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.     

Seward, Alaska (June 07, 2017) – On Thursday, June 8, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) will join the global celebration of World Oceans Day. This year’s theme is “Our Oceans: Our Future.” With paid admission, ASLC is celebrating with free interactive and educational activities for the whole family with a special emphasis on reducing marine debris.   “By learning about the ocean, its importance and our influence on it, we can all help to protect and preserve this important natural resource,” said Jeff Dillon, ASLC senior education manager.   World Oceans Day activities for all ages will be available between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm (see detailed activity schedule below), including an opportunity to shake wings with ASLC mascot, Tuffy the Puffin, and explore exhibits through the new, interactive Ocean Quest game. Visitors may also help build a floor mural out of plastic bottle caps, a common source of marine debris.   Making his world debut is “Alex,” a four foot high Orca sculpture created by 5th grade students from Anchorage’s Willow Crest Elementary School as part of the our Sea Journey education program. The students collected and recycled plastic packaging from their school lunches to build the sculpture, drawing attention to the presence of plastics in our daily lives. Also debuting on June 8 in the Center’s theater is an inspiring new film that documents one man’s commitment to addressing marine debris, from childhood to adulthood.     Visitors will be invited to participate in the “Plastic Footprint Challenge” by tracking their plastic usage for one week. Are you up for the challenge that can help save our oceans and our future? Come take the “Plastic Pledge” to show your support. There will even be a photo booth to take photos and share with your friends on social media!   “This World Oceans Day we hope to inspire and challenge our visitors to make an informed choice to stop marine debris and help clean up the oceans,” said Dillon. “Come join us and celebrate this amazing blue marble of ours and appreciate the life the ocean allows us to live.”   World Oceans Day Schedule 11:00 am: Steller sea lion feeding 11:00 am –12:00 pm: Meet Tuffy 12:00 pm: Feeding in the bird habitat 12:15 pm: Marine debris presentation 2:00 pm: Steller sea lion feeding 3:00 pm: Feeding in the bird habitat 3:15 pm: Keeper chat with avian staff 3:30 pm: Marine debris presentation   All-Day Events Bottle cap mural activity for all ages Marine animal coloring activity for kids Marine debris film debut in theater Ocean Quest marine debris scavenger hunt Alex the Orca on display Plastic pledge and photo booth   Daily encounters, experiences and behind the scenes tours are available throughout the summer. Reservations are recommended (1-888-378-2525) and age restrictions apply.   Alaska SeaLife Center hours through September 3, 2017, are: Friday – Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm   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; 907-224-6370. Media contact Email: media@alaskasealife.org.  

Seward, Alaska (June 13, 2018) –A female harbor seal pup and female sea otter pup, both just days old, were recently admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). These two responses illustrate the importance of public awareness of proper stranding protocols. The harbor seal pup was found stranded on May 10, north of Homer. In the area she was found, it is speculated she was separated from her mother when the tides changed drastically. Wildlife Troopers transported the seal to ASLC wildlife responders. After thorough examination and rehydration, she was deemed a prime candidate for release. Staff is hopeful that if the pup continues to stabilize she will be prepped for release in the area where she was found. The sea otter pup was spotted by boaters floating alone in the middle of Prince William Sound. The good Samaritans became concerned when they heard the pup screaming and saw no signs of other otters in the area. They noticed the pup go face down in the water, which sparked them to pick the animal up. On June 1, she was transported to the Center. 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 are monitoring her for pneumonia from inhaling sea water; so far she shows no signs. Since the Alaska SeaLife Center responds to 33,904 miles of coastline, we rely on stranding partners and civilians to assist in accessing sick or injured marine mammals so medical care can be provided. However, when an animal is perceived to be in distress, the first reaction from an untrained observer is often to approach the animal. An immediate response can be a mistake as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish distress from normal behavior. Animal Care Specialist, Halley Werner notes, “Some animals leave their young in what they perceive to be a safe place while foraging for food and will return shortly. If you are concerned about an animal, before you intervene, call first 1-888-774-SEAL.” Marine animals 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. The Alaska SeaLife Center's Wildlife Response Program is funded by donations of both individuals and corporate donors such as BP, ConocoPhillips, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, PetZoo, and GCI. 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. We are excited to be celebrating 20 years of generating and sharing 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.

Seward, Alaska (July 12, 2018) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is hosting the 20th Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk on Saturday, July 28. The 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 received 157 distressed animal calls resulting in the admission of 8 patients: 3 sea otters, 3 ringed seals, 1 spotted seal, and 1 harbor seal. Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO, said “Wildlife response has been a key component of our mission work since our founding twenty years ago. While rewarding, it is also very intense, requiring 24-hour care from teams of dedicated staff. Over 80 percent of funding for the program comes from charitable donations. The Wildlife Rescue Run combines family fun with an opportunity for the public to become part of the team by running and supporting our work.” This year the run also has special significance because it takes place on Ted Stevens Day. The late Senator Stevens was a huge supporter and champion of the Alaska SeaLife Center, visiting the Center whenever he was in Seward. Representatives from the Ted Stevens Foundation will be present at the Wildlife Rescue Run encouraging all Alaskans to “Get Out and Play.” The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront and is open to walkers and runners of all levels. The course offers beautiful views of Seward's Resurrection Bay and its neighboring mountainous peaks, and there's a good chance of seeing marine life along the way. Race participants are invited to register online via the link found at www.alaskasealife.org. Supporters who can’t be in Seward on race day can sign up to be a virtual runner. Race bibs will be available for pickup in the Alaska SeaLife Center atrium on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. All participants will begin the race at 12:00 p.m. The presentation of race awards and drawings for the door prizes will be held at 2:00 p.m. Race participants are eligible for an array of door prizes, for which they must be present at the drawing to win. Door prizes include:  2018 Lost Lake Run entry – Two ASLC Wildlife Rescue racers will win entry for the upcoming Lost Lake Run to be held Aug. 26. For more information about the race see www.lostlakerun.com (2 prizes drawn, $100 value each)  Alaska SeaLife Center Family Membership (2 prizes drawn, $140 value each) ï‚· Two-person ASLC admission and animal encounter (1 prize drawn, $199.80 value)  Four-person ASLC admission and animal experience (1 prize drawn, $199.60 value)  Two $50 Skinny Raven Sports gift cards  Two Alaska SeaLife Center duffle bags  Two $75 Cookery gift cards  A hat and water bottle from Salmon Sisters This year, supply donations for the Wildlife Response Program will be accepted at the Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk. 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 can be found at http://www.alaskasealife.org/how_you_can_help Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk program sponsors include BP, ConocoPhillips, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Silverton Mountain Guides, GCI, and Pet Zoo Alaska. Race sponsors include Alaska Serigraphics, Bright Road Wealth Management, Seward Family Dentistry – Dr. Michael Moriarty DDS, First National Bank Alaska, GraphicWorks, Nautilus Impact Investing, Metco, Petro 49, Seasalt Alaskan Grill & Bar, Seward Parks and Recreation Department, TelAlaska, Klondike Pizzeria, Kruzof, Safeway, Salmon Sisters, Seward Alehouse, Seward Properties, Skinny Raven Sports, Strabel Racing Services, Ted Stevens Foundation, The Cookery & Oyster Bar, and Woody's Thai Kitchen. About the ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) research institution and public aquarium. We are excited to be celebrating 20 years of generating and sharing 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 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 Questions and requests for high resolution photos may be directed to media@alaskasealife.org.

Seward, Alaska (May 21, 2019) –The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) responded to two juvenile northern elephant seals hauled out on the shores of Seward, Alaska. Since opening in 1998, the ASLC has responded to eleven elephant seals in the state. Although northern elephant seals are known to visit the Gulf of Alaska to feed, they rarely are found on the beaches of Alaska. These seals had flipper tags, which identified their birthing area as Kings Range and Piedras Blancas, California. ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team did not actively monitor the first elephant seal stranding because this seal was sufficiently secluded from heavy use areas. After resting several days, the seal swam off on its own. The second elephant seal hauled out in a high traffic area near the Seward Harbor. ASLC staff relocated the seal via boat to a quiet location within Resurrection Bay. A week later, on May 14, this animal was again beached south of town at Lowell Point. Traffic signs were placed around the seal notifying the public to keep a respectful distance. Within two days, the seal swam off. Seals haul out on Alaska beaches when it is time to molt (shed their hair). Molting is a very energetically demanding process for pinnipeds, especially for elephant seals. Elephant seals experience a catastrophic molt where they lose all their fur at once. ASLC Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac notes, “When elephant seals are in their molt, they can look sickly. They don’t just lose their hair, but they also shed the underlying segments of skin as well.” ASLC professionals are confident that while these animals appear lethargic and injured, it is due to their molt. Both elephant seals that were reported in Seward had robust and healthy body conditions, and did not require veterinary treatment. “While it is unusual to see northern elephant seals on the beaches of Alaska, it is not outside their range of behavior,” said Wildlife Research Biologist Sharon Melin, with NOAA Fisheries’ Alaska Fisheries Science Center. “During their solitary migration, individuals haul out in small numbers all along west coast beaches. After the long migration from California to feeding areas near Alaska, the juvenile seals may have needed to haul out to rest before continuing their migration or foraging activities.” The northern elephant seal is the largest of the “true” seal in the Northern Hemisphere. Adult males use their large inflatable noses during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each other. The largest colonies of northern elephant seals are found off southern California in the Channel Islands. They have one of the longest migrations of any mammal; some have been recorded traveling over 13,000 miles roundtrip. 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.NOAA Fisheries statewide Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline number is 877-925-7773. About the ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and a 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. About NOAA: NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our other social media channels. To learn more, visit www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.

Seward, Alaska (May 24, 2019) –The Summer season begins at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) today with longer hours, new tours, and more on the floor programming. Summer hours until August 18 are:   Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Friday – Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm ASLC is excited to offer additional programming included in the general admission ticket. These daily programs will highlight the vital mission work of the Alaska SeaLife Center. Guests will have the chance to engage with staff as they care for our animals and do a special presentation. More information and a full schedule of our daily programs are on ASLC's website, www.alaskasealife.org. Included in these daily programs are: Meet the Center’s award-winning Education team at an Education Station. Guests will be able to learn more about species of Alaska, including marine mammals, invertebrates, and more. During a SCUBA Chat: Divers Included watch ASLC divers in action and learn more about their underwater work. Chat with ASLC Scientists during a Get “Down” with the Ducks presentation. Learn about the eider program and the fantastic qualities duck feathers can bring to a breeding season. Keeper Chats with our avian keepers will give visitors a glimpse into the animal care taking place at the Center. From learning about the gossip of the aviary to getting new fun facts about the birds, guests will leave with further found information. A fan favorite, Sea Lion or Seal Feedings will take place twice daily. Guests can watch as their favorite species get their daily meal, while talking with an expert. Visitors can see and learn about how ASLC adopts techniques developed for domestic animals to wild animals during a Vet Chat. Learn from our aquarium team about some of our exhibits and their inhabitants during a Feeding the Fish presentation. Not only will there be daily programs, but summer encounters and experiences are back by popular demand. Explore more at ASLC with opportunities like:  Shake “hands” with a giant Pacific octopus in the Octopus Encounter, and learn more about these mysterious and intelligent invertebrates. This 60-minute tour is offered daily at 1:00 pm and can accommodate a maximum of 5 people per tour, with a minimum age of 6 years old. Octopus Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. On a Puffin Encounter, meet our resident birds and participate in feeding in the aviary. This 60-minute tour is daily at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and can accommodate a maximum of 4 people, with a minimum age of 10 years old. Puffin Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. The Behind the Scenes Tour is guided walking tour through the Alaska SeaLife Center's back hallways and familiarizes guests with the scientific research, wildlife response, and other marine science programs. This 60-minute tour is offered daily at 1:30 pm, and 4:30 pm and can accommodate a maximum of 12 people, with a minimum age of 12 years old. Behind the Scenes, tours are $14.95 per person. Sea Otter Experience tours will be offered twice a day: 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Join animal caregivers to observe a feeding or animal enrichment session in the outdoor otter pool. This 30-minute tour can accommodate up to 14 people per tour and open to all ages. The Sea Otter Experience is $24.95 each for ages 13 and older, and $19.95 each for ages 6-12. Octopus Experience tours give guests a chance to immerse themselves in a world of suckers, tentacles, and beaks while observing an octopus feeding. This 30-minute tour can accommodate up to 14 people per tour and open to all ages. The Octopus Experience is $24.95 each for ages 13 and older, and $19.95 each for ages 6-12. The Center recommends making reservations for all encounters and tours, call 1-888-378-2525. All tours and encounters require the purchase of general admission. Current general admission prices are available online. Tickets to the Alaska SeaLife Center support expert animal care, scientific research, and wildlife rescue. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and a 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 video available from media@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6334.

Researchers at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) recently captured a small male Pacific sleeper shark for an investigative study on the species. The Pacific sleeper shark is a close relative of the Greenland shark, which has been found to possibly live for several hundred years. “If findings from recent studies on the Greenland shark transfer to Pacific sleepers, these animals could maybe reach an astonishing age of 200-300 years old,” states Dr. Amy Bishop, ASLC Scientist. Dr. Markus Horning, ASLC Senior Research Scientist, is leading the study as Principal Investigator, together with Co-Investigators, Dr. Amy Bishop, Richard Hocking, and Jared Guthridge. The ASLC team is working closely with Co-Principal Investigator and shark expert, Dr. Christopher Lowe from California State University at Long Beach. They hope to investigate the ecological importance of these sharks, how their populations are impacted through fishing activities, as well as their predation habits. The Pacific sleeper shark is a large marine predator in Alaskan waters, and evidence from initial tagging work by the Center’s researchers suggests they may be a key predator of juvenile Steller sea lions. Researchers first began fishing for sharks in 2018 with the intentions of finding specimens under six feet. The goal is to bring up to five young, small sharks to the Center for short periods of time for select studies on their metabolic rates and basic biology. They will then be released back in Resurrection Bay with telemetry tags to monitor their movements. After receiving assurance from local fishing captain, Andy Mezirow, that sleeper sharks could be found right in the Bay, they started pulling a team together to fish regularly. Many methods were used to find a shark, but bait stations placed up to 900 feet down ended up being the most effective technique. Thirteen sharks were caught that were too big to fit in the metabolic chamber intended for the research study. Those sharks were tagged and released. “Successful sleeper shark captures were rewarding after much trial and error, but we continuously found animals that were too large for our study. We were either going to need a smaller shark or a bigger boat,” notes Dr. Horning. On July 1, 2019, the team found a shark about five feet long that fit perfectly in the transport carrier. Now that the animal is at the Center, Taylor Smith, Lowe’s graduate student at Cal State’s Shark Lab, will be heading the metabolic trials. Visitors to ASLC may at times be able to see research in action since the shark is in our largest pool, visible from the second floor. Since this is a bottom dwelling shark, a cover needs to be used on the pool when research is inactive to reduce light and regulate temperature. To find out more about the Pacific sleeper shark and to follow this research, the public can read ASLC’s 60Ëš North Science Blog. Dr. Markus Horning received funding for this project from the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB). The project is permitted by ASLC’s institutional ethics committee (AUP # R19-05-05) and by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (CF-19-085).

Seward, Alaska (July 16, 2019)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is hosting the 21st Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk on Saturday, August 3. This family-friendly race is a fundraiser to support the Center’s Wildlife Response Program. This has been another very busy year for the program. They have received 213 distressed animal calls resulting in the admission of 12 patients: 1 sea otter, 1 bearded seal, 1 spotted seal, and 9 harbor seals. The team has also responded to some unusual calls this summer, including two sub-adult elephant seals. Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO, said “Wildlife response is a key component of our mission work. While rewarding, it is also very intense, requiring 24-hour care from teams of dedicated staff. The Wildlife Rescue Run is an opportunity for the public to become part of the team by running and supporting our mission work.” The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront and is open to walkers and runners of all levels. The course offers beautiful views of Seward's Resurrection Bay and its neighboring mountainous peaks, and there is a good chance of seeing marine life along the way. This year all participants, including virtual runners, will receive a limited edition t-shirt designed by the Salmon Sisters. Race participants are invited to register online via the link found at www.alaskasealife.org. Registration is $35 a person through August 2, and $40 the day of the race. Supporters who can’t be in Seward on race day can sign up online to be a virtual runner. Race bibs will be available for pickup in the Alaska SeaLife Center lobby on August 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. All participants will begin the race at 12:00 p.m. The presentation of race awards and drawings for the door prizes will be held at 2:00 p.m. This year, supply donations for the Wildlife Response Program will be accepted at the Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk. Items used 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 can be found at http://www.alaskasealife.org/how_you_can_help Wildlife Response Program sponsors include Marathon Petroleum, BP, ConocoPhillips, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Pet Zoo Alaska and GCI. Race sponsors include Alaska Serigraphics, Bright Road Wealth Management, State Farm Agent Kelsey DeLuca, Seward Family Dentistry – Dr. Michael Moriarty DDS, GraphicWorks, Petro 49, Seasalt Alaskan Grill & Bar, Seward Parks and Recreation Department, TelAlaska, Klondike Pizzeria, Kruzof, Safeway, Salmon Sisters, Seward Alehouse, Seward Properties, Strabel Racing Services, The Cookery & Oyster Bar, and Woody's Thai Kitchen. About the ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and a 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 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 14, 2020)The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has been granted a generous dollar-for-dollar matching donation of $100,000 from a partnership of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, and SSA Marine.  The Alaska SeaLife Center is in the midst of an urgent public information and fundraising campaign to raise $2 million in funding by September 30. Uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASLC will not be able to maintain operations of the Center through the winter due to a lack of summer visitor revenues. Public support has been inspiring, and the Alaska SeaLife Center is more than halfway to its goal.  Alaska’s tourism industry, especially the cruise sector, has been similarly devastated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cruise ship guests are essential to the financial stability of many of Alaska’s coastal towns, and Seward is no exception.  “We know these companies are struggling just as we are, which is why we are so moved to announce that this partnership has stepped up with a donation of $100,000 to support our efforts to remain open. We’re stunned and so deeply appreciative,” said President and CEO Tara Riemer. This donation is a matching donation, which means the partnership will match the next $100,000 that the Alaska SeaLife Center is able to raise.  Speaking for the cruise industry partners, Wendy Lindskoog, Assistant Vice President, Government Relations for Royal Caribbean Group shared, “There are moments in time that call for action. The global health pandemic and the ripple effects it has had on businesses and communities, big and small, is one of those moments. We hope this contribution inspires action from others to support the Alaska SeaLife Center and its critical mission of marine research and education.” “To us, this is more than a corporate gift. It’s a lifeline from an industry that while struggling to survive stands with the Seward community. It’s a deep expression of partnership and commitment to Alaska’s communities,” said Riemer. “Thank you, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, and SSA Marine!”

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted two more harbor seal pups into their Wildlife Response Program within just a day of each other, raising the total number of patients to six.    On June 22, a female pup from Port Moller on the Alaska Peninsula was transported to the Center. The seal (pictured in this release) was found near the town by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The pup was monitored for a few days, but since it was so close to town, more people began investigating it. After receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) approval the pup was picked up. Lake Clark Air graciously donated a flight for the seal after already donating a flight for a pup the previous week. Upon the initial admit exam, the main concerns of the veterinary team include low body weight, dehydration, and a puncture wound on her flipper, likely from some type of predator. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of the animal’s condition.    On June 23, another harbor seal pup was spotted by NOAA officials intermittently showing up on a beach in Juneau. It appeared to be very underweight with no other seals in the area. The animal just arrived to the Center and the veterinary team is still doing preliminary examinations. Updates will be provided after further treatment.   The harbor seal pups that have already been admitted in the Center’s Wildlife Response Program are all in various stages of recovery. The male pup found in Seward on May 27 presented with neurological issues and vision impairment likely from a difficult birth. The team is impressed with how far he has progressed, but he continues to display neurological challenges that will likely never resolve. For this reason, the team believes he may not be releasable since these challenges will put him at a significant disadvantage in the wild.    The male pup found in Port Moller on June 15 is still in critical care. He arrived severely underweight and consequently is still very weak from malnourishment. While he is not strong enough to swim on his own, the team is cautiously optimistic that he will gain the weight and strength he needs. The two other seals, one from the Little Susitna River and one from Anchor Point, are progressing more quickly. They are now in outdoor holding areas with their own pools and graduating from re-hydrating liquids to fish formula and even some whole fish.    The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like these seals because of donations from corporate sponsors and individual donors. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of these seal patients here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, PetZoo, Borman Family Foundation, GCI, Partners4Wildlife, Sea Otter Foundation & Trust, and Grizzly Pet Products.  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.   

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) this week announced that the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) was granted continued accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. The ASLC was first accredited by the AZA in 2011 after meeting the highest standards in animal wellbeing, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety, and continues to uphold these high standards as an AZA-accredited aquarium. AZA is the independent accrediting organization for leading zoos and aquariums in America and the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards for animal care and welfare. Less than 10 percent of the 2,800 wildlife exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act meet the more comprehensive standards of AZA accreditation. “The public expectations for animal care are constantly increasing, as are our own, which is why AZA’s accreditation standards are focused on providing the best animal care possible,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA. “Our rigorous accreditation standards evolve based on modern animal research, ensuring a process the public can trust. We applaud and admire these exceptional zoos, aquariums, and related facilities on meeting the ‘gold standard’ for a modern zoological facility.” The Alaska SeaLife Center underwent a thorough review to make sure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which emphasize animal wellbeing, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires facilities to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years as a condition of Association membership. “After several non-normal years, it’s a major accomplishment for our entire team to successfully undergo this meticulous inspection and accreditation process with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We are currently the only AZA-accredited facility in the state of Alaska, and I am proud of the hard work our team puts in each and every day to meet and exceed the high standards set by the AZA for animal care, conservation, education, and safety," said Tara Riemer, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. “When guests visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, they are supporting a world-class organization that is truly making a difference for marine wildlife in Alaska.” The AZA accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous, on-site, multiple-day inspection by an independent team of expert zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal welfare and well-being; veterinary care; staff training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services.   Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, top officials are interviewed by the Accreditation Commission at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied. Accreditation was fully granted to the Alaska SeaLife Center on September 19, 2022 via a virtual hearing.   About AZA 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 12 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.   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. 

The Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a unique patient to its Wildlife Response Program on June 16, 2025: a young male spotted seal pup from Nome, Alaska.  Fewer than ten spotted seals have ever been admitted to ASLC in the organization’s history. These Arctic seals are ice-associated animals, typically found along remote stretches of Alaska’s northern coastlines. Though they are commonly seen in these northern waters, recovering a stranded individual does not happen often.  A community member first spotted this spotted seal pup alone on a busy public beach near Nome, Alaska. Photos showed the pup was lethargic and extremely malnourished, and the sighting was quickly relayed through the ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325).  ASLC contacted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees seal strandings. After consultation with the local stranding agreement holder for the area, Nome's local tribal consortium, Kawerak Inc., and the Ice Seal Committee (ISC), the Alaska Native Organization that co-manages ice seals with NOAA, the decision was made to transport the animal to ASLC for urgent care.   Although the male pup was severely emaciated upon arrival, the presence of teeth and absence of a soft, white lanugo coat indicated he was not a newborn, likely around 3 to 4 weeks old. The ASLC wildlife response and veterinary teams have been treating him intensively since his arrival. He is now steadily gaining weight, eating well, and has been given the name “Kova.”  Responding to a stranded ice seal requires navigating both regulatory policy and respect for the Indigenous communities that rely on these animals for subsistence. In rescue situations involving Alaska’s four “ice seal” species (spotted, ringed, ribbon, and bearded), the ASLC follows a precautionary non-release policy developed by NOAA Fisheries and the ISC. Because ice seals transported to Seward for rehabilitation come from remote, culturally significant regions where they remain an essential food source, this policy eliminates the risk of disease transmission between ecosystems by a rescued animal. Therefore, even though Kova has recovered well so far, he will permanently remain in human care. In the meantime, diagnostic testing and ongoing monitoring are helping us better understand diseases that may be affecting wild seal populations and contribute valuable information about his species. Placement discussions are ongoing to ensure he has the best possible long-term home as he continues to gain weight and improve his health. As the only marine mammal rehabilitation facility in Alaska, the ASLC is proud to care for animals from remote regions of the state while working closely with the communities connected to them. Responses like this are made possible through strong partnerships with federal agencies, Tribal and co-management organizations, Indigenous leaders, community members, and more.  We remain committed to these relationships and to protecting the health of ice seal populations, which are vital to the local ecosystem and Alaska Native communities. “We are deeply grateful to the Nome community,” said Wildlife Response Curator Jane Belovarac. “This pup has given us a valuable opportunity to learn and grow as we work to restore its health. Thanks to the support from Gay Sheffield with the UAF Marine Advisory Program, Charles Menadelook with Kawerak, Inc., and the Ice Seal Committee, we’re hopeful this animal will one day serve as an ambassador for the very waters it came from. This rescue wouldn’t have been possible without their collaboration.” 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 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.           

Make your way around Seward and visit local businesses hosting featured artists during the Seward First Friday Art Walk! Visit the ASLC lobby from 6 - 8 PM on July 1, 2022 to see this month's TWO featured artists: Dreaming Bear Studio & Rabbit Creek Studio Dreaming Bear Studios will have items displayed in the ASLC Lobby for the month of July. See more of the artist's work on their websites -   Rabbit Creek Studio: https://rabbit-creek-studio.square.site/ https://www.facebook.com/kimnielsenak/ Dreaming Bear Studio: https://www.dreamingbearstudio.com/   Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

          WELCOME, TEACHERS! The Alaska SeaLife Center and COSEE-Alaska are excited to present "Southern Exposure", a virtual field trip (VFT) to one of the most remote regions on Earth. Join Dr. Jo-Ann Mellish and her team as they travel to Antarctica's McMurdo Sound to investigate how changing sea ice conditions may impact ice-dependent polar seals, like Antarctica's Weddell seals. GRADE LEVEL: 5th-8th TIME NEEDED: Between one and four 1-hour class periods (teachers may choose to use all or part of the supplementary lessons) NUTSHELL: Students will learn about animal physiology while exploring how changing sea ice conditions may affect ice-dependent Weddell seals. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing this virtual field trip, students will be able to: - Highlight two ways that habitat conditions in the Arctic and the Antarctic are different - Define the term energy budget and explain how living things earn (gain) and use energy to meet the requirements of life - Describe the relationship between the depth of a seal's blubber and the animal's mass BACKGROUND: VIDEO: RESEARCH PROJECT PROMO Use this short research promo video to get your class excited about Southern Exposure. (0:56) In this virtual field trip, students will meet Drs. Jo-Ann Mellish, Markus Horning, and Allyson Hindle - a team of animal physiologists collaborating on a project about Antarctica's Weddell seals. Your students will follow Dr. Mellish's research team into the field as they work to answer the questions "What is the 'cost of living' for a polar seal?" and "How will the lives of these seals be impacted as their habitats continue to change?" This VFT can be used in a number of ways. Individuals may navigate through the pages on their own. Self-guided exploration can be completed in about an hour. Alternately, teachers may facilitate a structured experience, working through each page of the VFT together as a class. Lesson plans (included in the right-hand column of this page) are available to supplement online content. For a thorough introduction to Weddell seals, we recommend that teachers check out the PolarTrec webinar The Life Science of Weddell Seals with Dr. Jennifer Burns of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Though not affiliated with this project, Dr. Burns' presentation gives teachers a nice overview of current behavioral and physiological research on Weddell seals in Antarctica (40 minutes). TO USE THIS VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP YOU WILL NEED: - Internet access, video-streaming capabilities - Access to Southern Exposure - Projection system (with audio) to display content or a computer lab (with headphones) - Corresponding lesson plans (arranged as PDFs in the right-hand column of this page) UNABLE TO RUN THE STREAMING VERSION? REQUEST A FREE COPY OF ALL MATERIALS ON CD BY EMAILING: education@alaskasealife.org ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Weddell seal specific Resources : Weddell Seal Science Project, YouTube Channel ARKive Weddell Seal Species Profile General information about Sea Ice: National Snow and Ice Data Center: Sea Ice Introduction National Snow and Ice Data Center: Arctic Vs. Antarctic NASA Earth Observatory: Sea Ice Education Resources Related to Climate Change: NOAA Education Resources: Climate Change Impacts   Contact Us: If you have any questions about this virtual field trip, please contact the Alaska SeaLife Center Education Department at education@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6306. For more information on classes we offer, including our inquiry-based Distance Learning programs, visit our website at www.alaskasealife.org.       LESSON PLANS Use the .pdf links below to access classroom activities for each section of the virtual field trip. Lesson Plan One.pdf Lesson Plan Two.pdf Lesson Plan Three.pdf Glossary.pdf Guide to Standards Addressed All research was conducted under National Marine Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Protection Act authorization 15748 and Antarctic Conservation Act permit 2012-003.           

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? REMOTE (adj) - far from cities. In Alaska, this almost always means a place that is not on the road system and can only be reached by boat, plane, dogsled, snowmachine, or helicopter. DURATION (n) - the length of time CENSUS (n) - a count of individuals METHOD (n) - the way information is collected STILL CAMERA (n) - a camera that takes photos (not video) COST EFFECTIVE (adj) - worth the price MARITIME (adj) - related to marine (ocean) environments or conditions           The Plan Figuring out how to observe walrus at land haulouts was a challenge for the research team. Their system needed to be: Low cost Low maintenance (because sites are in remote locations) Able to measure duration (from the first walrus to arrive to the last walrus to leave) Able to visually observe the presence of walrus and allow for a census count Able to observe the cause(s) of possible disturbances Minimally disruptive to the animals While brainstorming, many methods were considered. The team thought about using airplanes to fly over haulout sites. They considered asking locals to report observations or stationing their own research staff near haulouts throughout the entire summer season. Finally, the team talked about placing remote video or still cameras at known haulout locations. The pros and cons for each method were evaluated. Flying over sites would be expensive and time consuming because the range of Pacific walruses covers thousands of miles. The sound of low flying planes might also disturb the animals. Local observations are impossible in many areas because haulouts are so remote. And stationing field researchers at known haulouts all season could prove very expensive. In the end, the team concluded that setting up remote cameras was the most cost-effective choice. They also decided that using still cameras set on timers would let them get the most data about how walrus were using land haulouts. Watch the two videos below to learn about the equipment Dr. Polasek's team used and some of the challenges they had to deal with while designing a plan to observe walrus using remote cameras. VIDEO: Equipment But won’t it get wet? Terril Efird talks about the equipment the team chose and how they keep it dry and functioning in the maritime climate. (1 minute) Video Transcript What equipment are you using to study walruses in remote areas? This is an example of one of the camera setups that we’ll have out in the field. It’s a Nikon digital camera, eight megapixel camera, and that’s wired into a 12-volt battery to keep it charged. A lot of these cameras will be going out for months at a time, so keeping the battery charged is really important, and to do that we’ll have a solar panel out there that will charge the larger battery. We’ll put the camera inside of this weatherproof and waterproof housing, and that’ll keep everything nice and dry so the electronics don’t fry while we’re out there. And we’ll have two of these at each of the sites, one looking at the haulout and then another one just looking offshore to see if we can capture any boats or predators of walrus that might be coming by and see how the walrus respond to that. VIDEO: Challenges Terril Efird describes some of the challenges involved in monitoring walrus. (35 seconds) Video Transcript What challenges did you face while planning for this project? One of the most challenges parts was picking our sites. We want to make sure that we have sites where we can go put these cameras up and we know that the walrus are going to come and be at those sites during the season. And not only have the walrus there but also have cliffs or bluffs that we can set these cameras up on top of so we can get a good vantage point, so we can get good estimates of how many walrus are hauling out and also what the immediate water access is like. With these challenges in mind, the scientists put a lot of thought into selecting the best locations to set up their cameras. Continue on to the "Action!" page to see which sites along Alaska's coastline they chose.      

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

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

Female Elephant Seal is Alaska SeaLife Center’s First Marine Mammal Patient of 2022 Elephant seals are a rare species for the Center’s Wildlife Response Program The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted the first marine mammal patient of the year to its Wildlife Response Program, a 1-year-old female elephant seal from Seward. Within a week, the care of this animal concluded with a successful release of the seal back to the ocean. Since opening in 1998, the ASLC has responded to only thirteen elephant seals. It is normal for elephant seals to spend the summer in the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutians, but it is rare for them to travel into Resurrection Bay and haul out on the beach. The ASLC Wildlife Response Team first started monitoring this animal after a call to the ASLC Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (1-888-774-SEAL). The caller reported an elephant seal hauled out on the main boat ramp in the Seward Boat Harbor on March 19, 2022. The animal appeared bloated and lethargic, but was seen retreating to the water later that day during high tide. ASLC received two more reports of the elephant seal hauling out in other locations around the boat harbor. When the animal was observed for the third time, the Wildlife Response Team determined that intervention was necessary. After receiving approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the animal was transported to the Center with the help of the Coast Guard on March 21, 2022. Upon the initial admit exam, the main concerns of the veterinary team were the animal’s bloated appearance and unusual lethargy. It was also clear that the seal was going through its annual catastrophic molt. “Elephant seals will haul out on Alaska beaches during their annual catastrophic molt. Because of this molt, they can look and sound sickly compared to your typical harbor seal. Elephant seals will have superficial wounds over their body because they don’t just lose their hair, they shed the underlying layer of skin when they molt,” ASLC Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac notes. “When this particular elephant seal was first observed, our main concern was the bloating and labored breathing. We assumed that the superficial wounds were due to a molt, and our intake exam confirmed those suspicions." The bloating subsided quickly, and the blood and fecal analysis came back with no additional concerning results. The Veterinary and Wildlife Response Teams determined that the best course of action for the large seal would be to return her to the ocean as soon as possible, in hopes that she would not haul out in the busy Seward boat harbor again. On March 24, 2022, the ASLC Wildlife Response Team successfully released the elephant seal at Lowell Point, about two miles south of downtown Seward. Local volunteers assisted the team in lifting and walking the 320-pound seal, who was safely enclosed in a specially-designed large metal kennel, to the beach. She easily went into the water and headed toward the open ocean. Since then, we have not had any more sightings. Call 1-888-774-SEAL(7325) if you see any marine mammal in distress. Also, If you happen to see an elephant seal on a beach anywhere in Alaska, especially if it has a flipper tag, please call the ASLC hotline. It is good information the ASLC team can relay to the scientists who study them. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like this seal because of donations from corporate sponsors and individual donors. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of this patient here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, GCI, and a number of individual donors. About Elephant Seals The northern elephant seal is the largest of the “true” seals in the Northern Hemisphere, which are categorized by lacking any external ear features. Adult males use their large inflatable noses during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each other. They have one of the longest migrations of any mammal, with some recorded traveling over 13,000 miles roundtrip. Although northern elephant seals are known to visit the Gulf of Alaska to feed, they rarely are found on the beaches of Alaska. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and a 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.  

  Alaska SeaLife Center Announces New Board Members, Officers The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors in 2022. Each of these members will serve a three-year term. The Board also elected new officers: Josie Hickel as Chair, Rachel Bunnell as Vice Chair, and Brian Pinkston as Treasurer, with Darryl Schafermeyer continuing as Secretary. Officers will serve in these positions for two years.     Mark Burgess is President and CEO of Credit Union 1 in Anchorage. He has spent his career in IT for both small and large organizations, and his passion is finding elegant technical solutions to drive organizational efficiencies. Prior to serving as CEO, Mark moved to Alaska from New Hampshire in 2018 to serve as CU1’s Chief Technology Officer, where he was responsible for day-to-day IT operations, project management, information security, and facilities. In his current role, he brings immense knowledge, innovative thinking and a commitment to lead with empathy, compassion and service to others. Dylan Faber is the Alaska Government and Community Affairs Manager for Matson. He has previously worked as an account executive at MSI Communications and served as a special assistant to U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski where he assisted with in-state communications, community outreach, and grants. Dylan is also a soccer coach and a board member for the Anchorage non-profit Cook Inlet Soccer Club, serves on the boards for the Foraker Group, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Resource Development Council of Alaska. Kenneth McCoy is the North Division Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer for Providence. He previously served as the Chief of Police for the Anchorage Police Department and has more than 27 years of law force experience. Kenneth received a commission as a second lieutenant into the United States Army, served 10 years with the Alaska Army National Guard, and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He excels in executive leadership, building relationships with local communities, and guiding teams and organizations with diplomacy, dignity, and fairness. Nicole Lawrence is the owner and broker of Seward Properties in Seward. Nicole started Seward Properties in 2014, and with the support of her team they have grown to be the top-producing brokerage in Seward. Originally from Michigan and with origins on the Great Lakes, Nicole has spent 23 years as a boat captain and drives boats for Major Marine Tours during the summer months, sharing the resources of Kenai Fjord Park’s glaciers and wildlife with visitors.     “I’m thrilled we have such strong leaders stepping into this group as it amplifies the depth of experience, skill, and community engagement of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Board of Directors,” said Outgoing Board Chair Terry Lauck. “I’m honored and humbled to step into the role of the Board Chair to work alongside such a dedicated, passionate, and diverse group of individuals that comprise the board and staff of the Alaska SeaLife Center. The commitment of this entire team is inspiring, and I’m proud to lead them down the path of sustainably fulfilling our mission,” said Incoming Board Chair Josie Hickel.   ASLC Board of Directors: (back row, left to right) Mark Burgess, Stephen Grabacki, Dan Graham, Daniel White, Jason Charton, Tom Tougas, Robert Suydam (front row, left to right) Wendy Lindskoog, Nicole Lawrence, Janette Bower, Lu Levoy, Brian Pinkston (Treasurer), Josie Hickel (Chair), Darryl Schaefermeyer (Secretary). Not pictured: Rachel Bunnell (Vice Chair), Terry Lauck (Past Chair), Thomas Barrett, Martin Cary, Kate Consenstein, Bridget Coughlin, Angel Drobnica, Dylan Faber, Rachel Kallander, Nicole Kimball, James Kubitz, Kenneth McCoy, Peter Micciche, Bradley Moran, Michele Schuh, Ryan Stuart   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.

In an unusually dramatic wildlife response case, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has admitted a newborn female northern sea otter pup from Homer, AK. The pup was orphaned following an orca attack incidentally witnessed by ASLC laboratory technician and wildlife response team member Natalie Hunter. While calls to the ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program concerning lost or abandoned sea otter pups are not uncommon, the background of these patients — including how the pup ended up alone — is often a matter of speculation, making this case particularly unique.   The nerve-wracking incident occurred September 9, 2023, while Hunter and friends were on a recreational fishing trip in Homer, AK. They were excited to spot two wild orcas, and the boat captain shut the motor off to observe from a distance. The group on the boat did not know this was a pod of transient orcas known to predate on mammals, so Hunter and friends did not immediately connect that an otter floating nearby could be a target. It wasn't until a commotion under the otter happened that they realized what they were witnessing. The otter did not attempt to dive away from the whales, and the group realized the otter was carrying a pup when they heard the characteristic young otter calls. Multiple attacks from the orcas ensued. They saw both the mother otter and pup burst out of the water after an impressive tail slap from one of the orcas. Mom and pup were separated, and the orcas focused their attention on the mother. Eventually, the mother otter did not resurface, and the orca began leaving the area. Persistent cries from the water indicated that the pup had survived the attack. After waiting to ensure the orcas were not returning for the pup and the mother did not resurface, the group called the ASLC Wildlife Response Hotline (1-888-774-7325) to report the incident and wait for further instruction.   Natalie Hunter, ASLC Lab Technician, frequently works on the ASLC wildlife response team and is usually one of the people taking the calls on the hotline. “It was weird to be on the other side of the wildlife response hotline. It wasn’t someone calling me to report an animal in need. It was the other way around,” said Hunter. “My brain was in wildlife response mode during the entire incident, thinking we, unfortunately, may have an otter pup rescue on our hands. It wasn’t until the entire event ended, the wild orcas had left the area, and the pup started crying out for its mother that I knew we had to think about the next move.” To make the situation even more extraordinary, Hunter was on board with friends who have wildlife response experience. Ally Kintner was formerly a USFWS volunteer stranding coordinator in Homer.  Another friend, Adriana Ferello, was also a former USFWS volunteer stranding coordinator, former ASLC intern, and current veterinary technician at the Georgia Aquarium. From the group’s extensive experience rescuing sea otter pups, they knew this pup did not have much time left and knew how to act accordingly. Once the ASLC got permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to respond to the pup, the group carefully got the newborn otter out of the water and onto the boat.  “Her cries were gurgly, and when we got her out of the water, she was soaked,” Hunter recollects. “Her coat wasn’t repelling water and keeping her buoyant like it should have been.” Despite the pup’s trying circumstances, she was now in experienced and caring hands. The group made their way back to the shore, attending carefully to the young otter for the duration of the boat trip. They met the ASLC Wildlife Response team halfway between Seward and Homer, about a two-hour drive, and the ASLC team immediately transported the pup back to the Center. Staff conducted an admit exam and found that the pup was fatigued and hungry, but otherwise seemed to be in good health. A fresh umbilical cord confirmed the patient was only a day — possibly even hours old.  “Very rarely do we know how a wildlife response patient got to the location and the condition it was found in. For most reported cases of an abandoned seal or otter pup, we have the reporter watch for a length of time to see if the mother returns. In this rare case, we know exactly what happened to this newborn pup,” said Jane Belovarac, ASLC Wildlife Response Curator.  This is the second orphaned otter pup admitted to the ASLC in less than a week. Because northern sea otter pups receive constant care and attention from their mothers until around six months of age, both patients are under 24/7 care from our team during this sensitive time.  The ASLC will continue to post updates on current wildlife response patients on the ASLC social media pages.      The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of rehabilitating marine animals here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI,  and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, and the NC Giving Fund.    

The Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response Program has admitted two premature harbor seal pups from Kenai, Alaska. Despite incredible efforts, one pup has passed away and the other is in serious condition.   The ASLC is currently caring for a premature female harbor seal pup admitted on May 9, 2024, found abandoned and malnourished in Kenai, Alaska. The pup is still covered in its white lanugo coat, indicating a premature birth.  This is the Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response Program’s second premature harbor seal patient admitted this season, as another premature pup was admitted on April 24, 2024, from Nikiski, Alaska. Despite the ASLC team’s incredible effort, the first premature harbor seal patient became critical and passed away within 48 hours of being admitted. A necropsy revealed that the pup was likely born weeks prematurely and his organs weren’t developed enough to allow him to thrive. The current patient, admitted on May 9, 2024, is in serious condition. Community members working at a fish processing facility in Kenai called the ASLC 24-hour Wildlife Response Hotline to report that a small white-furred pup had been on their property for several hours without seeing an adult nearby. Community members who first spotted her in Kenai, Alaska reported a malnourished and abandoned harbor seal pup to the ASLC 24-hour Wildlife Response Hotline. NOAA officers responded and confirmed that there was no mother in sight. They knew that the pup was prematurely born, as indicated by her white lanugo coat, and that she likely wouldn’t survive without immediate intervention. After receiving approval from NOAA, the pup was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center for treatment by the officers. The main concerns found by the veterinary team upon her initial admit exam were malnourishment, low body temperature, and abnormal bloodwork results indicating this seal was premature. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of the animal’s condition. Premature harbor seal pups have only about a 50% chance of survival when admitted to a wildlife response program, and the team is doing everything possible to give her a fighting chance.  Harbor seal pups typically shed their white lanugo coat in utero before being born, so any time a pup of this species is seen with a white coat, it indicates that it was born prematurely. However, this isn’t true for all species of seals in Alaska. Ice seal pups, like spotted and ringed seals, are born with white lanugo coats and do not shed them for four to six weeks after birth. Location helps experts know which species of seal pup they are looking at in Alaska. Typically, the ice seal species normally born with a white lanugo coat are found in the northern half of Alaska’s coastline. Harbor seals are typically found along the southern half of Alaska’s coastline.   The ASLC will share updates on this delicate patient’s progress on their Facebook and Instagram pages.    Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the  24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325).  The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. If you are interested in contributing to the care of these patients, visit the ASLC’s website: 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.                     

The rare rescued Pacific walrus calf admitted to the ASLC wildlife response program in July of 2024 has foudn her longterm home and is now under the expert care of SeaWorld Orlando’s renowned animal care specialists. The calf, which was found orphaned and abandoned on the beaches of Utqiagvik, Alaska, has been named Ukiaq, which translates to “autumn” in the language of the Iñupiaq people who live in the area of northern Alaska where she was first found. Ukiaq – or Uki (pronounced “oo-kee”) as she is affectionately being called – brings the Alaskan spirit with her to Orlando, honoring the rich culture and traditions of the Alaskan Native peoples. After receiving life-saving rehabilitative care from the ASLC and being deemed non-releasable by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Uki arrived at her long-term home SeaWorld Orlando on September 18, weighing approximately 220 pounds and ready to continue her care. SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as Uki’s new home because of the staff’s experience with walrus care, and the overall walrus herd at SeaWorld Orlando allows for the best nurturing environment for her overall care and development, including a female walrus that is capable of acting as a surrogate to Uki. The specialized care Uki is receiving at SeaWorld is part of the park’s long-standing commitment to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. SeaWorld’s animal care specialists are working closely with veterinarians to ensure Uki’s needs continue to be met, including a carefully crafted feeding plan and ongoing medical evaluations. While Uki’s arrival is a heartwarming milestone, she will not be introduced to SeaWorld Orlando’s guest-facing habitats immediately. The young walrus will spend time acclimating to her new surroundings and receiving the round-the-clock care necessary to support her growth and well-being. “Uki’s journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her new chapter. Our team is providing dedicated, 24/7 care to ensure her transition is as smooth as possible,” said Dr. Joseph Gaspard, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando. “We want to give her time to settle into her new home, and once she’s ready, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet this extraordinary calf and learn more about our conservation efforts in the Arctic region.” Ukiwas first discovered by Utqiagvik community members in July 2024, after a walrus herd had left the area. Alone and vulnerable, the young calf, estimated to be only a few weeks old, was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in a rescue operation in coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). She received immediate medical care for dehydration and malnourishment from the Alaska SeaLife Center’s expert team, and additional professionals familiar with walrus care, including SeaWorld, mobilized to provide additional support for her round-the-clock care. “We are proud to have been able to quickly respond to the call for help, getting a zoological team with expertise in walrus care to the Alaska SeaLife Center within 24 hours of the calf’s rescue,” said Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid, Senior Veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando. “Uki’s story of survival is a testament to the importance of partnerships and rapid response in wildlife rescue, and we are committed to providing her with the highest level of care as she continues her journey here at SeaWorld Orlando.” "We are thrilled by the progress this walrus calf has made since her admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response Program. As just the eleventh orphaned Pacific walrus calf to come through our doors since our opening 25 years ago, we recognize how incredibly special she is. Success stories like Ukiaq is what inspires us, the only organization authorized to rehabilitate live-stranded marine mammals in the state of Alaska," said Dr. Wei Ying Wong, ASLC President and CEO. Uki’s story of survival continues to highlight the importance of global collaboration in marine mammal rescue. “From the Utqiagvik community members who first found her, to the tireless efforts of the ASLC team, and now to our family here at SeaWorld Orlando, Uki has been surrounded by people committed to giving her a second chance,” said Dr. Gaspard. As she grows stronger in her new home, Uki will play an essential role as an ambassador for her species, educating the public on the challenges Pacific walruses face in the wild. Her story, like many other animals rescued by SeaWorld Orlando, emphasizes the park’s ongoing mission to inspire action toward the protection and preservation of marine life. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI,  and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, and the NC Giving Fund. Those interested in contributing to the care of these patients can visit www.alaskasealife.org/donate.      Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-907-362-2232  

Nocturne & Day Programs   Nocturne Programs Enjoy an overnight adventure at the Alaska SeaLife Center! Students will spend the evening honing observation skills and participating in hands-on marine science programs. At night they'll fall asleep with the seabirds, sea lions, and seals. Each Nocturne Sleepover includes dinner, a light breakfast, plenty of time to explore the Alaska SeaLife Center, and two education programs. Nocturnes start at 5pm and last until 9am the next morning. Minimum 16 paying participants; two free adults per Nocturne. Maximum of 65 students and 15 adults. Program cost includes admission, education programs, dinner and breakfast. Nocturnes are available year-round and must be booked at least 30 days in advance. Day Programs Spend a day in our underwater world! Our staff will greet your group with an orientation and start the students on a self-guided tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center. After an hour of exploring the aquarium, your group will come together for one of our fun education programs. See below for a list of our exciting program choices! Minimum 12 paying participants; two free adults per reservation. Program cost includes admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center. Day Programs are available year-round and must be booked at least 30 days in advance. Registration To register for a Nocturne Program, please Download the Nocturne registration form. To register for a Day Program, please Download the Day Program registration form. The forms can be emailed (preferable) or faxed, and we will confirm reservations in the order we receive them. Additional Information Click here for more information on how to prepare your students for their visit.  If you have any questions about our programs, please e-mail us at education@alaskasealife.org or call (907) 224-6306. Program Choices for Nocturne & Day Programs Program Name Grade Levels Program Description Seashore Survivors K-2 Become an intertidal creature and learn what it takes to live in this challenging habitat. Students review these amazing creatures’ adaptations thru a multimedia presentation, hands-on sticker activity, and fun role-playing dress up! Beaks, Bubbles, & Burrows K-4 Discover the many unique adaptations that allow Alaska's beautiful diving seabirds to master both sea and sky. Students review these adaptations by building their very own tufted puffin with clay. Marine Mammal Adaptations K-5 How are marine mammals able to live in Alaska's cold waters? Understand these animals better with our hands-on activities! Students review the adaptations of these amazing mammals by building their own clay harbor seal. Ocean Animal Perceptions 1-5 How do marine animals sense the world around them? How can you ‘smell’ underwater? How can you ‘see’ without using your eyes? Students will discover these other ways of knowing by participating in ‘senses-on’  activities that illustrate these amazing adaptations. There & Back Again: A Fish's Tale 3-6 It's a dangerous business, fry, going out your door...  Live the life of a salmon!  In this role-play adventure, students experience the life cycle of salmon first-hand, from hatching to the bitter end. Bioluminescence 3-8 What mysterious animals inhabit the ocean's depths? Investigate the bizarre adaptations of light-producers in the midnight zone and create actual bioluminescence! Cephalopods: The Jet Set 4-12 Get your hands into a "head-footed" animal as we learn more about cephalopods through a squid dissection and discussion! Watching Walrus 5-8 Get on the front lines of Global Climate Change as we learn how habitat changes are affecting Alaska’s walrus population today. Students will employ the scientific method to develop their own research strategies then follow Alaska SeaLife Center researchers to find out what method really works in the field to watch walrus. Hands- & feet-on activities get students up and moving and working in groups! Scientists in Action: Veterinarian 6-12 How do vets care for stranded or injured marine animals? Get an insider's view of the Alaska SeaLife Center's Wildlife Response and Rehabilitation program. Students will work in groups to ‘care for’ patients in this inter-disciplinary, hands-on program. The Scoop on Poop 6-12 Why are the Steller sea lions disappearing? Analyze the scat of these endangered animals to search for clues regarding their dramatic decline. Students will employ the scientific method to develop their own research strategies.  

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. JO-ANN MELLISH Animal Physiologist at the Alaska SeaLife Center and Research Associate Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks WHAT SHE STUDIES: - Marine mammal energetics - Animal physiology - Thermoregulation EDUCATION: Ph.D. Animal Physiology B.S. Biology HOMETOWN: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada WHY IS TEAMWORK ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WHILE WORKING IN ANTARCTICA? "We're working together not just to get the science done but to keep each other safe. It's fieldwork that we do on a routine basis, but we're in the Antarctic and you really are taking your life in your hands every time you go out on the sea ice. We really care about each other. And we're there, number one, to look out for one another and then, number two, to get the science done." Dr. Jo-Ann Mellish describes what she loves about working as a scientist in Antarctica. (1:18) Video Transcript It's the kind of place where you can feel isolated and connected to everything around you at the same time. If you're out on the sea ice you don't hear any motorized vehicles, there's nobody else around you. All you hear is the wind and the cracking of the ice moving underneath you and the seals around you and sometimes if you're lucky a penguin and it's just, you have that moment of being in a space that so few other people get to experience that it, it's a spiritual moment. There's no other way for me to explain it but you just, time stops and you just want to be there in the moment and experience it. All the rest, everything else just kind of goes away. And to get to be a part of that as your career with people that you want to be with, you just can't beat that kind of experience, and it makes you want to go back!   WHO IS STUDYING SEALS?