer from interns and also volunteers which are often college students. Without them we wouldn’t be able to get through all these samples, because it takes about 30-45 minutes per egg to process it. As you can see here we use a variety of tools: digital calipers to measure the width and length of all of our eggs, and then we have a scale that we [use to] weigh the eggs before we start the dissection. The first thing we do is we’ll use these little just basic knitting scissors and we cut around the center of the egg. And then we’ll dump out as much of the albumen as we can into a large dish and then the yolk into a second one of the large Petri dishes. And then we’ll use really simple things, like just plastic forks to mix up albumen and yolk before we take samples, and then spatulas to scrape up every last little bit to make sure we get the samples. And then just little plastic syringes to suck up the samples into the vials. And then we weigh out the yolk and the albumen. So we literally save every bit of every egg we get. Dr. Katrina Counihan uses parts of the eggs she dissects to study eider health. We know a lot about how people deal with being sick, but not much about what eiders do to stay healthy. One part of the egg she is interested in is the yolk because it contains immunoglobulin (or antibodies) which would help the duck fight off diseases. Dr. Counihan looks at the immunoglobulin in the eggs to understand how the eiders are able to fight diseases. Thanks to Dr. Counihan’s work, if the eiders are reintroduced, the scientists will understand how healthy the captive birds are and how the eiders will be able to handle any diseases that they might encounter in the wild. Dr. Hollmen believes that the collaboration and communication between the research and husbandry staff is the key to the team’s success. The husbandry staff works to make the eiders feel at home and healthy so they lay eggs. Some of those eggs hatch into ducklings that increase the captive reservoir population. Researchers in the lab use the other eggs to find information on the health of the birds. The field team tries to find a wild habitat where the eiders could survive. Each team member contributes a specialized set of skills and everyone is united by the goal of learning about and helping a unique arctic species.       CLICK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT SEADUCK SCIENTISTS!   ALBUMEN (n) - the white of an egg.   CALIPER (n) - a tool with two moveable arms that is used to measure thickness, diameter, length or width.   COLLABORATION (n) - the action of working with someone to do or create something.   IMMUNOGLOBULIN (n) - also called antibody; a protein that helps the immune system find and get rid of foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.   PETRI DISH (n) - a shallow plastic or glass dish often used in labs to culture bacteria or collect samples.   YOLK (n) - the yellow center of an egg that supplies food to a growing bird before it hatches.    

animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', '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('B', '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()         A typical day doesn’t exist on the Arctic tundra. Even in the summertime, you could wake to a day of hail, snow, fog, rain, or 70-degree sunshine. Luckily, on good weather days there is a lot of daylight when scientists can get their work completed. With a flat landscape, light from the sun lasts almost 24 hours. Researchers sometimes work until one o'clock in the morning! In the 2014 season, Alaska SeaLife Center scientists traveled to the Y-K Delta twice; once in June to investigate habitat for nesting pairs and once in July to study conditions during brood rearing. This fieldwork helped determine if there is suitable habitat on the Delta for the potential rearing of Steller’s eider ducklings in the upcoming years. If the team can hatch and raise Steller's eiders on the Y-K Delta, this may be a way to reintroduce Steller's eiders to that area. The prospective Steller's rearing location needs to have quality habitat for the eiders, but it also needs easy access for the scientists to come and go with supplies. VIDEO: STUDYING SITES FOR REINTRODUCTION Sadie Ulman explains what information the field team gathered in 2014 and why. (1:48) Video Transcript One of the primary goals of my work right now is to help with the reintroduction of Steller’s eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and our focus is on this particular central Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Kigigak Island down on the further south, and then all the way up here on the Kashunuk River system were three different locations. We were looking for freshwater ponds, which happen to be mainly on top of these pingos which are essentially upraised tundra, kind of new tundra areas upraised with these deep, clear freshwater ponds on them with different vegetation than the lower, more grassland. This past season we were sampling a suite of habitat types, but a list of factors kept pointing toward these pingo ponds being the highest level of quality for habitat. We’re looking at salinity specifically because it’s been shown to affect the growth and mass of ducklings at an early age. Sea ducks in particular have salt glands that they don’t fully develop until anywhere from 3 to 6 days of age. After the salt glands have developed they can process salt water readily and it does not affect them. With the changing climate and weather there’s been a higher frequency of coastal storm surges coming in. So the seawater essentially is coming up and flooding a lot of the tundra area and therefore increasing the salinity in a lot of those ponds. That is very helpful to know for the reintroduction purposes, as we need to find a location where there’s plenty of freshwater available for these broods and these ducklings to be reintroduced. Click on the tools and equipment in the image below to learn more about what the research team does in the field. Can you find all six items to click on?         CLICK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT SEADUCK SCIENTISTS!   CONDUCTIVITY (n) - the degree to which a specified material conducts electricity.   DATA (n) - values of something measured.   DELTA (n) - the area of land where a river splits into smaller rivers before it flows into an ocean.   HABITAT (n) - the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.   INVERTEBRATE (n) - an organism that doesn’t have a spine or spinal column; insects are one example of invertebrates.   pH (n) - a number between 0 and 14 that indicates if a substance is an acid or a base.   PINGO (n) - a hill of soil-covered ice pushed up in an area of permafrost.   QUADRAT (n) - a square or rectangular plot of land marked off for the study of plants and animals.   REAR (v) - caring for and raising (offspring) until they are fully grown, especially in a particular manner or place.   SALINITY (n) - the saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water.   SEDIMENT (n) - matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid.   SLOUGH (n) - an inlet on a river or a creek in a marsh or tidal flat.    

  animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', '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() Talking with Kathy, Yosty learned that the common murres in the Gulf of Alaska were starving during this period of uncharacteristically warm water. This common murre die-off event was very puzzling for scientists because there was not a clear reason as to why the birds were behaving abnormally. If the birds were not getting enough food, there must be something in the Gulf of Alaska impacting the food chain. Scientists study all levels of marine food webs, beginning with the organisms at the base — the plankton. Plankton are a diverse group of living organisms that spend at least part of their life floating through the water column, unable to swim against the current. Plankton consist of both plants and animals and help to form the base of the marine food chain. Every organism that relies on the ocean for food depends on an adequate supply of plankton to keep the ecosystem properly fed. Even animals that don’t eat plankton themselves, like the common murres, require enough healthy plankton to feed the fish and invertebrates that they prey upon. So, if the common murres were starving, causing them to move close to shore and inland to search for food, and dying in large numbers, there might be some evidence that maybe something was different about the amount or types of plankton in the Gulf of Alaska those years. Following this lead, Yosty moves forward in the investigation by questioning Gulf Watch scientist Sonia Batten, who specializes in monitoring plankton populations to understand what had been happening at the base of the Gulf’s food chain that might have been related to the murre die-off. Watch the video below to hear what Sonia has observed with the plankton in the Gulf of Alaska. VIDEO: Sonia Batten and Plankton Sonia Batten describes her observations of plankton in the Gulf of Alaska. (4:17) Video Transcript Narrator: Hmm… It all seemed to go back to the murres’ food chain. Why did these seabirds starve to death? Was something wrong with their food source? Yosty needed to start at the bottom of the food chain. She needed to talk to Sonia Batten, A Gulf Watch scientist monitoring plankton in the Gulf of Alaska. Yosty: Hi Sonia, what evidence do you have that 2014-2015 were unusual times for plankton in the Gulf of Alaska? Sonia: We’ve been looking at plankton in the northern Gulf of Alaska since 2000, so we have quite a long time series now. We look at the plankton from spring through fall of each year. We noticed in 2014 and then again in 2015 that there was something unusual happening, and we were kind of expecting it because we knew that the waters offshore were really warm from the end of 2013 through the next two years (really unusually warm, and it’s been called “the blob” by some people). So we were expecting to see something unusual. What we typically see in the plankton… There are two types of plankton. There’s the plant plankton and those are little tiny single-celled plants that float around and take the sun’s energy to grow – and they typically get blooms of those in the spring because there’s lots more sunlight in the spring, there’s lots of nutrients from the winter storms that have been mixed up, and it starts warming up. All those things are really good for them to grow, so we typically see those take off in the spring. And then as they grow they get eaten by the animal plankton and their numbers die back a little and they run out of nutrients and so on, so there’s lower levels of them through the summer. And then sometimes in the autumn we get another bloom because we get a few storms come in and mix things up again and give them more nutrients. That’s the typical pattern. What we saw in 2014 was we didn’t see anywhere near as many of those plant plankton as normal, and we saw big numbers of very small animal plankton that were around. It was quite unusual – we hadn’t seen anything quite like that in the whole 50 years of sampling that we’ve done. Yosty: What impacts could this have on the rest of the Gulf? Sonia: It’s still a question we’re working on. Plankton support everything in the ocean. All of the fish and mammals either feed on plankton themselves, or they feed on something that’s been eating plankton already. If there’s not so many of one type of plankton that might be bad, but there were quite a lot of animal plankton around so there obviously eating something. They may be eating something that we don’t see… One of the things we saw was that the types of plant plankton were slightly different: there were more of the smaller type of cell that are longer and thinner. Those cells typically do better in years when there’s not so many nutrients around, because they find it’s easier to take the nutrients up. It’s possible that those are not such a good food source for some of the animal plankton, or maybe the animal plankton weren’t finding as much of what they wanted and in turn that could mean that there’s not enough animal plankton for the fish and seabirds and mammals. But we still don’t really know – those kinds of patterns take a long time to be revealed. Yosty: Kathy mentioned something called domoic acid and its potential to impact seabirds. How is this related to the plankton that you’ve been studying? Sonia: Some phytoplankton – that’s the plant plankton – can produce a toxin called domoic acid. They don’t necessarily produce it over time, sometimes they produce it as a response to a stress in their environment. One of those stresses could be being eaten, so they produce it to put off zooplankton from eating them. There were reported instances of domoic acid in Alaska, and actually through a wide area of the North Pacific a lot of places were reporting it. Although the plankton have evolved to deal with the domoic acid that’s produced by the phytoplankton when other animals eat the zooplankton they concentrate the toxin, and as you go up the food chain the poison gets concentrated and it can potentially cause problems in larger animals that never ate plankton themselves but have eaten other organisms that have concentrated it. So it’s one explanation for why some of the seabirds may have been struggling in that year.   Plankton are considered one of the environmental drivers, so they’re the link between what happens in the ocean – in terms of water chemistry, temperature, the water conditions – and the fish, because plankton respond to their environment really quickly, and fish feed on plankton and larger organisms feed on fish, so the plankton are the link between the oceanography and the fish. We know that plankton respond really quickly because they have life cycles that are really short, sometimes even days, but all of them less than a year or at least a year is the longest life cycle. So if changes happen in their environment they respond quite quickly, and you can see that in changes in their numbers, and the types of plankton and where they’re at. So by monitoring them it gives you a really rapid response to a change in the environment. In the early part of the twentieth century in the UK, it was kind of hard to know where to send the fishing boats, you know, where they were going to find the herring, and Alister Hardy invented this instrument that could be towed behind ships, measuring the plankton, and it’s called the continuous plankton recorder. Continuous because, rather than taking a sample as a snapshot across, it continuously samples the plankton as it goes. His idea was that if you could understand the food of the herring, the food of the fish, maybe you could predict where they were going to be and then send the fishing boats there. You would build a map, a bit like a weather map, of where plankton were and when they were, and then you could send the fishers. So that was his idea, back in the early part of the early part of the twentieth century. And it took a few years to get routine, but from the 1930s onwards they were using this instrument to do that – to build up a picture of plankton meteorology, basically.         Who is watching the Blob?   Abnormally (adv): different from what is normal   Diverse (adj): a lot of variety   Invertebrate (n): an organism lacking a backbone   Organism (n): an individual life form   Phytoplankton (n): freely floating, often minute plants that drift with water currents   Productive (adj): producing enough energy to sustain life   Zooplankton (n): freely floating animals that drift with water currents  

  In-Person Small Fry School    Welcome to Small Fry School 2025 - 2026 The 2025 - 2026 Small Fry School sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. starting in October.    Small Fry School is a FREE educational program at the Alaska SeaLife Center, specially designed for preschool-aged children! At Small Fry School, we invite you and your pre-K learner(s) to join us in person at the Alaska SeaLife Center for a fun and exciting adventure under the sea, where curious little explorers get to meet all kinds of amazing animals that live in our backyard. Each week, we’ll dive into the world of sea stars, sea urchins, puffins, seals, sea lions, and more— learning about their homes, behaviors, what makes them so special,  and how they aren’t so different from you and me.  Designed especially for preschoolers, Small Fry School is a FREE  educational program that combines engaging videos, hands-on activities, and interactive learning to help kids connect with their environment and its animals. From hopping like a seal to touching a sticky octopus, each episode is packed with fun, laughter, and lots of new discoveries!  At Small Fry School, your little one will be excited to explore the natural  world and understand how we all play a part in keeping our environment  healthy and happy.  So come on–gather your Small Frys and we’ll see you soon!  Join our Small Fry School Facebook Group to access Pre-K activities from our education  team and connect with other families!   Stay updated with weekly schedules, curriculum, games, and more. For additional information  email: smallfry@alaskasealife.org or call: 907-224-6306  *Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.      Exploring the Coastline  October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30* Discover what it’s like to live near the ocean! We’ll explore tidepools, meet the animals of the intertidal zone, and learn about the birds that live along the coastline. Hands-on activities and playful exploration will bring the shoreline to life!                                                                                                                                                        *Thursday, Oct. 30 - Kids are encouraged to come in costume    Amazing Alaska Animals  November 6, 13, & 20  Let’s meet some of Alaska’s coolest creatures! From clever octopuses to playful sea otters and even mysterious ice seals, we’ll discover the amazing tricks they use to live in their wild homes.                                              *Thursday, Nov. 27 - NO Small Fry School  Life in the Dark  December 4, 11 & 18  Dive into the deep sea to explore creatures who thrive without sunlight. Kids will discover ocean zones and animals with amazing adaptations—like glowing in the dark!                                                                          *Thursday, Dec. 25 - NO Small Fry School  Sunlight and Sea  January 8, 15, 22 & 29  Learn how light helps the ocean come alive! Kids will explore kelp forests, seagrass beds, and plankton, discovering how these ocean plants and tiny creatures use light to grow and thrive.                                        *Thursday, Jan. 1 - NO Small Fry School    Caring for Our Ocean  February 5, 12, 19 & 26 Let’s dive into how people and the ocean are connected! From scuba diving and fishing to learning how Alaska Native peoples care for the sea, kids will discover fun ways we can all help protect our ocean home. 

Invitation to Bid (2): Fiberglass Cabin Cruiser and Platform Barge Invitation to Bid (ITB) for 21’ Fiberglass Cabin Cruiser and Trailer ITB Number: ASLC-ITB-2025-001 Start Date 06/04/2025 Close Date 06/18/2025, 3:00 PM Organization: Alaska SeaLife Center                                                                   PO Box 1329 / 301 Railway Avenue                                       Seward, AK 99664                                                                                Contact: Johanna Kinney Phone: 907-224-6349.    Email: Johannak@alaskasealife.org Date: June 4, 2025 1. Introduction The Alaska SeaLife Center invites qualified bidders to submit sealed bids for the sale of a used 21’ Parker fiberglass cabin cruiser vessel and 1,400 lb. capacity EZ Loader trailer. This procurement aims to update our fleet to support our research and outreach activities. 2. Viewing Opportunities Interested bidders are invited to view the vessel and trailer in person at Storm Chasers Marine Services, located at 13552 Lowell Point Rd, Seward, AK 99664. Viewing opportunities are available during normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Climbing on and/or entering the vessel is not permitted. 3. Bid Submission Bids should be delivered or mailed in a sealed envelope and addressed as follows: Alaska SeaLife Center Attn: Johanna Kinney, RE: ASLC-ITB-2025-01 PO Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664 Envelopes must be clearly marked “ITB – Cabin Cruiser and Trailer: ASLC-ITB-2025-01”. Bids can be delivered in person to the front ticket counter at the Alaska SeaLife Center, located at 301 Railway Avenue, Seward, AK 99664, during normal business hours. To be considered, bids must be received by 3:00 p.m. on June 18, 2025. Bid contents should include the bidder's name, mailing address, phone number, bid number (ASLC-ITB-2025-01), bid item (Cabin Cruiser and Trailer), and bid amount. No money should be included in the bid envelope. 4. Evaluation and Award Bids will be evaluated based on complete bid information and price. The Alaska SeaLife Center reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and waive any minor irregularities. 5. Additional Terms The successful bidder must remit payment in cash or a cashier’s check and sign a bill of sale by June 25, 2025. Upon successful payment, execution of the bill of sale, and transfer of the trailer title, the successful bidder is responsible for either removing the items from the Storm Chasers' property by June 30, 2025, or providing documentation of a new storage services agreement to remain at the current location. The vessel and all associated equipment, parts, and materials are being offered and will be sold “AS IS, WHERE IS,” with no warranties or guarantees, express or implied, including but not limited to any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The buyer assumes all responsibility for inspection and evaluation of the items prior to purchase and agrees to accept the items in their present condition. Vessel and Trailer Specifications Vessel Details: Vessel Name: Sea Searcher Type: Cabin Cruiser Year: 2003 Length: 21 feet Vessel Make: Parker Marine Enterprises Hull Material: Fiberglass/plastic Engines: 2 Yamaha Outboard engines, 200 HP / 10 HP each Fuel Capacity: 80 gallons (gasoline) Trailer Details: Type: EZ Loader – EZZY Class: 31 Year: 2003 Body: BT Weight: 1,400 lbs Most recent boat surveys and additional photos are available upon request to Johanna Kinney: johannak@alaskasealife.org, 907-224-6349. Invitation to Bid (ITB) for Platform Barge ITB Number: ASLC-ITB-2025-002 Start Date 06/04/2025 Close Date 06/18/2025, 3:00 PM Organization: Alaska SeaLife Center                                                                      PO Box 1329 / 301 Railway Avenue                                   Seward, AK 99664                          Contact: Johanna Kinney Phone: 907-224-6349.    Email: Johannak@alaskasealife.org           Date: June 4, 2025 1. Introduction The Alaska SeaLife Center invites qualified bidders to submit sealed bids for the sale of a used aluminum-pontoon platform barge with hydraulic steering console. This procurement aims to update our fleet to support our research and outreach activities. 2. Viewing Opportunities Interested bidders are invited to view the vessel in person at Storm Chasers Marine Services, located at 13552 Lowell Point Rd, Seward, AK 99664. Viewing opportunities are available during normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Climbing on and/or entering the vessel is not permitted. 3. Bid Submission Bids should be delivered or mailed in a sealed envelope and addressed as follows: Alaska SeaLife Center Attn: Johanna Kinney, RE: ASLC-ITB-2025-02 PO Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664 Envelopes must be clearly marked “Platform Barge: ASLC-ITB-2025-02”. Bids can be delivered in person to the front ticket counter at the Alaska SeaLife Center, located at 301 Railway Avenue, Seward, AK 99664, during normal business hours. To be considered, bids must be received by 3:00 p.m. on June 18, 2025. Bid contents should include the bidder's name, mailing address, phone number, bid number (ASLC-ITB-2025-02), bid item (Platform Barge), and bid amount. No money should be included in the bid envelope. 4. Evaluation and Award Bids will be evaluated based on complete bid information and price. The Alaska SeaLife Center reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and waive any minor irregularities. 5. Additional Terms The successful bidder must remit payment in cash or a cashier’s check and sign a bill of sale by June 25, 2025. Upon successful payment and execution of the bill of sale, the successful bidder is responsible for either removing the vessel from the Storm Chasers' property by June 30, 2025, or providing documentation of a new storage services agreement to remain at the current location. No trailer is included with the vessel. The vessel and all associated equipment, parts, and materials are being offered and will be sold “AS IS, WHERE IS,” with no warranties or guarantees, express or implied, including but not limited to any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The buyer assumes all responsibility for inspection and evaluation of the items prior to purchase and agrees to accept the items in their present condition. Vessel Specifications Vessel Details: Vessel Name: SSL Barge Year: 2003 Overall length: 32 feet Overall width/beam: 10 feet Deck load capacity: 10,000 pounds Weight: 3820 Vessel Make: Alcan Products Ltd Hull Material: double aluminum pontoon structure Pressure-treated lumber deck Propulsion: outboard compatible (no motors are for sale) Additional photos and information are available upon request to Johanna Kinney: johannak@alaskasealife.org, 907-224-6349. ***Motors and equipment shown in photographs are not for sale.  

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.

Today, on World Oceans Day, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) would like to tell the story of Zippy. Many Seward residents rightfully expressed concern about the sea otter in Resurrection Bay with a pink zip tie embedded around his paw this spring. While residents and ASLC staff were aware of the injured otter for months, catching a robust, male sea otter who can swim and dive is an incredible challenge. Both ASLC staff and locals spent hours daily looking for the otter trying to pinpoint his routine and whereabouts. On May 25th he was finally caught. ASLC staff, individuals from University of Alaska Fairbanks, and crew from the R/V Sikuliaq worked for over 4 hours trying to approach him and eventually net him off the stern of the research vessel. He was quickly transported to ASLC where veterinarians found that unfortunately, he sustained a very serious bone infection that could take months to heal. “Likely, Zippy's paw will never be the same, but we hope he will overcome the infection, show that he can forage normally, and be released back to Resurrection Bay.  We appreciate all the calls and support from local Sewardites as we monitored him this spring,” states Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac.    ASLC staff is doing everything they can to keep him comfortable and treat his infection, but there are significant challenges with housing an adult sea otter especially due to the financial hardships brought on by COVID-19. While the Center is thankful for partners like Sea Otter Foundation and Partners4Wildlife, many sponsors were understandably unable to offer support this year. Zippy, who is currently about 65 lbs, is being treated with daily antibiotics and other medication and eats around 18-20 lbs of shellfish a day, which adds up to be very expensive.   One way to help Zippy and other wildlife response patients is to donate to the Wildlife Response Program at: www.alaskasealife.org/donate   People can also symbolically adopt a sea otter in ASLC care at: https://alaskaanimalrescue.org/adopt-an-animal/   Sharing this story on World Oceans Day is important because while Zippy’s circumstances are disheartening, he brings a powerful message that we need to protect our Alaskan wildlife. Zippy is a victim of marine debris. It is every individual's responsibility to secure any type of plastic waste whether for personal or commercial use. Reduce plastic use when possible, keep track of trash, cut zip ties when done, and consider using biodegradable alternatives to plastic ties for short term tasks. There are many little things each and every one of us can do to make a big difference for marine life in Alaska.   Photo credit goes to @raven_song_photography   Please contact media@alaskasealife.org for any additional media requests regarding this story.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) opened phase one of the Rocky Coast Discovery Pools on May 29, 2021.  Development of the new touch pool exhibit began with design work in 2017. Installation required a complete demolition of the former touch pool originally built in 1998. The new 1,100-gallon exhibit, equipped with six pools, was inspired by similar exhibits at various Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities in the United States.  The Center is appreciative of generous supporters that made the exhibit possible including ConocoPhillips Alaska, First National Bank Alaska, Matson, Shoreside Petroleum, Petro Marine Services, and the Lindsey Family. Acquiring materials to build the ambitious design was a herculean effort during a pandemic, and Matson donated a significant portion of tank transportation. “As a leading carrier of goods to Alaska, Matson feels a sense of obligation to help make Alaska a better place to live. Supporting the construction of a new touch pool is one way we can help increase Alaskans’ access to education while supporting the health of Alaska’s marine environment. We look forward to seeing the new touch pool in action and the future marine scientists it inspires,” said Matson Senior Vice President Alaska, Bal Dreyfus. The Center was very appreciative to see contributions to the exhibit from long term supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska. “ConocoPhillips Alaska has been investing in the Alaska SeaLife Center for more than 20 years, supporting important educational programs and critical projects, including the unique, interactive touch pools, and the ‘Save the Alaska SeaLife Center’ community campaign. The Center is entrusted to be a steward of this unique marine ecosystem, and ConocoPhillips Alaska and our many dedicated employees are proud to support this important work,” states ConocoPhillips Alaska President, Erec Isaacson. The Lindsey Family has not only contributed to this new exhibit, but also helped shape the concept of the Center before it opened. “We, as a family, are especially happy to be participants in the creation of this fantastic new exhibit at the Alaska SeaLife Center. My late husband, Dale, and I were personally involved in the original founding of the Center, and our family has continued with ongoing support since that long-ago opening day event, May 2, 1998. We are excited to see the fruition of the dream of a new and wonderful touch pool,” recounts Carol Ann Lindsey. Kurt R. Lindsey, President and CEO of Shoreside Petroleum and Petro Marine Services, is an equally strong supporter of the Center. “The Alaska SeaLife Center is a treasure that Alaskans and visitors alike can take pride in. The facility reflects the beauty of our State, the amazing creatures that God has created, and the need to be responsible stewards of our environment. All of us at Shoreside Petroleum and Petro Marine are grateful for the opportunity to partner with others to help make this exhibit possible,” states Lindsey. The ASLC team wanted to ensure empathy and accessibility was highlighted in the touch pool design to create an educational and engaging experience for all. This goal was reflected in the project contributors, especially First National Bank Alaska. “First National Bank Alaska’s commitment to the education of Alaska’s youth is a key component of our mission to support the communities we serve,” said Betsy Lawer, First National Board Chair and CEO. “What better way to honor that commitment than this donation to Alaska SeaLife Center’s new touch pools. They are an integral part in this world-class research and education facility’s efforts to help Alaskans experience the wonders of our amazing marine environment." The touch pools are available to explore during normal operating hours. The Alaska SeaLife Center is operating with controlled capacity to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience. All guests, including members, are encouraged to reserve timed tickets in advance to secure their desired entry time: www.alaskasealife.org/tickets.  About ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org or find us on Facebook.

Donate Directly The Alaska SeaLife Center relies on the generous support of people like you as we strive to understand and maintain the integrity of Alaska's marine ecosystems. The Center is the only facility of its kind in Alaska, and we need your help to stay on the cutting edge of marine research, wildlife response, and education. Please consider a donation to the Alaska SeaLife Center as we work together to sustain Alaska's oceans. You can donate directly here or join a Giving Circle for higher level gifts. For more information on supporting Alaska SeaLife Center programs, contact the Development Office at (907) 224-6355 or development@alaskasealife.org.  Pick.Click.Give. Make a Difference using your Alaska PFD  Pick.Click.Give. allows Alaskans to share their Permanent Fund Dividend with causes they care about.  When you go online to apply for your dividend, you will see the Pick.Click.Give. option. Click and follow the instructions to make your donation. The Alaska SeaLife Center encourages and thanks the many Alaskan donors that have supported us in this way.     Investment Accounts We accept donations from several types of investment accounts, including qualified charitable distributions from IRAs and gifts of publicly traded securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Please click here for more details and contact information if you would like to explore this opportunity.   Matching Gifts Your donation or volunteer time may be matched by your employer or you may designate a donation to the Alaska SeaLife Center!   Many employers will match your financial gift one-for-one or even two-for-one, providing additional support for the Alaska SeaLife Center. Click here to see if your company sponsors matching gift programs. Sometime these programs even extend to retirees. For additional information on matching gifts, contact the employee benefits office at your place of employment and request a matching gift form from your personnel office. Follow the directions to complete the form and mail the form for processing to:   Alaska SeaLife Center Attn: Development Office – Matching Gifts P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664-1329   Contact the Development Office at (907) 224-6355 or development@alaskasealife.org with any questions.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is caring for a female Pacific walrus calf that arrived from Utqiagvik on July 22, 2024. Walruses are rare patients for the Wildlife Response Department, with only eleven total and just one other female since the ASLC opened in 1998. This patient follows another walrus admitted just last year, which gained national attention but sadly passed away due to irreversible health issues. The ASLC’s newest patient was first observed alone on the beaches of Utqiagvik. Reports from subsistence hunters noted that a walrus herd had recently left the area, suggesting the calf had been left on its own. After receiving approval from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), ASLC staff mobilized to assist in transport and prepared to receive the patient. Transporting the calf from Utqiagvik, Alaska’s northernmost city, was no simple task. Luckily, ASLC partners were able to provide overnight care and fluids, ensuring the calf remained stable on its 24-hour journey. The transport team arrived in Anchorage the night of July 22, and the nearly 165-pound calf — estimated to be only a couple of weeks old or less — was brought under the care of the ASLC’s experienced Wildlife Response and Veterinary teams. The atmosphere was charged with determination and cautious optimism as the team conducted their initial admit exam. They noted that the calf was malnourished and dehydrated, but alert. As the team wrapped up administering emergency fluids and stabilizing treatments around 1 a.m. on July 23,  they prepared for the demanding days ahead. “We want to give [the calf] time to rest, but that doesn’t mean there is any time for the staff to rest. We will have at least two people on every shift either staying with the walrus calf or prepping food, cleaning the environment, and taking care of our other rehab patients. There will be lots of weird sleeping hours ahead, but that's ok. We do it for the animals. We want to give back and set them up for success. This is all part of the job we love,” said ASLC Veterinary Technician Jessica Davis. The care regimen for Pacific walruses is more demanding and hands-on than for many other marine mammals. Because calves are highly social and seek comfort through physical contact with their mothers, staff act as surrogates, sitting with them around the clock. This also means that the calf will habituate to human care, and will not be a candidate for release back into the wild.  "Walruses are so reliant on their moms for the first two years of life, they're likely not going to survive without her. This calf would not have survived much longer without her mom. She now has a second chance at life in human care, and she'll help bring awareness to her species while receiving incredible care,” explained Wildlife Response Animal Care Specialist Halley Werner. Though the walrus calf cannot currently be viewed publicly, she may be relocated to an area with limited public viewing as her condition improves. Upon such a development, additional announcements will be shared. Until then, regular updates can be found on the ASLC’s Facebook and Instagram pages.    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, Mesara Family Foundation, and the NC Giving Fund.  Those interested in contributing to the care of these patients can visit 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) has admitted three more harbor seal pups to the Wildlife Response Program in the past seven days, marking a busy start to the 2025 season. One of the pups was born prematurely, one was found severely malnourished, and another was rescued after it was found alone, likely due to maternal separation. These cases follow the recent admissions of another premature harbor seal pup and an orphaned northern sea otter pup, all requiring intensive rehabilitation and veterinary care.  On May 26, 2025, a premature male pup was found alone on a beach near Petersburg, Alaska. The next day, it was still there alone, prompting National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff in the area to call the ASLC hotline. After receiving authorization, the pup was recovered and quickly prepared for a flight leaving Petersburg, Alaska that morning.  The seal was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center, where he remains in critical condition as veterinary teams work to stabilize his fragile health. Similar to challenges a premature human baby may face, the pup’s yellow-tinted gums and bloodwork indicated that his liver isn’t functioning as it should, and his condition remains critical as he fights each day to survive. Just four days later, on May 31, 2025, and from over 700 miles away, a female harbor seal pup was found very emaciated on a beach in Homer, Alaska. She was very skinny, dehydrated, and had a fresh umbilicus, which indicates she was newly born. Once recovery was authorized by NOAA, ASLC Homer volunteers were able to recover and start her transportation to the ASLC for critical veterinary care. This pup’s bloodwork also pointed to liver dysfunction, but the primary concern for the animal care team is her severely malnourished and dehydrated state. She also remains in critical condition. As staff continued providing intensive care for the three harbor seal pups already admitted, they braced for another admit on June 3, 2025. A female harbor seal pup was spotted alone in an unusual location in Anchorage, Alaska. ASLC staff observed the pup for several hours and a tidal cycle through reports provided by the public via the ASLC marine mammal stranding hotline. When no mother returned and the pup remained vulnerable in a heavily trafficked area, NOAA authorized rapid intervention, and the pup was transferred to the ASLC for treatment and rehabilitation.  How can you help harbor seals like these three pups? One of the most significant threats to harbor seal pups during pupping season is human disturbance. If a pup is approached by a human or dog, the mother may abandon it. Once abandoned, a pup’s chances of survival drop dramatically, especially during the critical window when the pup relies entirely on her milk for nutrition, immune support, and survival.  It is essential to give seals space and share coastal areas responsibly. Do not approach, touch, or attempt to move a seal pup. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from haul-out sites and known pupping areas. Approaching or disturbing a marine mammal can cause serious harm to the animal, put people at risk, and may result in violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Responsible viewing ensures that these young animals have the best chance to grow and survive in the wild. If you do see a seal pup in distress, the Alaska SeaLife Center remains ready to respond to reports of stranded and injured marine mammals statewide. Call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325). We encourage all Alaskans and visitors to save this number in their phone contacts—and remember, always call first before approaching any stranded or injured wildlife.           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 Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, and the NC Giving Fund.    

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) and multiple partners responded to a male ringed seal that was found out of his habitat on an oilfield in Alaska’s Beaufort Sea on Dec. 17, 2025. This is the Center’s first ringed seal response in over four years and one of only 30 ringed seals admitted in the Center’s more than 25-year history, making the case exceptional for the ASLC Wildlife Response Program.  The seal, part of the Arctic subspecies listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, was first observed by oilfield operators. Staff contacted NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency that manages the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, for guidance. With coordination from NOAA Fisheries, the ASLC, the local operators, and Alaska Clean Seas, the young ringed seal was brought back to the ice, but repeatedly returned to the oilfield.  The ice extending along the coast of Alaska’s Beaufort Sea is a remote Arctic region where winter sea ice extends miles from shore and is often stacked by high winds, making it unlikely that humans could safely escort the seal to open water. Crews at the oilfield used an auger to drill breathing holes in the ice to encourage the seal to access the sea. Although the seal placed his head in the open holes, he did not swim away. When the seal was found moving into areas with heavy machinery, and taking into account the seasonal low light conditions, he was placed into a crate to prevent accidental injury from vehicles. With continued risk to the animal, NOAA Fisheries authorized transport to the ASLC for rehabilitation (MMPA/ESA Permit #24359).  Any response involving ice seals in Alaska requires careful consideration of regulatory policy and respect for the Indigenous communities that rely on these animals for subsistence. In rehabilitation situations involving Alaska’s four ice seal species (ringed, spotted, bearded, and ribbon), the ASLC follows a precautionary non-release policy developed by NOAA Fisheries, an Alaska Native organization, and the Ice Seal Committee: ice seals transported outside of their natural range for treatment and care are not eligible for release. This policy eliminates the risk of disease transmission between marine ecosystems from these individuals, particularly for animals originating from remote and culturally significant regions. In this case, the collaborative decision to admit this ringed seal was not made lightly, as it shapes this seal’s future.  “This response reflects the complexity of wildlife response in Alaska,” said Jane Belovarac, ASLC Wildlife Response Curator. “Our priority with live animals is always to rehabilitate, release, and see animals thrive in the wild. When relocation efforts in situations like this are unsuccessful, and the animal remaining in place is not safe, we are prepared to provide the specialized care needed to ensure their well-being.” ?Currently, only the ASLC and two other facilities in the United States care for ringed seals. As one of the very few ringed seals in human care and a member of the Arctic subspecies listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, this seal will serve as an important ambassador for his species and teach us more about the challenges that his species faces as Arctic conditions continue to change.  The ASLC remains committed to working alongside federal agencies, Indigenous partners, and industry collaborators to protect the health of ice seal populations and the ecosystems they depend on. This response reflects the complexity of conservation work in Alaska’s rapidly changing Arctic and the importance of thoughtful, collaborative decision-making when human activity and wildlife intersect. We thank the partners and crews involved in the response, including Alaska Clean Seas, the Ice Seal Committee, members of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, and NOAA Fisheries.    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.   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).             

      Starting August 21 through Saturday, August 27, 2022 (ending at 8 PM)   Every donation of $25 or more for ASLC pinniped research will receive a limited edition sticker decal that shows you are a supporter of this critical research! This exclusive sticker was created specifically for this event by local Alaskan artist Sea Spray AK. (Donations must be made through this link to receive a sticker!)     Scientific Research was the founding reason that the Alaska SeaLife Center was created in 1991, and it remains a staple in our mission to this day. Two of the amazing scientific research projects at the ASLC that both focus on pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) are in need of your help!   Federal grant funds that support scientific research have diminished over the years, making the financial support for important scientific research more and more competitive. Less support has been coming to the ASLC science teams for research that is unique to the Alaska SeaLife Center and our partner scientists.   The important research our scientists have been working on for the endangered populations of Steller sea lions and ice seals have both been heavily impacted by funding reductions. With changing oceans and climates, the pinniped research at the ASLC has never been more important.   The Chiswell Island Steller Sea Lion Remote Video Monitoring Project has been collecting data for over 20 years at the ASLC, and years of hard work has just now started to give us a big picture look at the changes happening in our oceans.    The Alaska SeaLife Center is also home to the PHOCAS project, a special partnership between ASLC and the University of California Santa Cruz. PHOCAS stands for the Physiology and Health of Cooperating Arctic Seals. This program involves trained Alaskan ice seals that are studied at ASLC and Long Marine Laboratory. Scientists and veterinarians with expertise in seal science are working together to gather needed information about the behavior, development, health, and physiology of spotted, ringed, and bearded seals. The project will provide insight into how these seals may respond to changing ice and climate conditions in Alaskan Arctic and subArctic waters.    Every year the climate and our oceans are changing, and the science team working with arctic species of ice seals at the ASLC is collecting critical data on how these elusive arctic species will be impacted. If this project does not have enough funding to continue, all who care for the survival of these irreplaceable arctic species will be impacted.       From August 21 - 27, 2022 ASLC social media pages will be filled with stories and updates from the Center's pinniped scientific research teams.   Follow us on Facebook  Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on YouTube   Every donation of $25 or more for ASLC pinniped research will receive a limited edition sticker decal that shows you are a supporter of this critical research! This exclusive sticker was created specifically for this event by local Alaskan artist Sea Spray AK. (Donations must be made through this link to receive a sticker!)   Please join us this week on social media to learn more about this important research and help sustain this incredible scientific work that will inform policymakers for years to come.       

Similar to booking a flight or purchasing concert tickets, the plan-ahead pricing model allows our guests to get the best deal on tickets when purchased in advance. Don't wait! Guests who wait until just before a visit to buy tickets will see higher prices.   The Plan-ahead pricing tool will consistently update, allowing guests to pick a time and date to visit that works best for their schedule and budget. Ticket prices vary by date and entry time based on several variables, including demand and time of year. Purchasing early guarantees the most cost-effective option for the day and time of your visit.   The best way to take advantage of plan-ahead pricing is to book your visit in advance. The current listed prices are the best rates for that date; they will not decrease, but they will increase.    Yes, we offer Alaska Resident, Military, and Child Pricing. All of these options are available for purchase online.                                                                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 but free rescheduling. 4. After your scheduled reservation: no refund or rescheduling. All cancellations will be confirmed by phone or email.  

Seward, AK – September 16, 2014– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is proud to announce the release of a female Pacific harbor seal pup on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.  We cordially invite the public and media to observe this exciting and memorable event. What: Harbor Seal Release When: Friday, September 19, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. Where: Public Access Boat Launch at Lowell Point Beach in Seward, AK  If Lowell Point road is not accessible, please monitor our Facebook page for alternate location. ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team rescued the pup, named “Gobi,” on July 3 after it was observed on the beach in front of Resurrection Bay Seafoods on Lowell Point Road in Seward.  Staff observed the area for 24 hours to determine if the mother would return.  At the time, the seal pup was a newborn and would not have survived on its own without Response Team aid.  After authorization for the rescue from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Gobi was brought into the Center where she received immediate veterinary care and treatment for wounds on her head and chin.  Throughout the summer, Gobi learned to swim, hunt for fish, and socialize with other seals. After a final veterinary exam, the female pup met weight criteria and staff determined she was ready for release. As President & CEO, Dr. Tara Riemer explains, “Our staff are feeling exceptionally rewarded to have rescued and rehabilitated a marine mammal found down the road from our facility, and to have our community be able to witness the release is very special.” The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as seals, walrus, and sea otters. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to harbor seals with the authorization of NOAA. Once a seal is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC. Dr. Riemer describes the program funding, “We have no federal or state funding to care for marine mammals, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We especially thank Shell Exploration and Production, ConocoPhillips Alaska, and BP Alaska for their generous contributions to the Center in support of wildlife rescue and oil spill response readiness.” 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 whohave found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal.  Call first!  1-888-774-SEAL

Seward, Alaska (December 11, 2014) - The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is excited to announce it is currently home to a male bearded seal.  Siku, named after the Inuit word for “sea ice,” is the first of his kind to reside at the Alaska SeaLife Center – in fact the first bearded seal to reside in a North American facility. Visitors to the Center can observe Siku during daylight hours from the viewing windows next to the Discovery Touch Pool now until the end of January 2015. Siku will then be transferred to the University of California, Santa Cruz, Long Marine Laboratory to participate in a long-term study on the hearing sensitivity of arctic seals.                                     Researchers at Long Marine Lab are examining the cognitive and sensory systems of marine mammals above and below the water’s surface. Siku will join a project studying the hearing perception of three arctic seal species: spotted, ringed, and bearded seals.  Photo courtesy of Taylor Paul Little data exists about the auditory systems of these three species. In particular, there is currently no information on the hearing capabilities of bearded seals. The psychoacoustic study of these species will provide researchers basic information about their auditory system and how common industry noise from oil and gas exploration may affect their hearing.  “We are working cooperatively with spotted, ringed, and bearded seals to learn more about how these unique animals perceive the world around them,” UC Santa Cruz Associate Research Scientist Dr. Colleen Reichmuth said. “This project will teach us about the sensory biology of ice-living seals, and will inform best management practices for these species in areas increasingly influenced by human activity.”Approval for the project was granted by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Ice Seal Commission, which work together to co-manage Alaskan ice seal populations. “We are honored to partner with UC Santa Cruz in this important research project, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this particular species,” Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO Dr. Tara Riemer said. “No facility in North America has ever been home to a bearded seal, and we are excited that Alaskans have this opportunity to see such a special animal.” About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education programs. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. About the UC Santa Cruz Long Marine Lab Long Marine Laboratory is world renowned for innovative research in marine mammal physiology and ecology, marine invertebrate ecology, and marine toxicology. Researchers and staff at the lab have developed specially designed tanks and equipment that are used for studying marine mammal diving physiology, bioacoustics, and cognition. Long Marine Lab and other facilities are located at the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus on a seaside bluff a short distance from the main campus. For more information about UC Santa Cruz, visit www.ucsc.edu.  

Seward, AK – April 30, 2015– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted its first stranded marine mammal for the 2015 season. The two-day-old female harbor seal pup was found abandoned on mud flats near Kachemak Drive in Homer, Alaska on April 24. Staff from ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program were already in the Homer area conducting a volunteer training when the call came in from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Staff were then able to monitor the pup’s condition first-hand. Along with minor injuries, the pup still had her white lanugo coat, indicating she was born prematurely. After searching the area for her mother or other seals, the crew made the decision to bring the pup in.  The newborn arrived at the Alaska SeaLife Center on April 25 weighing 8.1 kilograms (18 pounds). The pup, named Silky, is currently being fed five times a day with a formula created specifically for seals that contains all of the nutrients and calories needed to help seal pups grow. The pup is currently in stable condition and staff say she is very feisty. Her feisty nature pairs well with this year’s naming theme: sharks. Staff chose the shark theme in celebration of ASLC’s 2015 Summer of Sharks. Silky is named after the silky shark species, a tropical shark with very smooth skin. The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as harbor seals, walrus, and sea otters. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to harbor seals with the authorization of NOAA. Once a seal is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC. According to President and CEO, Dr. Tara Riemer, “The Alaska SeaLife Center has very limited federal funding and no state funding to care for marine mammals, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We especially thank Shell Exploration and Production and ConocoPhillips Alaska for their generous contributions to the Center in support of wildlife rescue and oil spill response readiness.” 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 whohave found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal.  Call first!  1-888-774-SEAL

Seward, AK – September 1, 2015 – This summer, two ice seals from the Bering Sea received much-needed medical care from the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response team. As the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, the Center’s Wildlife Response team has spent 17 years building a recognized expertise on caring for seals that have been found distressed. Every summer, the ASLC’s Wildlife Response program rehabilitates 6-12 harbor seals and may see ice seals every other year. This summer, two ice seals were admitted within one month of each other.   The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response team admitted a two week-old spotted seal pup from Nome on June 19, 2015. The male pup weighed 8.6 kg (19 pounds) on arrival and was initially fed a formula that contains all of the nutrients and calories needed to help seal pups grow. The pup has now graduated to a diet of herring, capelin, and pollock. His most recent weight was 15.6 kg (34 pounds).     On July 16, a male ringed seal from the Stebbins area was also admitted. Veterinary staff believe the ringed seal is about one year-old and was experiencing a challenging molt when it was spotted by a concerned local hunter. The seal was brought in with wounds and signs of dehydration. His weight when admitted was 11.8 kg (26 pounds), and he was tube-fed fluids until he was rehydrated. Since he is a yearling, he has been on a diet of herring, capelin, pollock, and clams since arrival.      Both ice seals are currently in good condition. NOAA has determined that ice seals rehabilitated outside of their usual range are not releasable; therefore, the ringed seal and spotted seal admitted this summer will be cared for at ASLC until a long-term placement facility is identified. This week, visitors to the Alaska SeaLife Center may spy a spotted seal swimming with one of the harbor seals in an outdoor holding pool, which can be viewed from the overlook near the Discovery Touch Pool.    Ringed and spotted seals are classified as “ice seals” because they spend the majority of their lives on or near sea ice. The other two ice seal species in Alaska are the bearded seal and ribbon seal. For these species, Bering and Arctic sea ice provides habitat for birthing and rearing pups. Ice seals are difficult to study because they tend not to live in congregated packs and they are difficult to access in their natural habitat. They are so adept at living with sea ice that they can create camouflaging snow dens and difficult-to-find breathing holes that typically protect them from predators above the ice.    Ice seals rescued by the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response program provide important information to researchers about these elusive species. Sea ice habitats are diminishing in the Arctic due to climate change, making ongoing research about ice seals a high priority. Over the past year, the ASLC response team has also designed Mobile Treatment and Rehabilitation Enclosures (MTRE) that will be staged along the Arctic coast, so that their expertise in rehabilitating ice seals can be immediately engaged should there be a catastrophic event.    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  

The Alaska SeaLife Center is recruiting RV’ers for Interpretation, Ticketing, and Cafe volunteer positions for the 2016 season. An RV camping space with electric & water hook ups will be provided! Before volunteering you will participate in training and receive additional information on each position. ·         Interpretation - As an interpretation volunteer you will help the Alaska SeaLife Center guests connect with our animals and appreciate our mission. This will be accomplished by interpreting live and static exhibits for our guests. You may also have daily interaction with education, exhibits, husbandry, and research personnel. ·         Ticketing/Café Cashier – As a cashier you would be responsible for front-line customer service, ticket sales, and café duties at the Center.   Applicants must be able to provide their own camping unit. An RV site will be provided on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay, within walking distance of the Center. The site is in the City of Seward waterfront campground and includes water, electricity, and refuse removal (there is a $5 dump fee). In exchange the Center asks for 20 hours of volunteering per week per person for a minimum of 6 weeks. The volunteer positions are open from May through September. The position duration is based on acceptable performance and will be reviewed for renewal. Depending on the volunteer position you are appointed to you may be subject to a background check. No salary is provided. Please visit our website at www.alaskasealife.org under volunteer for a list of benefits of volunteering at the Center.    About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. ASLC's mission is to generate and share knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. 

Seward, Alaska (March 10, 2016) - The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is inviting visitors to get a closer look at the adorable and charismatic sea otters currently in residence at the Center, including a tiny fur ball of a pup. This is the first time the public can view these otters.   Each of the otters was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program after being stranded in various locations across Southcentral Alaska as far back as July of last summer and as recently as March. The ASLC, a non-profit organization, is the only permitted marine mammal wildlife rehabilitation entity in Alaska.   In addition to viewing from the Center’s general admission areas and “I.Sea.U.” overlook, for a limited time this spring, the sea otters are the latest animals to be added to the list of ASLC Animal Encounter Tours.   “I tell people who come to see the otters, don’t worry about how cute they are, let me tell you how cool they are,” says Emmy Wood, an ASLC mammalogist who specializes in otter care.   The 30-min Otter Encounter Tours are led by expert animal care givers from the ASLC and are suitable for ages 6 and up. Visitors will learn more about sea otters, a highly specialized keystone species in the marine ecosytem. Participants will also have the opportunity to join animal care givers to observe a feeding or animal enrichment session in the outdoor otter pool.   Young otters are entirely dependent on their mothers for up to nine months. Admitting the tiny patients to the Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program means standing in for otter moms to provide constant care for the duration, teaching them all the skills they need to survive from basic potty training and grooming – and the laundry that goes with that – to teaching the otters how to forage for food.   ASLC general admission is $21.95 Adults (13+), $19.95 Seniors (65+), $11.95 Child (4-12), Free for 3 & under. Alaska resident and U.S. military discounts avaialable. Otter Encounter Tours cost $24.95 per person for adults (13 and older) and $19.95 per person for children ages 6 -12 in addition to general admission. Minimum age for Otter Encounter Tour is 6 years old. Maximum of 12 people per tour. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Limited space available. To book a reservation please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525 or email visitaslc@alaskasealife.org. Proceeds from admission and tours support the work of the ASLC, a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium.   About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. High resolution photos and full story available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6397.

SEWARD, ALASKA (May 27, 2016) - Longer days mean more time for fun in Alaska, and beginning today the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is expanding its hours to help guests make the most of them. Summer hours from May 27 to September 4 are: Friday through Sunday: 8:00am - 9:00pm and Monday through Thursday: 9:00am - 9:00pm. But that’s not all! By popular demand, also beginning today, Sea Otter Encounter tours are increasing to two per day: 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Learn more about these engaging, adorable Alaska marine ambassadors by joining animal caregivers to observe a feeding or animal enrichment session in the outdoor otter pool. This 30-minute encounter can accommodate up to 12 people per tour with a minimum age of 6 years old; all guests under age 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The Sea Otter Encounter is $24.95 each for ages 13 and older, and $19.95 each for ages 6-12. Continuing ASLC engagement opportunities are listed below. The Behind the Scenes Tour allows guests a peek into the world behind the ASLC galleries and opportunity to explore animal care areas, research programs, and outreach efforts with knowledgeable staff. This 60-minute tour is offered daily at 10:00am, 1:30pm, and 4:30pm and can accommodate a maximum of 12 people, with a minimum age of 12 years old.* Behind the Scenes tours are $14.95 per person. Join birds and their keepers in a Puffin Encounter in the aviary to learn about ASLC research and breeding programs. This 60-minute tour is offered at 11:00am and 2:00pm and can accommodate a maximum of 4 people, with a minimum age of 10 years old.* Puffin Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. The Marine Mammal Encounter invites guests to join the ASLC animal care team to see how they train, feed, and care for resident seals. This 60-minute tour is offered daily at 12:00pm and 3:00pm and can accommodate a maximum of 5 people per tour, with a minimum age of 10 years old.* Marine Mammal Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. Shake “hands” with a giant Pacific octopus in the Octopus Encounter, and learn more about these mysterious invertebrates. This 60-minute tour is offered daily at 1:00pm and can accommodate a maximum of 5 people per tour, with a minimum age of 6 years old.* Octopus Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. Reservations are recommended for all encounters and tours, 1-888-378-2525. Prices listed do not include tax. All tours and encounters require purchase of general admission. *All guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. High resolution photos available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6334. Media contact Email: media@alaskasealife.org.

Seward, Alaska (July 28, 2016) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is hosting its 18th Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk on Saturday, August 6. The annual family-friendly race is a fundraiser to support the Center’s Wildlife Response Program. This has been another busy year for the Program, which has admitted four harbor seals, one spotted seal, four sea otters, and a spectacled eider to date. The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront and is open to walkers and runners of all levels. Race participants are invited to register online via the link found at www.alaskasealife.org. Race bibs will be available for pick up in the Alaska SeaLife Center atrium on August 6 between 10:00 am and 11:30 am. All participants will begin the race at 12:00 pm. The presentation of race awards and drawings for the door prizes and travel raffle will be held at 2:00 pm. Race participants are eligible for an array of door prizes this year, for which they must be present at the drawing to win. Door prizes include:   2016 Lost Lake Run entry - Two ASLC Wildlife Rescue Racers will win entries for the upcoming Lost Lake Run to be held Aug. 27. Registration for this limited entry cross-country run is closed, so this is a special opportunity to enter. See www.lostlakerun.comfor more information about the race. (2 prizes drawn, $100 value each) $50 gift certificate to Ms. Gene's Place, Seward's own Victorian Lounge in the Hotel Seward. (2 prizes drawn, $50 value each)  Alaska SeaLife Center Family Membership - One year family membership includes free family admission, special programming and monthly educational members-only newsletters. (2 prizes drawn, $125 value each) Choice of an Octopus, Puffin or Marine Mammal Encounter for 2 - Go behind the scenes with a member of the ASLC animal care staff to learn more about these amazing animals and participate in a feeding or enrichment session. (1 prize drawn, $149.90 value) Otter Encounter Tour for 2 - Go behind the scenes with members of the ASLC animal care team to observe a sea otter feeding or enrichment session and learn more about these adorable animals. (1 prize drawn, $49.90 value) Skinny Raven gift cards - Get outfitted for town or trail at Alaska's best resource for running shoes, casual shoes and apparel. (2 prizes drawn, $50 each value) In addition, the raffle drawing for two unrestricted Alaska Airline tickets—valued at $2,500—will be held at the event. Tickets are available for $25 each or five for $100 at the ASLC ticketing counter until 2:00 pm August 6. Raffle ticket holders do not need to be present to win. This year, supply donations for the Wildlife Response Program will be accepted at the Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk. New or gently used items utilized to support the rescue and rehabilitation of marine wildlife have been requested, and a container will be available at the race to collect donated items. The list of items being accepted is below. New items needed:  Atlas vinyl non-insulated orange gloves (all sizes)                 Whiteboard Expo markers (any size/color) Cutting boards (heavy duty plastic only - any size) Ziploc Big Bag (gallon size only) Cut gloves by Kinco (all sizes) Scrub brushes or scrub pads with handles Unflavored Pedialyte Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (any brand)  Heavy duty canvas duffel bag New or gently used items needed: Glass Pyrex measuring cups (1-2 cups) Bath or beach towels Traffic cones (12 – 36”) Cake pans (used to make ice molds for enrichment - any size and shape) Mortar and pestle Pill crushers and cutters Orange Pill bottles (labels removed and empty) Rubbermaid containers (heavy duty, microwave safe) Ziploc "Twist n Lock" (small or medium sizes) Silverware Premier Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk sponsors include Shell and ConocoPhillips. Other sponsors include Hub International; Nautilus Impact Investing; Seward Parks & Recreation Department; GCI; Alaska Serigraphics; Metco; Dr. Michael P. Moriarty, DDS; Skinny Raven Sports; Petro 49, Inc.; J & R Fisheries and Kruzof Fisheries, LLC; Seward Properties; Hotel Seward; and Edward Jones. Pacific harbor seal pup PV1601 is one of many ASLC Wildlife Response Program success stories. Found stranded in April 2016, in Homer, Alaska, this male pup is the youngest seal to date to have been brought into the Program. Estimated to have been born a month premature, he arrived soon after birth and underweight. Under the expert care and close monitoring of ASLC staff, This pup transitioned to eating and catching live fish and gained the required weight, strength, and skills to be released back to the ocean in just over two months. About the ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. ASLC generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  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.