Seward, Alaska (April 23, 2019) – A newborn female sea otter pup was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) on April 9. After observing the sea otter pup floating alone in Kachemak Bay, concerned fishermen contacted ASLC. Volunteers based in Homer transported the pup to the Center after receiving permission from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When the pup arrived at ASLC, the staff were surprised to see a fleshy umbilical cord, indicating she could be around a day old. It is not unusual for the ASLC to treat very young sea otter pups, but one that could be a day old or less is rare. “About ten percent of the sea otters admitted to the Center are younger than a week old, but only a few are about a day old,” states Director of Animal Health, Dr. Carrie Goertz. This young 3-pound pup is now under 24-hour care. Since the pup is so young, ASLC animal care specialists used various methods to teach her how to suckle from a bottle. “Usually the young pups catch on pretty quick, but it can take them a few days,” states Jane Belovarac, Wildlife Response Curator. ASLC staff started with syringe feeding so they could control the amount of formula the sea otter received. Now the pup is taking formula from a bottle and is being fed every 2 hours.  The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for organizations like SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, GCI and PetZoo whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals like sea otters. Since the Alaska SeaLife Center responds to 33,904 miles of coastline, stranding partners and civilians are critical in assisting the Center with wildlife response calls. When an animal is in distress the first reaction is often to tend to it. This can be a mistake as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish distress from normal behavior. Sea otters leave their young in what they perceive to be a safe place while they forage for food. If people or pets are nearby when they return they are likely to abandon their young. Marine mammals have been safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972, so any disturbance to them is illegal without permission from the correct government authorities. 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.

Seward, Alaska (October 7, 2019)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to welcome six new members to its Board of Directors. The new board members will serve three year terms. Kate Consenstein is the principal and owner of Rising Tide Communications in Anchorage, Alaska. She specializes in public relations, campaign development, strategic communications, branding, integrated messaging, content creation, social media, and freelance writing.  Kate is a graduate from the University of Alaska Anchorage and spends her free time cooking, fishing, and traveling. Joshua Kindred is the Regional Solicitor for the Alaska Region for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Prior to that, Joshua was the Assistant District Attorney for the State of Alaska and Environmental Counsel for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. He is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Willamette University College of Law. Joshua lives in Anchorage with his wife Talitha and two children. Scott Meszaros is the City Manager for the City of Seward, Alaska. He is a career public management sector employee with 26 years of service. He has extensive experience with land use and rapidly growing communities. Scott is a Certified Public Manager from the International City Managers Association and a Certified Municipal Clerk from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys bowhunting, camping, backpacking, and fishing. He and his wife Stacey of 24 years have three grown children. Roslyn Mitchell is a Senior Account Manager for Matson, Alaska. She brings over 20 years of experience in the field of Transportation and Logistics. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Alaska Pacific University. In her free time, Roslyn enjoys boating on Prince William Sound, kayaking, and hiking with her husband Mark. Brian Pinkston is the founder and President of Bright Road Wealth Management in Anchorage, Alaska. He has worked in the financial industry for over 22 years. He is a Certified Financial Planner, a Chartered Financial Analyst, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as competition swimming, SCUBA diving, hiking, and camping. Darryl Schaefermeyer returns to the Board of Directors after a 23 year hiatus during which he served as General Manager and Operations Director for the Alaska SeaLife Center.  Darryl previously worked as a staff assistant to the late United States Senator Ted Stevens and was also the City Manager for the City of Seward. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University. Darryl lives in Seward with his wife Karla and many of their children and grandchildren. “Kate, Joshua, Scott, Roslyn, Brian, and Darryl add to the considerable depth of experience, skill, and community engagement of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Board of Directors. We are fortunate they are joining the team and bringing with them fresh insights, ideas, and enthusiasm for our mission of sustaining Alaska’s marine ecosystems,” said Alaska SeaLife Center Board Chair Wendy Lindskoog. About ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3), 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.      See full press release here. 

Seward, Alaska (February 25, 2020)– A young male sea otter pup was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) on January 17, 2020.  Thetwo week old otter pup was found stranded on a beach near Seldovia, AK with snowballs embedded in his fur and surrounded by birds. A local resident called the stranding hotline to report that the young otter had been seen alone and there were no other otters in sight. After receiving permission from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Smokey Bay Air donated the flight to get the pup to Homer where a team of volunteers transported the otter to the Center. The sea otter pup, now seven weeks old, is under 24-hour care from our Wildlife Response Team. “Young otter pups like this one need constant care and attention, from grooming his coat to encouraging him to play in the pool. We are with him around-the-clock,” stated Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac. Currently, the otter is getting fed both formula and solid food every 3 hours. The team has slowly introduced clam into his diet and he is progressing well. Caretakers continue to work on getting him to practice proper grooming skills like rolling in the water and swimming with purpose. This young pup has already proven to be quite the athletic otter as he swims and manipulates toys in the water.   The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for individual donors and organizations like Marathon Petroleum Corporation, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, PetZoo, GCI, HDR Marine, and Graphic Works whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals like sea otters. Since the Alaska SeaLife Center responds to 33,904 miles of coastline, stranding partners and civilians are critical in assisting the Center with wildlife response calls. When an animal is in distress the first reaction is often to tend to it. This can be a mistake as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish distress from normal behavior. Sea otters leave their young in what they perceive to be a safe place while they forage for food. If people or pets are nearby when they return they are likely to abandon their young. Marine mammals have been safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972, so any disturbance to them is illegal without permission from the correct government authorities. 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.   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. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.   High-resolution photos available from media@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6397

Seward, Alaska (December 7, 2020) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a 2-week-old sea otter pup to the Wildlife Response Program on November 12.  The male sea otter pup was spotted by residents near a beachfront home in Homer, Alaska. The good samaritans followed the proper protocols when spotting a wild animal in distress; they called ASLC after observing the otter from a safe distance for over an hour. The pup was vocalizing for quite some time near the water’s edge. When the tide came in, he ended up high and dry on the shore. His dire condition and lack of nearby otters spurred ASLC volunteers to pick him up and transport him to the Center with USFWS permission.  This sea otter pup, initially weighing 5.6 pounds, arrived malnourished and dehydrated. “This pup was in critical condition when he came to us. He was so hungry that he tried to chew the nipple off the baby bottle when we gave him his first feed,” notes Elizabeth deCastro, Veterinarian. While he clearly had an appetite, the team worked to integrate formula slowly to not overwhelm his system and encourage him to eat more moderately.    After a few weeks of providing round-the-clock care for this now 8 pound pup, the staff is cautiously optimistic about his condition. “He is proving to be a very independent pup. He has been exploring his pools extensively and is already taking really good care of his coat,” states Veterinary Assistant Specialist, Hanna Sundstrom. Next steps will be to get him eating more solid food like clam and encourage him to swim and dive in a larger pool.   Due to the Alaska SeaLife Center’s financial setbacks resulting from reduced visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center’s Wildlife Response Program is more reliant on donors than ever before to care for animals like this sea otter pup. ASLC is grateful for the public’s overwhelming response to the Save the Center Campaign launched during the summer. Over 4 million dollars was raised, and 2.3 million of that amount came from individual donors. Thanks to the support, the Alaska SeaLife Center’s doors are still open and the team can continue rescuing stranded and injured animals like this pup. The Center is no longer in immediate jeopardy due to generosity from campaign donors and from Wildlife Response Program donors including ConocoPhillips, BP, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Borman Family Foundation, PetZoo, GCI, Partners4Wildlife, HDR Marine, Sea Otter Foundation & Trust, and Grizzly Pet Products. Ongoing funding is still required to maintain important mission work at the Center and people are encouraged to support Alaska SeaLife Center programs like Wildlife Response at: www.alaskasealife.org/savethecenter. About ASLC  Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3), non-profit research institution and public aquarium in Seward, Alaska. The Center 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.  

Every Bid Supports SeaLife! Online auction to benefit the Alaska SeaLife Center February 20-23, 2025   *Preview items now! Bidding Begins February 20, 2025!*  Click here to View the Auction   Every year, the ASLC Online Auction brings together a passionate community of ocean lovers from across the country, united by a shared mission: to support the Alaska SeaLife Center’s vital work in wildlife rescue, research, and education. For four exciting days, you’ll have the chance to bid on breathtaking Alaskan getaways, handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, unique experiences, and more. With most items available for worldwide shipping, anyone can take part in this incredible event! This event has grown to be one of our most impactful fundraisers of the year, and wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of artists and businesses who donate their work to be auctioned off on our behalf to support our mission work. Now it’s your turn to be part of the impact! Get ready to bid, win, and make waves for marine life. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and let the bidding begin!  Quick Tips: The auction will be open for bidding February 20–23, 2025 All bids are submitted online through our auction website  Most items can be shipped worldwide Every dollar raised helps protect marine life through ASLC mission work Want to donate an item to the auction or learn more? Email fundraising@alaskasealife.org      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() Who is watching walrus? IMPACT (v) - to affect or change something else FORAGE (v) - to search for and collect food MIGRATE (of animal) (v)- to move seasonally from one area to another           Background Scientists know that when summer sea ice in the Arctic melts away from their shallow feeding grounds, Pacific walrus will haul out on land to stay near their food. The Icy Cape stampede showed scientists that land haulouts in the Chukchi Sea can be dangerous for young walrus. Scientists wonder how walrus populations will be impacted when the walrus have to use land haul outs more and more often. To understand how walrus populations might be affected by changes in their Arctic habitat, scientists first had to understand "normal" Pacific walrus behavior. Take a look at the videos and fact sheet below to explore what researchers already know about the mysterious Pacific walrus. VIDEO: The Pacific Walrus Understanding walruses' relationship with sea ice is important to understanding their behavior. (1 minute) Video Transcript Pacific walrus feed in relatively shallow water, hunting for small invertebrates on the ocean floor. In the Bering and Chukchi Seas, the continental shelf provides a vast area of shallow, rich feeding grounds for the walrus. Walrus haul out on sea ice or on land to rest between feeding trips. Although they are good swimmers, they don’t typically swim long distances, so they prefer to rest near where they eat. In the winter, arctic sea ice extends south into the Bering Sea, where large herds of male and female walrus spend the winter together. Then in the springtime, females and calves follow the melting sea ice north into the Chukchi Sea, while adult males separate from the rest of the population and migrate south to spend the summer in Bristol Bay. The male walruses in Bristol Bay typically haul out on land and feed near shore. In the Chukchi Sea, the females and calves spend their summer floating on the sea ice, drifting over the shallow continental shelf. In recent years, summer sea ice in the Arctic has melted beyond the edge of the continental shelf, leaving the females and calves without their traditional feeding and resting platforms.   WALRUS FACT SHEET (click to download .pdf) Female walrus and their calves use sea ice all year. They migrate to the Chukchi sea in summer because there is so much food available for them there. Watch the video below to hear Dr. Lori Polasek talk more about how females and calves may be affected if they can't haul out on sea ice and must move to areas on land, instead. VIDEO: Females and Calves Dr. Lori Polasek describes how females and calves might be impacted by hauling out on land instead of sea ice. (1.5 minutes) Video Transcript What are some of the possible impacts of females and calves hauling out on land instead of sea ice? There are several important facts about walrus that we had to understand before starting this project, and one of those is that land haulouts are primarily used by male walruses, of all ages, and ice is primarily used by females and calves. And the importance of ice, you can think of it as a mom and calf are floating around on a piece of ice and that keeps them moving across the water so it allows them to utilize different resources so they don’t impact a resource and completely deplenish [deplete] it. Also, by allowing them to float around, they’re not congregated together, where they’re more susceptible to predators, where then you allow the whole herd’s offspring to potentially be wiped out by a predator. It also takes your young, your offspring which are more susceptible to disease, and separates them from the population so that disease can’t spread as fast. So these new emerging haulouts with moms & calves packed together, then wipe out all of those protections of those calves by exposing them to disease as a group, by allowing them higher exposure to predators, and then by also having them together totally deplete resources in a localized area. Arctic sea ice extent is impacted by changes in seasonal and global climate. Walrus respond to changes in sea ice by migrating and adapting their behavior. Understanding how sea ice forms and why it melts can help scientists understand more specifically how walrus will be influenced. Check out the sea ice fact sheet below! SEA ICE FACT SHEET (click to download .pdf) This important background knowledge helped scientists from the Alaska SeaLife Center develop a research project studying walrus.      

  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() Meet Dr. Kathy Kuletz Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kathy's role in Gulf Watch Alaska: Pelagic Ecosystems Co-Principal Investigator, Prince William Sound Marine Bird Population Trends Important skills for her position: "Biometric and GIS skills are of course important for working in science, but writing and communication skills are more important for me now, at this stage in my career. And of course, getting outdoors when possible, to recharge interest and enthusiasm, even get new ideas." Challenges in her work: "Obtaining the support needed for a scientific project, especially something long-term, takes an enormous amount of time and effort - and is usually not why one goes into science. But it has to be done... these aren't the fun aspects of science, but they also help you to refine your goals, objectives, and approach." Kathy's advice to young people interested in science: "Get some field experience, and even work on several types of studies to see what really stokes your interest in learning more. Often, biologists start out as volunteers (I did) and move to seasonal field work, or help with data and reports. When you're on a project, do some background searching and reading on the subject or your specific project (so easy to do these days), and find out what questions the project leader is focused on. If you do a good job, work well in difficult conditions, and stay in contact, chances are you'll be called back." Dr. Kathy Kuletz describes her career as a seabird biologist. (3:14) Video Transcript I’ve always been interested in the working with wildlife. I grew up in the desert, so the ocean was exotic to me. Anything that had to do with the ocean was very exotic, and that’s probably what attracted me to that aspect. I wanted to see Alaska, so I came up for a summer job like most people here. I worked in fisheries to begin with because that’s where a lot of the jobs were – there’s not a lot of funding to study birds. I was doing fisheries work, but then I wound up getting a summer job on Naked Island in Prince William Sound, and that was my first job with seabirds. My one year there turned into four, which turned into my Master’s degree studying pigeon guillemots there. Of course that was before the oil spill – I started back there in 1978. After the oil spill, it turned out that was one of the few places where we had some baseline data on seabirds – how they raised their chicks, what they fed on, and how many birds there actually were in these colonies. I went back after the oil spill, again as a seasonal employee of Fish & Wildlife Service, and eventually it became a term appointment. I stayed on in prince William Sound studying marbled murrelets. I became interested in what was going on at sea. Back in the 70s and 80s there was a large ecosystem study going on because they were looking at oil lease sales in the Bering Sea and the Gulf. They had what they called the OCSEAP program – the Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment program. Then there was a huge gap where not much was done out at sea, and of course seabirds spend most of their lives out at sea, but mostly people study what goes on at a colony. I was interested in that other aspect of their lives and what happened the other three quarters of their lives out at sea. For the most part, this was before we had little tiny satellite tags and GPS dataloggers, but we didn’t know what they really did. We didn’t have a good idea of where birds went, and a large part of what we found out was by counting birds at sea – going out on big ships, research vessels that were doing fisheries work or oceanographic work, and doing surveys in conjunction with those. That’s what we’ve continued to do, of course we have more technology now and we can log location of every sighting very accurately and tie that data into what the oceanographers found on the same cruise, or the plankton people, the fish people, the marine mammal folks. So we’re trying to identify the hot spots, trying to found out where birds go in the non-breeding season as well as during the breeding season offshore. That’s what’s attracted me – the idea of being able to put together all this information and understand the big mystery of what seabirds do out at sea, that’s what draws me into it.   Who is watching the Blob?    

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.

EVOSTC (Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council) has funded a five-year, $12.5 million dollar project focused on education and outreach that will create and maintain a framework that builds the capacity of existing resources within the Exxon Valdez oil spill impacted region. The project ensures that current scientific information, skills, and activities are publicly accessible and serve community needs. It will also incorporate local and traditional knowledge into future research. “We are thrilled to receive EVOSTC support for this innovative multi-year proposal. There is immense potential for an active, collaborative, cross-sector network to positively impact ecosystems and communities that continue to be affected by the 1989 oil spill,” said Wei Ying Wong, Ph.D., Chief Science and Education Officer of the Alaska SeaLife Center. The CORaL (Community Organized Restoration and Learning) Network is a collaboration between six organizations: Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska Sea Grant, Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and Prince William Sound Science Center. “The Prince William Sound Science Center is excited to collaborate with our CORaL Network partners. This community-centered network will foster new connections between scientists, educators, and people throughout the spill-affected region and will lead to scientific outreach that is co-created and culturally responsive,” said Katrina Hoffman, President and CEO of Prince William Sound Science Center. The six organizations are located throughout the impacted regions from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill ranging from Prince William Sound, Homer, and Kodiak Island. "The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies in Homer, AK is ecstatic to be part of the CORaL collaborative project. We are honored to help facilitate conversations between traditional ecological knowledge holders and EVOSTC-funded scientists and co-create relevant and rewarding outreach and internship programs that benefit local communities,” said Beth Trowbridge, Executive Director of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. The CORaL Network will create multiple pathways for participation including a network website, community sharing, cultural and communication competency learning opportunities, community science and outreach resources, and an intern institute. “Internships are a key part of this five-year project. As a Native organization, we are especially looking forward to the opportunity to mentor young people in heritage preservation. Students will have valuable opportunities to work beside our professional staff and to learn about archaeology, collections care, and public outreach. This work will build cultural competence and pride in students of all heritages.” said April Laktonen Counceller, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Alutiiq Museum. (Photo right: Hunter Simeonoff, a CORaL summer intern at the Alutiiq Museum, participates in excavations at the Nunalleq site, Kodiak Island, June 2022.  Photo Courtesy of the Alutiiq Museum) The project aims to coordinate science outreach between organizations, engage regional youth in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) with the help of scientists, and sustain capacity-building activities such as learning opportunities and internships. “Alaska Sea Grant is excited to join the network and bring our experience working in partnerships to provide outreach and education to coastal communities. In addition to promoting youth, scientific, and community engagement, one of our first efforts will be a data visualization app to collect real-time community observations and turn them around in a useful, accessible format,” said Leigh Lubin, Education Specialist of Alaska Sea Grant. “Chugach Regional Resources Commission is honored to be a part of the CORaL Network project. In direct response to our tribal member's concerns, the network will coordinate regular meetings between local elders, community members, scientists, educators, and outreach specialists where tribes most impacted by the spill will be given the opportunity to collaborate to ensure science and communities are mutually informed by co-created knowledge,” said Willow Hetrick, Executive Director of Chugach Regional Resources Commission.     Organizations in the CORaL Network: ●  Alaska SeaLife Center https://www.alaskasealife.org/ ●  Alaska Sea Grant https://alaskaseagrant.org/ ●  Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository https://alutiiqmuseum.org/ ●  Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies https://www.akcoastalstudies.org/ ●  Chugach Regional Resources Commission https://www.crrcalaska.org/website/ ●  Prince William Sound Science Center https://pwssc.org/     

Extreme climate events are being experienced worldwide, and Alaska ecosystems, unfortunately, have a front-row seat. Heatwaves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes, are having profound environmental impacts, and are expected to continue for decades to come.One of these extreme climate events, called the Pacific marine heatwave, occurred between 2014 and 2016. During this time, water temperatures rose far above normal conditions and had expansive ecological impacts throughout the Gulf of Alaska and northeast Pacific Ocean. Luckily, the Chiswell Steller Sea Lion Remote Video Monitoring team (the ASLC Chiswell team) has been monitoring the Endangered population of Steller sea lions for nearly 25 years — long before the Pacific marine heatwave occurred. This western population of Steller sea lions was  listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1997 following a major population decline. The ASLC Chiswell team has monitored this population since 1998 and has seen a general increase in the population over the years until 2016. The ASLC Chiswell team conducts multiple population surveys each year in the area around Resurrection Bay and monitors the Steller sea lion rookery called Chiswell Island through remote video cameras controlled at the Center.  The population data collected through the Pacific marine heatwave showed a continued increase in the population through 2015.  The peak impact of the heatwave occurred during the winter of 2015 and into 2016, and the Chiswell team began to see significant declines in pups and adults in the summer of 2016. Changes in food availability likely played some role in the decline. Dr. John Maniscalco, Ph. D. — a lead scientist at the ASLC — recently published a peer-reviewed article in Global Ecology and Conservation that looks at how the Pacific marine heatwave could have affected the winter diets of the Endangered population of Steller sea lions in Alaska over this time frame.  Winter is considered a critical time for Steller sea lions as it is likely the most energetically challenging time of the year. In addition to regulating their body temperatures in freezing Alaskan waters, adult female sea lions can be both lactating and pregnant with new pups, which they will birth in the coming summer. Limited food availability during the winter months could have dire outcomes for adult females, leading them to abort growing fetuses, wean their pups too early, or put their own survival at risk. Winter is also a high-risk season for scientists, as harsh and unpredictable weather at sea makes regular surveys logistically challenging, if not impossible. So how do scientists find out what sea lions are eating during this critical time period? The answer lies not in the sea lions, but in what they leave behind: scat samples.   Continue reading the full update on the ASLC blog: https://stories.alaskasealife.org/2023/05/01/changes-in-ssl-winter-diets/

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.    

Orphaned Otter Pup and Two Seal Pups Join Growing Patient List at Alaska’s Only Permanent Marine Mammal Rehab Facility The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has admitted three new patients in just four days, including an orphaned male sea otter pup from Homer on June 23. In addition, two orphaned harbor seal pups were admitted — a harbor seal pup from Nikiski on June 20, followed by another harbor seal pup from Juneau on June 23. The pup from Nikiski is currently receiving veterinary treatment, and the pup from Juneau, the smallest and most underweight patient admitted so far this season, did not make it despite intensive care efforts. Including the most recent admits, there are now 12 animals in rehabilitative care at the ASLC, with many still in critical condition and receiving life-saving veterinary care.  “We’ve had busy seasons before, but this is a notable number of admits early on in the season,” said Jane Belovarac, ASLC Wildlife Response Curator and Licensed Veterinary Technician. “With harbor seal pupping season continuing through mid-July, we’re staying prepared. We don’t yet know what the coming weeks will bring.” As Alaska’s only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility, the ASLC plays a vital role in responding to orphaned and injured marine animals from across the state’s vast and remote coastlines. Every case requires coordination, expertise, and long-term commitment from the ASLC’s small but dedicated team. One of the most recent examples of that commitment came just days ago, when a young sea otter pup was found stranded near Homer, Alaska. A community member spotted the pup alone on a beach in Homer and called ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline. The pup was found unusually far from the water during low tide, and his mother was nowhere in sight. After hours alone, birds began to approach the vulnerable pup, and the team knew they needed to act. With authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the ASLC Wildlife Response Team coordinated the pup’s safe transport to Seward for immediate care. In their earliest weeks of life, sea otter pups are entirely dependent on their mothers for survival. Mothers provide near-constant care, including feeding, grooming, and maintaining the pup’s coat to ensure it stays clean and waterproof, which is critical for staying warm and buoyant. When a pup is orphaned, these responsibilities fall to the ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team, which is currently providing round-the-clock care to give the recently admitted pup the strongest chance at survival. “We believe this pup is about two weeks old, and is now under 24/7 care and showing encouraging signs,” said Jane Belovarac, Wildlife Response Curator at ASLC. “He’s alert, taking the bottle well, and has already started practicing holding his breath while in the water, which is a great early milestone. His temperature and glucose levels are stable.  As his body adjusts to drinking formula, we are watching him closely for signs of constipation, which is always a challenge for pups transitioning to new food.” This pup joins another female sea otter pup rescued from Homer earlier this month, who continues to make steady progress. The female pup has now been given the name Un’a, which means “that out in the open water” in the language of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people. It’s a fitting name, they say, for a special pup who has shown strong resilience in her recovery.    Un’a remains under close observation for a front limb injury that is slow to heal. While obvious on radiographs, it does not appear to bother her, and she is using the limb normally. Her energy levels are improving, and she frequently engages with enrichment toys, dives deep in her pool, and eats solid foods — all positive signs that she’s meeting milestones in her development. For updates on all 12 of the patients currently admitted, follow the Alaska SeaLife Center on Instagram and Facebook at @AlaskaSeaLifeCenter. Our team is busy providing top-notch care to patients, but we’ll share updates as often as we can.  Call First! If you encounter a stranded or injured marine animal in Alaska, contact ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325). Do not approach or attempt to move the animal. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. Supporters can help provide vital care for marine animals in need by donating at www.alaskasealife.org/donate.      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, M. E. Webber Foundation, The Theresa Bannister Fund, and the NC Giving Fund.       

Back-to-Back Rescues Bring Two Orphaned Sea Otter Pups to ASLC for Rehabilitation and Veterinary Treatment   Seward, Alaska (November 17, 2025): The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) recently admitted two orphaned northern sea otter pups rescued from the Homer area within a two-week span. A female, estimated to be less than two months old, was found alone and extremely malnourished on the beach. Ten days later, a male otter pup was reported in the same region after a fall storm moved through the area. The male pup is estimated to be between 4 and 6 months old and was found in a less severe emaciated state, but lethargic, alone, and in poor condition.    Reports of both otters came through ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (1-888-774-7325), prompting swift responses from ASLC’s wildlife response team. Staff and volunteers observed each pup closely to ensure no adult otters were caring for the pups. When no adults were spotted, the animals were transported to Seward for urgent veterinary care at the ASLC with prior authorization from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).    The female pup is currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care after arriving at the Center on October 20, 2025, extremely malnourished, dehydrated, severely anemic, and weak.   “Usually, when an otter pup is first admitted and receiving its first veterinary exam, it will vocalize often and move around a lot. This pup was so lethargic and weak that she barely made any noise, which was immediately concerning,” said ASLC Veterinarian Dr. Emmanuelle Furst.    Since the female pup’s arrival, she has slowly started to gain weight and strength with 24-hour care and veterinary treatment. She continues to have gastrointestinal issues, which the ASLC animal care and veterinary teams are watching closely. Ten days later, an older male pup, estimated to be around 4 to 6 months old, was admitted after being found alone and resting unusually high up on the beach in Homer. He appeared weak and lethargic, and birds had begun to gather near and peck at him. The male pup is currently undergoing additional medical tests to better understand his condition and prepare targeted veterinary treatments, as he fights to overcome his health challenges.  With these two newest sea otter patients, the Alaska SeaLife Center is now caring for four orphaned sea otter pups, all of whom will be deemed non-releasable due to their young age (under six months old) and their dependence on intensive human care. The wildlife response program has seen an uptick in orphaned, injured, and deceased sea otter reports across the state this year, and the ASLC continues to run tests to better understand what is impacting the wild populations.  These young otters’ stories serve as a powerful reminder of Alaska’s unique wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on, and our shared responsibility to protect them. As the state’s only permanent marine wildlife response and rehabilitation facility, the Alaska SeaLife Center remains committed to giving every animal the best possible chance at survival while deepening understanding of the ocean we all depend on.  The ASLC Wildlife Response Program operates year-round to respond to and care for stranded and orphaned marine animals across the state. You can help make rescues like these possible by donating to support their care and by reporting animals in need. Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325). Your Support Matters  The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. Supporters can help provide vital care for marine animals in need by donating at www.alaskasealife.org/donate.  The ASLC 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, M. E. Webber Foundation, The Theresa Bannister Fund, and the NC Giving Fund.              

      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.       

  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    

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, 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, 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 (Updated: May 23, 2016) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce implementation of a ground breaking CO2 refrigerant heat pump system, realizing the goal of shifting 98% of the Center’s annual heating needs from fossil fuel to ocean water as source heat. Seven years in development, and achieved in two phases, the new system utilizes sea water from Resurrection Bay to heat the 120,000 square foot facility, dramatically slashing heating costs and carbon emissions. This is the first installation of CO2 refrigerant heat pumps to replace oil or electrical boilers in a conventional heating system in the United States. The ASLC estimates the Center’s heat pump systems save as much as $15,000 per month, with an annual carbon emissions reduction of 1.24 million pounds per year in comparison to the original oil fired boilers. “This project reflects the core mission of the Alaska SeaLife Center “to generate and share scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine eco-systems,” said Darryl Schaefermeyer, ASLC Special Projects Director. “It illustrates the broad and tangible ways in which our day to day work can contribute to the long term health and sustainability of the City of Seward, the State of Alaska and the global community.” According to Schaefermeyer the heat pump system is also providing much needed cooling of both mechanical and electrical rooms in the building. Waste heat recovered from these rooms is returned to the heat pump system, avoiding the cost of conventional cooling. Designed by Andy Baker of the Anchorage consulting firm of YourCleanEnergy, with assistance from Mechanical and Electrical Engineers from Anchorage-based EDC Inc., the 80-ton trans-critical CO2 heat pump system pushes seawater through a titanium-plate heat exchanger, returning cooled seawater to the ocean and converting captured heat through a high pressure system that is ultimately blended into the main building heat loop, circulating through all office baseboards at 160°F. “The big news in the final implementation of the system is the use of trans-critical CO2 heat pumps. This is absolutely unique in the field,” said Baker. “We were delighted to work with the ASLC on this project.” The first phase of the project involved installation of a 180 ton heat pump system that utilized a synthetic refrigerant known as R-134a, which has some greenhouse warming potential. In Phase II of the project, CO2 refrigerant replaced R-134a, dramatically reducing the potential environmental impact of the system. Once captured, the heat from seawater warms a mixture of glycol and water. The glycol then passes through four parallel heat pumps where it comes into contact with 99.9% pure CO2 refrigerant. The CO2 boils and the vapor is compressed above its critical point to 2,000 psi which raises its temperature. The hot high-pressure CO2 passes through a gas cooler, heating hydronic water to 194°F. Finally, the hot water is then blended into the main building heat loop. “As a mission driven non-profit organization, this project is doubly important,” said Tara Riemer, President and CEO, Alaska SeaLife Center. “We are benefitting the environment and saving money at a time when both are very critical.” The ASLC project was realized through funding from the Denali Commission Emerging Energy Technology Program, the Alaska Energy Authority Renewable Energy & Emerging Energy Technology Fund, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Rasmuson Foundation. 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; 907-224-6397.

Silver Spring, Maryland (September 14, 2016)– The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Alaska SeaLife Center was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. “Only zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” said AZA Interim Present and CEO Kris Vehrs. “When people visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, they can be assured that they are supporting a facility that is a leader in providing quality care to wildlife, as well as committed to protecting these species’ future.” To be accredited, the Alaska SeaLife Center underwent a thorough review to assure it has and will continue to meet rising standards, which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.  The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal care and welfare; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas.  Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.  Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made. Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org. (Pictured in photo accepting certificate of accreditation, left to right: Brett Long, ASLC Husbandry Director; Lisa Hartman, ASLC Husbandry Manager; Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO; Chip Arnold, ASLC Operations Director)

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.  

Seward, Alaska (January 3, 2017)– The Alaska SeaLife Center is pleased to kick-off 2017 with Winter FISHtival! Each Saturday during the month of January the Center will offer special family friendly activities led by animal care experts and educators. All activities are included in the cost of admission and free to members. Winter FISHtival Saturday events include: Magnify Magic, Underwater Adventure, and a Deep Diving Seabird Scatter Feeding. Step up to the microscope for a really close look at some of the smallest and most fascinating sea animals. Join our educators in the underwater viewing area to do the seal hop and learn more about sea lions and seals! See some high-speed, deep diving seabird action and find out how these birds are specially adapted for under-sea foraging. Additionally, each week we will highlight a special marine animal or group of marine animals: Saturday, January 7: Weird fish With over 80 species of fish from Alaska in our aquariums, some of them are just bound to be a little more weird, a little more cool! Our aquarists are excited to show you some of the weirdest, coolest fish in our aquariums. You will learn more about what makes these fish special and how our team takes care of these amazing animals!   Saturday, January 14: Wolf eels Observe our dive team conduct an underwater feeding of a six foot long wolf eel! Our aquarists and educators will be on hand as we watch the dive team feed the adult wolf eel that lives in a rocky den in our two-story 95,000 gallon aquarium. Next we will head upstairs to observe a feeding of two young wolf eels living in our Kelp Forest tank. Learn about these amazing animals that have fang shaped teeth and an impressive bite force for pulverizing prey - but are typically friendly to divers and can be trained to feed on command. Saturday, January 21: Jellies, nudibranchs, sea cucumbers and other squishy things Join our aquarists and educators to explore the amazing and diverse world of invertebrates. Join the team as we look for newest arrivals in our tanks, observe a feeding and learn more about how we take care of these unique animals. Saturday, January 28: Incredible octopus Meet Gilligan, a giant Pacific octopus in our Octo Grotto and learn more about one of the most intelligent members of the marine world. Our aquarists and educators will share their knowledge about these animals and then we will head up to our research theater to observe a feeding of two younger animals. The Alaska SeaLife Center is open daily during the winter 12 noon - 5 p.m. We offer discounts for Alaska residents, seniors and U.S. military. All Winter FISHtival activities are included in the cost of admission and free to members. For more information on WinterFISHtival Saturdays, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center on Facebook or www.alaskasealife.org. Special winter hotel rates are available at Hotel 360, Breeze Inn and Hotel Seward. For additional information on hotels and restaurants in Seward, contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce at 907-224-8051 or www.seward.com. 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 art available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6334

Seward, AK – March 29, 2017– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has admitted its first stranded marine mammal of 2017, a yearling ringed seal from Dutch Harbor. Following on the heels of a record breaking year in 2016 for the Center’s wildlife response team, ASLC President and CEO, Tara Riemer says wildlife response is shifting from a primarily summer activity to a steady year-round concern. “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. Based on what we have seen thus far in 2017, we expect this increased activity level to continue,” said Riemer. “The other trend we are seeing is that wildlife response is no longer primarily a summer activity. This has required a significant increase in staffing and allocation of our resources to ensure the high level of response and veterinary care to which the Alaska SeaLife Center is committed.” The recently admitted ringed seal first came to the attention of responders on February 26 following a call from a concerned citizen in Dutch Harbor. Community responders continued to observe the animal for several days at differing locations during which no physical abnormalities or injuries were observed. However, the ringed seal was approximately 250 miles out of its normal range, increasingly lethargic and appearing to avoid the water. With authorization for the rescue from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Alaska SeaLife Center, the seal was transported to Anchorage courtesy of PenAir where it was met by ASLC’s wildlife responders. When the ringed seal arrived at the Alaska SeaLife Center on March 3, she weighed 13.2 kilograms (29 pounds). Upon admission the seal’s coat was in good condition but she was underweight and severely dehydrated. The seal quickly transitioned to eating fish on her own. Further examination revealed that the seal was not maintaining body temperature and was severely parasitized. She is currently in “good but guarded” condition.   The Alaska SeaLife Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding with authorization from NOAA and the USFWS to wildlife across the state such as seals, walrus and sea otters. Staff at the Center work with community partners to assess animals and when appropriate transport them to the Center for care. For most seals admitted to the Center, treatment and rehabilitation is a three month process. NOAA has determined that ringed seals rehabilitated outside of their usual range are not releasable; therefore, the seal will be cared for at ASLC until a long-term placement facility is identified.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            *Veterinarians at the Alaska SeaLife Center give a comprehensive health exam to a stranded ringed seal that was admitted on March 3, 2017 through the Center’s wildlife response program. The Center says it is seeing a significant increase in total annual cases as well as a shift from a primarily summer activity to a steady year-round concern. (Photo: ASLC)  “With these trends it is increasingly important for the Alaska SeaLife Center to maintain ongoing dialogue with coastal communities to keep each other informed regarding potential issues that may be impacting wildlife,” said Riemer. “Alaskans everywhere have a strong bond with marine wildlife from traditional culture and subsistence to tourism and local pride.”  Over 80% of the funding for the ASLC’s wildlife response program comes from charitable donations. “We especially thank individual Alaskans all across the state, our visitors, and corporate partners at BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, GCI and PetZoo 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 whohave 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.