animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()         MEET DR. ROLF GRADINGER SEA ICE SCIENTIST AND PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS WHAT HE STUDIES: -Sea ice & polar ecology -Microbiology EDUCATION: M.S. Marine Biology Ph.D. Marine Science   ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT WORKING IN THE ARCTIC IS... "It's like a little bit of exploration. You go there, nobody has been there before. We were the first people walking on that ice and taking samples. That's very exciting!" Dr. Rolf Gradinger describes what he loves about working in the Arctic. (0:45) Video Transcript   What keeps me going is that I'm fascinated with the Arctic. You know, I did my first Arctic cruise in 1984 and I can't get enough. What always amazes me when we do these kinds of trips, is the beauty of the landscape. During the transit sometimes you see Orcas or you see Bowhead whales, and you have this beautiful coastline. And personally, I love the ice, the different shapes of ice. Like a sunset in an ice covered water, I would do a lot of things to see that again. I have to admit this, it's just stunningly beautiful. Each time it's a wonderful experience, and I just love to learn. That's the other part, I'm always curious and I love to learn, and I feel pretty priviledged that I can do this as my profession.       WHO IS STUDYING SEA ICE?  

  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()         MEET DR. KATRINA COUNIHAN SCIENTIST at the Alaska SeaLife Center WHAT SHE STUDIES: - Microbiology - Pathology - Immunology EDUCATION: B.A.S. in Biology and History from the University of California Davis Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of California Davis   "SOMETIMES WHAT THEY SEE CANDLING AN EGG...could look normal to them and then we open it and we see something that’s unusual that they weren’t able to see on candling. You never know what you’re going to find until you open it." "MY FAVORITE PART OF RESEARCH...even when you kind of finish a project it often creates more questions than answers, so you aren’t doing the same thing every day. I like having something new to do all the time." Dr. Katrina Counihan tells why she likes working in the lab on the Steller's eider project. (0:55) Video Transcript I like working in the lab because it’s hands-on work. I like pipetting things and working with samples, and you work with the different equipment. And the eggs are always fun because each one can be a little different, so it’s always interesting to see what result you are going to get with whatever experiment you're doing. The hardest part is usually not breaking the yolk, because you want to have the albumen and the yolk separated cleanly. Everyone thinks they are going to be like a chicken egg and have pretty tough yolks, but eider eggs have very delicate yolks, so you have to empty it into the dish very gently and take your samples very quickly because the yolk breaks pretty fast. That’s usually the challenge we always set for each other, to not break the yolk. After three hundred plus eggs you get pretty good.   CLICK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT SEADUCK SCIENTISTS!    

  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()         MEET NATHAN BAWTINHIMER Aviculturist at the Alaska SeaLife Center WHAT HE DOES: - Eider husbandry - Eider mate pairing - Artificial incubation EDUCATION: B.S. in Biological Sciences with minor in Wildlife Science from North Carolina State University HOMETOWN: Ayden, North Carolina   "THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A TYPICAL DAY... During breeding season we'll candle all the eggs, enter all the data in the spreadsheet, and keep very detailed records of everything we see every day when we candle. The husbandry aspect is much less time-consuming in the winter time. In the winter, it's a lot of cleaning and routine maintenance. Like this past winter, we put up bird spikes to keep away ravens and magpies that like to sit on the walls." Nathan tells how and why he got his start working with Steller's eiders. (0:58) Video Transcript I’m the eider research aviculturist. I help with setting up pairs, setting up nest sites, promoting breeding behaviors and a lot of the incubation practices that we use. I have raised birds since I was a teenager with my father. My senior year of college I did an internship with Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. I worked with over 100 different species of waterfowl there but the Steller's are one of the few species I hadn’t worked with and I really wanted to get some experience with them, and this job presented itself and I was lucky enough to get it and I have been enjoying working with them ever since. They’re really not like any of the other eiders. The fact that they’re declining so rapidly is a motivating factor for me to jump on board with the eider team to try and help save them and reintroduce them to the wild.   CLICK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT SEADUCK SCIENTISTS!    

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()         MEET TASHA DIMARZIO Avian Curator at the Alaska SeaLife Center WHAT SHE DOES: - Manages captive eider population - Assists with field work in Barrow and on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta EDUCATION: B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Minot State University, North Dakota HOMETOWN: Lake Tapps, Washington ONE OF MY FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT IS... "I really like mentoring interns and just getting people jazzed about birds, about why I love birds, and about what we do here. It's always fun to see young people come in and they might not really know a lot about eiders or birds and, hopefully, by the time they leave they will want to pursue a career with birds." Tasha talks about how she started working with birds and what she enjoys most about her work at the Alaska SeaLife Center. (x:00) Video Transcript My mom got me three chickens when I was ten and I kind of fell in love with them really quick, and then just started accumulating more and more birds. By the time I went to college I had something like 5 aviaries with a thousand or so birds. So, I kind of became obsessed with it and kind of sprouted from there and ever since it’s just been wanting to work on more and more birds, specifically marine birds and waterfowl. The work I do here is: I help manage the captive breeding population of the Steller’s and spectacled eiders and then I get to help with some of the field research on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. My favorite part is definitely the field aspect. By going out there you can not only learn from the environment and collect data but then you can also see the birds in their natural habitat and bring that back here to the Center and try to put that into play with the husbandry of the birds and making these habitats the best we can and trying to replicate what the field is like. But then also feeling like you are really contributing to science and what we are doing here is affecting what is going on in the wild.   CLICK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT SEADUCK SCIENTISTS!  

  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() Watch the video below to listen to Yosty wrap up her investigation with the Gulf Watch Alaska scientists. VIDEO: Yosty's Conclusion Yosty reviews her investigation with the Gulf Watch Alaska scientists. (1:06) Video Transcript What Seth and other scientists have discovered is that the lack of cooling was so severe that it created a large area of warmer-than-usual water in the North Pacific. This area of warm water, called “the blob” by some scientists, had a reduced level of mixing between the lower and upper ocean layers. The puzzling impacts of this phenomenon are what the scientists of Gulf Watch Alaska are starting to piece together. It may have played an important part in the massive die-offs of seabirds like the common murre, because as we learned from Kathy scientists suspect that the murres were not receiving enough food to pile on their important fat reserves. Sonia mentioned that the bloom of phytoplankton was less productive than it had been in the past. And as we know, that could have a ripple effect throughout the entire food web, impacting everything from the tiniest of plankton to forage fish like herring and on up to their predators such as the murres. With the decrease in marine nutrients, apex predators like the mightiest of whales or even humans could be impacted by this situation. The potential consequences of “the blob” may seem frightening, but Gulf Watch scientists will be keeping an eye out for this and similar anomalies to better understand the health of the Gulf of Alaska. By combining their different areas of expertise, the Gulf Watch scientists were able to begin solving the mystery of the dying seabirds in the Gulf of Alaska but many questions remained. The Gulf Watch team will continue working together to understand not only how the ecosystem continues to recover from the Exxon Valdez oil spill, but also how the Gulf of Alaska continues to change as a result of other types of changes, both natural and human-caused in the ocean through interactions of Earth systems. Help the scientists of Gulf Watch Alaska continue to monitor ‘The Blob’ as the seasons change. Click here to access the Alaska ‘Blob’ Tracker.     Who is watching the Blob?   Expertise (n): expert skill or knowledge in a certain area of study    

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Schedule at a Glance   Event Details    Friday, June 10, 2022    Art Vendors - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit Alaskan artists and vendors from 9 AM - 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza all weekend long!      Saturday, June 11, 2022    Art Vendors - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit Alaskan artists and vendors from 9 AM - 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza all weekend long!    Welcome Booth with Bird Information - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit the welcome booth for information and activities.    Meet & Greet with Bird Experts - 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the Branson Pavilion Join bird experts from Alaska and share your birding stories! This casual event connects bird enthusiasts with bird scientists. All are welcome!    Special Seabird Activities - 12 to 3 PM at the Welcome Booth Meet ASLC staff and participate in seabird activities.    Kids Activities with "Tuffy" the ASLC Mascot! - 12 to 3 PM at the Welcome Booth All ages are welcome to come and meet Tuffy the ASLC Puffin mascot! Kids activities will be provided.    Seabird Waterfront Walk with NPS Interpreter - 1 PM to 3 PM (estimated end time) Meet with an NPS interpreter at the NPS Visitor Center near the Boat Harbor (1212 4th Avenue, Seward, AK) and take a walk along the waterfront to learn about local bird species. The walking tour will end near the SeaLife Center parking lot aroudn 2:30 PM.    Tuffy's Puffling Parade - 2 PM at the ASLC Plaza Create your own puffin mask or costume and join Tuffy in a puffling parade around the ASLC Plaza! The walking parade will begin at 2 PM.    Bird Trivia Night - 7 to 9 PM at Zudy's Cafe Gather your bird-loving friends and join us for a fun night filled with bird trivia at Zudy's Cafe! Food and drink will be available for purchase.        Sunday, June 12, 2022    Art Vendors - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit Alaskan artists and vendors from 9 AM - 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza all weekend long!    Major Marine Special: Birding Boat Tour - 9 AM to 5:30 PM Celebrate the arrival of Alaska’s seabirds! Major Marine Tours will be hosting a special discounted cruise for festival attendees on Sunday, June 12. Explore the best seabird viewing areas in Resurrection Bay, Northwestern Fjord, and Kenai Fjords National Park on the 8.5 hour small vessel cruise. The boat departs at 9 AM and return at 5:30 PM. Reservations are required. Visit the Major Marine Website for details on how to book this special tour at a 25% discount rate for festival attendees! 

Seward, AK – September 11, 2014– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) transferred a female sea otter pup to its I.Sea.U this week.  Visitors to the Center can watch the activities of the otter and its care-givers through viewing windows near the Discovery Touch Pool. The pup, now a healthy 10-pound, 2-month old female, was found stranded as a newborn in Port Moller, Alaska after being entangled in a fishing net.  The otter was brought to the Alaska SeaLife Center on July 12 where she immediately began receiving intensive, hands-on care. Sea otter pups must be fed every two hours and constantly groomed to keep their fur clean.  Due to the maternal care required by young otters, pups this age are deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  Sea otters eat approximately 25-30% of their weight in food daily. The pup’s current diet consists mainly of sea otter formula and a small amount of solid food, such as clams, squid, and capelin.  As she grows older, solids are being slowly increased to incorporate a larger variety including shrimp and crab. Halley Werner, Stranding Supervisor at the Center states, “The transition into I.Sea.U is the next step for this young otter to become more independent. This will allow her to care for herself, with continued around-the-clock support from our animal care team.”  The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as sea otters and harbor seals. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to sea otters with the authorization of USFWS. Once a sea otter is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC. Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO Tara Riemer explained, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, 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

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 (February 2, 2015) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce that Mishka, a rescued sea otter, was safely transferred to her new home at the Seattle Aquarium. Mishka was transported by a FedEx plane to the Seattle Aquarium and made her public debut on Super Bowl Sunday. ASLC staff members travelled with Mishka in order to make her transition as stress free as possible.  Over the next few weeks, Seattle Aquarium staff will systemically acclimate Mishka to her new environment before introducing her to another resident sea otter. Mishka, Russian for “little bear,” was rescued by the ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program on July 12, 2014. She was found as a newborn in Port Moller, Alaska after being entangled in a fishing net. Due to the maternal care required by young otters, they are deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Mishka, now a healthy 26-pound, 6-month old female, received round-the-clock care during her stay at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Since July, Mishka has more than doubled her weight and transitioned from bottle-fed formula to eating a diverse diet, including capelin, surf clams, crab, mussels, and squid. After a final health check, ASLC veterinary staff cleared Mishka to be transferred to her new home in Seattle. The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as sea otters and harbor seals. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to sea otters with the authorization of USFWS. Once a sea otter is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC. Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO Dr. Tara Riemer explained, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, 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.” 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 Seattle Aquarium The Seattle Aquarium is one Washington State’s leading environmental education and stewardship institutions, and the region’s gathering place for discussion and sharing information about marine conservation. It maintains a number of research initiatives in cooperation with federal, state, zoological, and university partners. The Aquarium is located on Pier 59, at 1483 Alaskan Way. To learn more, visit www.seattleaquarium.org.

Seward, Alaska (March 12, 2015) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors. Board members serve as ambassadors to the Alaska SeaLife Center, while strengthening our partnership with Alaskan industries and communities. “Our new members are joining a team of diverse individuals that provide tremendous benefits to the Center. All of our Board of Directors bring with them new ideas and a fresh perspective to further our mission of sustaining Alaska’s marine ecosystems,” said Alaska SeaLife Center Board Chairman, Mr. Stephen Grabacki. These newly elected individuals will serve a two year term on the Board of Directors: Ed Graff of the Anchorage School District.  Ed has been superintendent of the Anchorage School District since 2013. He began his teaching career in 1991 at Gladys Wood Elementary School and has worked in the Anchorage School District ever since. He became a principal in 2001, the executive director of Elementary Education in 2008, and the Chief Academic Officer in 2009. Originally from Minnesota, Ed has lived in several Alaska towns and villages, including Hooper Bay and Savoonga. Glenn Reed of Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA). Glenn was born in Seward and grew up in Moose Pass. As President of PSPA since 1999, Glenn now lives in Seattle, spending a great deal of time traveling between Seattle and Alaska for fishing industry meetings. Glenn is a board member of the North Pacific Marine Science Foundation, North Pacific Fisheries Research Foundation, and SeaShare. He claims that, in his younger years, he fished in Alaska but wasn’t very good at it. Terry Lauck of ConocoPhillips. Terry is the Director of Permits, Sciences & Regulatory Advocacy for ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. His group is responsible for securing environmental/regulatory permits associated with exploration and production operations for ConocoPhillips in Alaska, in addition to the associated wildlife, ecosystem, and cultural studies. Terry has been employed by ConocoPhillips for nearly 27 years, having worked in Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, California, and Oklahoma (twice), before transferring to Alaska in August 2014. Dan Graham of PacRim Coal, LP. Dan has been the Project Manager of the Chuitna Coal Project since 2009. Dan moved to Alaska in 1983 to study Mining Engineering at UAF and play hockey – he has worked in Alaska’s mining industry ever since. His work experience includes: equipment operator at a placer gold mine, mine engineer for Usibelli Coal Mine, owner of an engineering consulting business, senior consultant at Golder Associates, and the Director of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Public Works Department. Dan is a board member of the Alaska Miners Association and the Resource Development Council. Recently appointed by the University of Alaska to a term ending in October 2015 is: Daniel M. White of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dan is the Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and also heads the Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization. A registered professional engineer, Dan has been Director of the Institute of Northern Engineering since July 2006. He has conducted research on drinking water protection, development and treatment, and has spent considerable time in rural villages and remote locations in Alaska pursuing issues related to freshwater in the Arctic. 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.  

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  

Seward, Alaska (August 23, 2016)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce the release of a Pacific harbor seal pup Thursday, August 25 in Cordova, Alaska. The female pup—named Qiteq (pronounced key-tuck, the Sugpiaq word for Rain)—was taken into the Wildlife Response Program on May 27, and was its first female Pacific harbor seal patient of 2016. What:Pacific harbor seal pup release When:Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 9:30pm Where:Beach near Orca Adventure Lodge in Cordova, Alaska Who:The public and media are invited to attend the event “Qiteq’s return to Cordova is a special occasion,” said Dr. Kathy Woodie, ASLC staff veterinarian. “She has grown strong and fit, and our hopes are high for her success in the wild.” The pup was admitted to ASLC on May 27, 2016, afteractively trying to haul out onto fishing vessels, due to possible predators or changing tides. With no adult seals in the area, it was determined she was abandoned and in need of care. She was a newborn, estimated to be two days old, and would not survive without her mother in the deeper waters. Due to her age, the pup was initially fed a milk-based formula specially created for harbor seal pups. After her digestive system further developed she transitioned to a fish-based formula, and then graduated to catching and eating fish, under the guidance of ASLC staff.  “We’ve been so pleased with Qiteq’s steady progress in our Wildlife Response Program,” said Dr. Woodie. “With a lot of care and support, she has made a great recovery and is ready to return to her ocean home.” The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only wildlife response organization in Alaska authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to respond to and care for live marine mammals that are found injured or stranded throughout the state. 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.   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 (November 10, 2015) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is saddened to announce the passing of Woody, a 22-year-old male Steller sea lion who was one of the Center’s original residents. Woody was humanely euthanized Monday following a rapid decline due to age-related complications.  In the wild, male Steller sea lions almost never live beyond their teens. As a result of Woody’s mature age, staff had been monitoring his health closely and addressing various age-related issues such as arthritis and slow healing. While male sea lions typically lose a significant amount of weight in the fall, Woody lost more weight at a faster rate compared to previous years. Despite attempts by animal care and veterinary staff to reverse this trend, he lost interest in food and stopped participating in regular feeding sessions over the past two weeks, culminating in profound weight loss. A necropsy is currently being conducted. Woody was born in May 1993 and came to the ASLC from the Vancouver Aquarium with females Sugar and Kiska when they were all five years old. While female Steller sea lions typically live longer than males, Woody was the last remaining member of this original sea lion cohort. Sugar died this past March of bone cancer and Kiska died in 2010 of pancreatic cancer. Woody is survived by two offspring, Ellie born in June 2013 and Forrest born in July 2014.  Ellie and Forrest are the first Steller sea lions born in a North American aquarium since the 1980s. Their births were part of a maternal investment research program. ASLC’s Steller sea lion research programs significantly contribute to the understanding of these animals in the wild– their reproduction, habitats and sustainability. Woody’s participation in these studies occurred at a critical time for Steller sea lion populations in Alaska, some of which are still listed as endangered. Since 1998, over two million visitors had the opportunity to meet Woody at the ASLC. He was well-known for his sheer size (topping out over 2400 pounds in 2014), large personality, and curious intelligence.  Husbandry Manager Lisa Hartman who worked with Woody since 1998, reminisced about Woody: “He was synonymous with ASLC for nearly 18 years—our iconic face and personality. Children have grown up knowing him. He commanded attention and will be missed beyond measure.” In honor of Woody, two funds are currently being established that honor what Woody loved best – his home and the children of Alaska. About Steller Sea Lions Steller sea lions are the largest member of the eared seal family. The species ranges across the northern Pacific Ocean, from Japan through the Aleutian Islands and southeast Alaska to northern California. Divided into eastern and western regions, the western population is currently listed as endangered. 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.

Seward, Alaska (August 25, 2016) – After much anticipation, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce the public debut of Perl, a Steller sea lion pup born at the ASLC on July 1, 2016. Visitors to the Center will have the opportunity to see Perl with mother Eden on five weekends (Fri/Sat/Sun) from 11:00am to 2:00pm, beginning Friday, August 26 through Sunday, September 25.  “Perl’s debut is a highly anticipated event,” said President and CEO Tara Riemer. “We are thrilled to be able to share this special moment with our visitors, members and friends.”  Born to 16-year old Eden and 7-year old Pilot, Perl is named after Perl Island, one of the Chugach Islands in the Gulf of Alaska. She is the third Steller sea lion born at the ASLC. Similar to Perl’s half-siblings—3-year-old Ellie and 2-year-old Forrest—Perl will assist scientists in understanding the physiological requirements of a healthy Steller sea lion. “There has been a lot of hard work and preparation leading up to Perl’s successful birth, and the staff is excited at the important addition she will be to our research. We are also very grateful to the mammal husbandry staff here at the ASLC for their care, dedication and enthusiasm to making this work possible,” said ASLC Research Associate Renae Sattler.  Permitted under the National Marine Fisheries Service, the ASLC study seeks to further understand the female reproductive cycle in hopes of identifying causes contributing to the declining population trends observed in the wild. Some populations are currently listed as endangered. Initial studies focused on the reproductive cycle and tracking the health of the female throughout pregnancy. Recently this study was expanded to include collaboration with the University of British Columbia to investigate energetic costs of pregnancy and lactation in adult females, and the energetic needs of pups for healthy growth.   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. 

Veterinarians at ASLC express concern heading into 2016 stranding season Seward, Alaska (March 14, 2016) - Veterinarians at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) say there is every indication that 2016 will be another record year for their Wildlife Response Program following admission of two sea otter pups in the past month.   Already this year the non-profit organization, which is the only permitted marine mammal wildlife rehabilitation entity in Alaska, has recorded 80 reports alone involving otters, and that is before the summer stranding season has even begun. That number compares with a total 300 otters reported to the Center in 2015, 116 of which became cases the Center was directly involved in, peaking last September at a rate 16 times higher than for the same period in 2014.   Otter EL1620 was received into the Center from Cordova on March 7, following on the heels of otter EL1616, a pup stranded in the Kachemak Bay area. While sea otter EL1620 was observed to be a healthy size and weight, its stranding location and other factors raised concerns for the ASLC Wildlife Response Team who ultimately determined to admit EL1620. Pup EL1616 was observed in waters off Homer, appearing malnourished with other signs of stranding and an imminent threat of killer whales surrounding the pup.   Sea otters under six months require 24-hour watch. Typically ASLC staff expect to be on 24/7 duty during the summer stranding season; however, over the past ten month period the ASLC Wildlife Response Team has been on the mandatory 24-hour watch continuously with the exception of 21 days.   According to ASLC veterinarian Carrie Goertz, there is a general increase across all causes of otter deaths and there are some indications that something new may be exacerbating the situation.   “It’s hard to say how much impact the uptick in algal blooms or the El Nino pattern is having,” says Goertz. “However, the feeling is that it must be having some impact which is distressing since both are expected to continue this year.”   Currently the ASLC has six sea otters in residence. With the beginning of the stranding season later this spring, staff fully anticipates the trend to continue.   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 sea otters with the authorization of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Once a sea otter is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC.   Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO Tara Riemer explained, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We especially thank individual Alaskans all around the state as well as 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 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.     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 (September, 28 2017) – A male sea otter pup rescued from Kasilof Beach was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center on Thursday, September 7th. The lone pup was observed on the shore covered in sand. With the support of local residents, ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team responded. Upon approval from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the pup was transported to the Center where he was examined by ASLC veterinarians. “Thankfully this weakened pup appeared to be suffering from dehydration and malnutrition and not from a severe physical trauma,” said Dr. Kathy Woodie, staff veterinarian. Estimated at two months of age, the pup is progressing well under ASLC’s 24 hour care. According to Lisa Hartman, Husbandry Manager, “He’s improving, but his condition is guarded. We are cautiously optimistic with his improvement. The first weeks after admittance to the Center are always the most critical.” Taking care of a sea otter pup this young is labor intensive as in the wild they normally remain dependent on their mothers for care and knowledge until six to nine months. ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team steps into the role of mother to teach grooming skills and feed him every three hours. Savannah Costner, an Animal Care Specialist explains, “Grooming is an essential skill for sea otter survival. Here at ASLC, the grooming process from wet to dry takes about one and a half to two hours. We separate the thick fur with combs to find wet spots and use towels and hair dryers, set on cool, to dry him out.” While the pup is currently out of public view, he is expected to soon be moved to the I.Sea.U where he will be visible to visitors of the Center. ASLC President and CEO Tara Riemer explains, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. During Sea Otter Awareness Week, we especially thank individual Alaskans all around the state as well as our corporate partners - BP, ConocoPhillips, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, and PetZoo Alaska - for their generous con­tributions to the Center in support of wildlife rescue.” The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as seals, walrus, and sea otters year round. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to sea otters with the au­thorization of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Alaska SeaLife Center operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded marine animals, 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.

Seward, Alaska (August 5, 2016)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is proud to announce the release of a male Pacific harbor seal pup on Saturday, August 6. The timing of the pup’s release coincides with the Center’s 18th Annual Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk, a fundraiser benefitting its Wildlife Response Program. The public and media are invited to attend. What:Harbor seal pup release When:Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 2:45pm Where:Public beach area southwest of the Alaska SeaLife Center along Lowell Point Road, by the waterfall, in Seward, Alaska. The pup was admitted to ASLC on May 17. Citizens reported seeing him on a beach in Seward near a high-traffic area, which may have deterred the mother from returning. After observing the pup alone for more than two hours and seeing no sign of the mother in the vicinity, Wildlife Response Program staff brought him to the Center. The pup, estimated to be one day old, showed signs of mild dehydration. Staff immediately began providing him the appropriate support and monitoring his progress around the clock. In the following 11 weeks, Ipuk (meaning snail in the Sugpiaq language) was rehydrated and transitioned from a high fat, milk-based formula to eating and catching live fish. In hisfinal veterinary exam yesterday he met weight criteria and staff determined he was ready for release. “Ipuk’s successful rehabilitation could not be more in tune with the events of this weekend,” said Dr. Kathy Woodie, staff veterinarian. “His release is the culmination of a lot of hard work by our staff and a wonderful opportunity for Wildlife Rescue runners, walkers, and sponsors to witness first-hand the program they are supporting.” The ASLC is the only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as seals, sea otters, and also seabirds. The Program is authorized to respond to stranded harbor seals under an agreement with NOAA. “Our Wildlife Response Program relies on donations to operate, respond to, and care for marine mammals and seabirds that are found injured or stranded throughout the state,” said President and CEO Dr. Tara Riemer. “We thank our 2016 program sponsors, Shell Exploration and Production and ConocoPhillips, Alaska, for their generous program support of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and oil spill response readiness.” ASLC’s 2017 Wildlife Response Program funding is currently unsecured and will rely on additional corporate sponsors and individual donations. One lucky Wildlife Rescue participant will be selected to assist in Ipuk’s release. The race awards and door prize event will begin at 2:00pm in the Center’s atrium, following the race, which begins at 12:00pm. More information on the race can be found at this link: https://alaskasealife.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2016RescueRun/tabid/783524/Default.aspx 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.   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 (May 29, 2018) –The Alaska SeaLife Center’s (ASLC’s) longest standing research study involves video monitoring of Steller sea lions in Resurrection Bay, which began shortly after the Center opened. Between the 1970s and 2000, Steller sea lions experienced a striking 80 percent collapse in their population throughout much of Alaska. This resulted in their subsequent listing of Endangered in 1997. To understand this species decline and identify potential threats to the population, the Alaska SeaLife Center began a long-term, detailed monitoring study at the Chiswell Island rookery and surrounding areas, in 1999. ASLC researchers use remote video cameras for studying the Steller sea lions in the Gulf of Alaska. However, the cameras, antennas, and related equipment are now long outdated and nearing complete failure. The remote-control video system is essential because researchers may observe these animals from monitors at ASLC without disturbing the sea lions. These animals have long-term histories that extend more than a decade providing researchers with valuable data regarding reproductive success and longevity. It is vital to continue these studies while threats remain to the population. Scientific findings about Steller sea lion behavior and population dynamics have been reported in over 25 peer-reviewed publications, which inform the scientific community and management agencies about this species. ASLC also encourages the public to learn about sea lions by providing 24-7 access to the streaming video feed on Channel 6 in Seward. Tune in this month to observe what the researchers at ASLC are documenting during the 2018 pupping and breeding season. To date, 4 pups have been born and females are continuing to arrive on the island.  The funds received for this project will be used to purchase updated video equipment, wireless antennas and essential hardware. Dr. John Maniscalco, the Chiswell lead scientist states, “With the new equipment, we will continue tracking many individual animals, telling their stories of survival and life challenges to the world.” The team currently hopes to reach their funding goal of $30,000 by October 2018 to enable testing and installation of the equipment by April 2019.The fundraiser is currently set up with GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/sea-lion  GoFundMe will provide tax receipts to all donors. 

Seward, Alaska (May 5, 2017) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is inviting visitors to see wildlife response and rehabilitation in action. A tiny sea otter pup is now receiving 24-hour care in the Center’s “I.Sea.U” area where members of the public may observe the pup being cared for by animal care specialists. Estimated to be three weeks old when it was admitted to ASLC’s Wildlife Response and Rehabilitation Program on March 18, staff say the pup is progressing well. “This little otter pup shows every indication of thriving under our care,” said Dr. Kathy Woodie, staff veterinarian at the Alaska SeaLife Center. “He is eager to groom himself, is turning himself over in the water and has learned to dive.”   Young otters are entirely dependent on their mothers for up to nine months. Admitting these young patients to the Center’s Wildlife Response and Rehabilitation Program means standing in for otter moms to provide constant care for the duration, teaching them all the life skills they need to survive. Good grooming to maintain a healthy coat is particularly critical to otter health. Initially the Center’s staff worked to rehydrate the pup, get him started on otter pup formula and administer around-the-clock supportive care. The pup has continued to hit expected developmental milestones including weight gain. Soft foods like clam have been integrated into his diet. He is experiencing typical pup teething and associated sore gums. His coat and overall body condition are currently very good. The otter pup is the second of two marine mammals to be admitted to the Center since early March. Responders say they are watching this season carefully to see if the new trend in strandings continues resulting in year-round concern for an issue that had been predominantly seasonal prior to 2015. “Over the past two years, we have experienced a significant increase in total calls to our wildlife response hotline and in cases requiring action from our team,” said Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO. The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is the only permitted marine mammal wildlife response and rehabilitation entity in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for the Center’s wildlife response program comes from charitable contributions. “We especially thank individual Alaskans all across the state, our visitors and corporate sponsors at BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips, PetZoo and GCI for their generous contributions to the Center in support of wildlife rescue,” said Riemer.   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.   High resolution photos available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-422-7075.   About the Alaska SeaLife Center: 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.              

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to report that the sea otter pup admitted to the Center’s Wildlife Response Program on June 1 has cleared its initial quarantine period.   Visitors to the Center may observe this young pup which is receiving 24-hour care in the Center’s I.Sea.U., located near the touch tank. The pup was estimated to be just a few days old when she was found in Prince William Sound. ASLC veterinarian, Dr. Kathy Woodie noted, “We’re so pleased she readily took to bottle feeding. Often sea otter pups take days before they will latch on a bottle and must be tube fed to receive critical nutrients.” While this little pup is strong, veterinarians still monitor her condition. The sea otter pup has been named “Ranney” after Ranney Glacier. Animal Care Specialist, Halley Werner notes, “She is very interactive with enrichment, and becoming stronger and more coordinated each day.” Ranney still requires around the clock care from the team and takes formula from a bottle every three hours. The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is the only permitted marine mammal wildlife response and rehabilitation entity in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for the Center’s wildlife response program comes from charitable contributions. The Center is thankful for the generous support of visitors, donors and our 2018 corporate sponsors, including BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, PetZoo, Silverton Mountain Guides, and GCI. If a sick or injured animal is encountered, ASLC staff urge people to call first, observe at a safe distance, respect the animal’s territory, and keep pets and children away. ASLC operates a 24-hour stranding hotline where trained professionals will walk people through the proper steps to assist the animal. Call 1-888-774-SEAL if you see a marine mammal in distress.

Alaska SeaLife Center’s distance learning program wins national award Seward, Alaska (August 22, 2017) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce that it has received the Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). This is the seventh CILC Pinnacle Award the ASLC has received since the award was established in 2008. “The Alaska SeaLife Center’s distance learning program has reached over 86,500 students and teachers across Alaska, the United States, and internationally since its inception in 2005,” said Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO. “We are especially proud to earn the Pinnacle Award because it is based on evaluations by the educators and end users who participate in the program.”  During the award evaluation period, the ASLC Distance Learning Program worked with approximately 9,330 participants ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to senior citizen in 23 states, 7 Canadian provinces, South Korea and Australia. ASLC Senior Education Manager, Jeff Dillon, said he was delighted to again receive this high level recognition. “We are honored to receive the Pinnacle Award and to be among other winners who do such amazing work in the distance learning field,” said Dillon. “I am very proud of our team, led by ASLC Education Specialist, Darin Trobaugh. Distance learning is an amazing tool that is critical to us as we provide our audience opportunities to make meaningful connections with Alaska’s marine ecosystems.”  To qualify for the award the provider must receive a minimum 2.85 average score out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations from educators during the school year. The evaluation assesses seven areas: two related to the effectiveness of the presenter and five related to the educational content of the program.  About CILC: The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), established in 1994, specializes in the access to applications and the utilization of videoconferencing for live interactive content and professional development, as well as web-based collaborative learning environments for lifelong learning. CILC serves as a program to the South Central Service Cooperative, an education service agency with its headquarters in Minnesota. To learn more, visit www.cilc.org. 

A male sea otter pup was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) on August 9 from Homer. This pup, aged at 2 months upon arrival, is on the road to recovery after extensive treatment. This sea otter, recently named “Dixon” after Dixon Glacier, arrived dehydrated, malnourished, and barely responsive. He was found to have bacterial infections, anemia, and severe intestinal issues. His rapidly degrading condition led ASLC’s veterinary team to initiate treatment plans quickly, including more elaborate tests like an MRI. Veterinarian Kathy Woodie notes, “The prognosis for this otter looked grave, but he had a fighting spirit and overcame tremendous health conditions.” While this pup is gaining strength, veterinarians and animal care staff still monitor him closely for any lapses in health. Dixon weighed just over 8lbs upon admittance to the Center and has since almost doubled in size to more than 15lbs. He is bottle fed a special otter formula and also eats small pieces of clam, capelin, and squid. The team remains optimistic about his health as his appetite and curiosity grows. Husbandry Director, Lisa Hartman states, “Now that he has overcome many medical hurdles and has cleared quarantine we are working to integrate him with the other otters at our facility. At 4 months old, Ranney, our female otter, is of similar age and size to Dixon and is hopefully his first companion.” Sea Otter Awareness Week (September 24 to September 30) emphasizes that sea otters are a keystone species for Alaska’s marine ecosystem. Sea otters are vital to plant health and increasing fish population diversity. Stranding events like Dixon’s, while unfortunate, allow the team at ASLC to identify environmental pressures and emerging infectious diseases that may negatively affect sea otters in Alaska.