Seward, Alaska (April 21, 2022) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has partnered with KultureCity to be the first Sensory Inclusive Certified organization in the State of Alaska. With this new certification, ASLC is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. “At the Alaska SeaLife Center, we are making it a priority to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible. We strive to be allies and advocates for anyone who wants to join us in our efforts for ocean conservation,” said Jeff Dillon, ASLC Senior Education Manager. “We want to make sure we are understanding, welcoming, and supportive of the nearly 1 in 6 individuals with an invisible or sensory disability. Being certified and trained through KultureCity is critical to that effort.” In preparation for certification, the staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center was trained through KultureCity by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and the best way to handle a sensory overload situation. Prior to visiting, guests can find accessibility information and resources on the ASLC website. Guests can also download the free KultureCity app to view what sensory features are available and the Social Story, which will provide a preview of what to expect while visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center. Sensory bags provided by KultureCity are available at the Center for any guest who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Sensory bags are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads and will be available free of charge to check out at the ticketing counter. These guests will also be provided with resources that designate what areas may be loud and will have access to a designated quiet area if needed. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Alaska SeaLife Center is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with the Alaska SeaLife Center to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity. About KultureCity KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 900 sensory inclusive venues in 5 countries and has won many awards for its efforts.

On September 17, 2023, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), Chugach Regional Resources Commission’s (CRRC) Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Seward Marine Center, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Exploration will host the 2023 Seward Marine Science Symposium. This free event, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. AKDT, will be held at the university’s K.M. Rae Marine Education Building, 125 Third Avenue, Seward, Alaska. Symposium attendees will learn about local marine science activities, including Indigenous-led science research and recent work on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to explore deep waters in the region, and how all of these activities impact the City of Seward, the Resurrection Bay area, Kenai Fjords National Park, and beyond. Additionally, participants will hear talks and view posters from local marine scientists on topics ranging from seabirds and fish to ocean monitoring and bats. Attendees of all ages can meet ocean scientists and explorers and contribute to a community art project. Tours for symposium participants will be available at the UAF Seward Marine Center, the CRRC Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, and research facilities at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Space is limited for all activities on September 17. Registration information and the detailed event agenda are available on the event website: https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/news/oer-updates/2023/seward-marine-science-symposium.html On September 18, middle school and high school students and educators from the Kenai Peninsula have been invited to meet scientists and learn about exploration science and technology and associated careers, tour the UAF Seward Marine Center and the CRRC Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, and add their talent to the local community mural art project.    Learn More and Register for the FREE Event      

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

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

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

Wei Ying has worked in interdisciplinary and multicultural conservation projects both locally and internationally for almost two decades. An experienced executive with a passion for marine science, the pursuit of studies and career has brought her to many different states and countries. Amidst snowstorms, Wei Ying joined ASLC and the community of Seward in December 2021 as the Chief Science and Education Officer (CSEO). As CSEO, Wei Ying reenergized and expanded the science and education programs to develop and implement a visionary science agenda. Wei Ying was named President and CEO on March 31, 2024. Wei Ying marries her social science training and love of strategy to build programs that engage diverse stakeholders in conservation to achieve measurable outcomes. She is committed to the establishment of inclusive discourses and socially just environmental policies, as well as dismantling the systems of power and privilege in the conservation arena. Wei Ying earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Environmental Studies at Brown University and continues to keep her fingertips in invasion ecology research. She has been the recipient of multiple research fellowships including Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Communication and Margaret Sheridan Community Learning Award, as well as a participant of several leadership programs such as Toyota-Audubon Conservation Leader, Rhode Island Foundation Emerging Non-Profit Leader, and AZA Executive Leadership.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) Wildlife Response Program now has six harbor seal pups under its care after the admission of two new patients — a male from Naknek admitted on June 17, and a female from Wrangell admitted on June 22.    The first pup was spotted by locals at a site in Naknek and reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wildlife Refuge in King Salmon, AK, who contacted ASLC. Photos showed the pup was in poor condition, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to authorize pickup. However, rescue efforts were complicated when the pup returned to the water and became entangled in a net before responders arrived. Fortunately, locals were able to free the pup, and it was transferred to a USFWS biologist and driven to a local airport for a flight to Anchorage. Here, staff from NOAA were able to coordinate the final leg of its journey to the ASLC for care.   The second pup was spotted in Wrangell, AK, hauled out on a rocky beach where seals are not typically seen. This raised concerns for two local beach walkers who reached out to NOAA. The seal’s skinny condition suggested prolonged separation from its mother, leading NOAA to approve rescue efforts. When a flight that night could not be coordinated, the observers mobilized help from fellow rescue members and were able to give it medical treatments overnight. Transportation to Anchorage was arranged the following day thanks to Alaska Airlines cargo staff in Wrangell. The seal arrived safely and was transported to the ASLC.   In addition to low weight, dehydration, and malnourishment, additional complications required quick action from veterinary staff. For the Naknek pup, a dangerously high body temperature was the most immediate concern. Meanwhile, the Wrangell pup arrived with persistent tremors due to a lack of nourishment. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments to both patients and keeping a close watch to ensure the best possible chance of survival. Updates will be shared on the ASLC’s Facebook and Instagram pages as they become available.   The ASLC Wildlife Response Program can only succeed with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. The Center acknowledges ongoing support from ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI, and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as the Stanley J Williams Fund and the Theresa Bannister Legacy Fund. Those interested in contributing to the care of these patients can visit the ASLC’s website: www.alaskasealife.org/donate.   Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325).     

Five organizations from around the United States have come together to provide care to an orphaned Pacific walrus calf receiving rehabilitative care at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in Seward, Alaska, in hopes of giving her a second chance at life. The ASLC is leading the heartfelt and intensive effort to care for the rare orphaned Pacific walrus calf that arrived from Utqiagvik, Alaska, on July 22, 2024. The young female walrus, estimated to be only a few weeks old, was found abandoned after her herd left the area. She was emaciated, dehydrated, and had small superficial wounds covering her body when the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) gave the ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program approval to respond to the calf. Since its opening in 1998, the ASLC has admitted only eleven Pacific walrus calves to its Wildlife Response Program. It is the only organization authorized to rehabilitate live stranded marine mammals in the state of Alaska, making this female calf very special. “Caring for an orphaned walrus calf is an incredibly demanding task, requiring unwavering dedication and expertise,” said Dr. Wei Ying Wong, ASLC President and CEO. “We watch her signs of improvement with cautious optimism and are pleased to be supported by our partners in providing the best possible care for her and all our wildlife response patients.” In the three weeks since the walrus calf's arrival, the ASLC has received support from top walrus care institutions across the U.S., including SeaWorld, Indianapolis Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Each organization, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), has sent an additional staff member to assist with the calf's care. Additional AZA-accredited organizations are also assisting from afar and are potentially offering help for the coming weeks of care. This united effort highlights the power of collaboration in wildlife conservation and demonstrates the commitment of AZA-accredited institutions to preserving marine wildlife. “We are proud to have been able to answer the call to work with our AZA colleagues to care for this precious walrus. Our amazing animal care teams are on call 24/7/365 to help ill, injured or orphaned animals in need of expert care with the goal of rehabilitation,” said Dr. Chris Dold, SeaWorld’s Chief Zoological Officer. “As one of only four North American zoos and aquariums that are home to walruses, our staff are uniquely skilled to help provide care for this calf, and we were ready to pitch in as soon as the call came in,” said Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s General Curator Malia Somerville after they sent a member of their team to Seward, Alaska to assist with the around-the-clock care. Walrus calves are with their mom for one to two years and are highly social. They seek comfort through physical contact with their mothers. In rehabilitation, staff act as surrogates, sitting with the calf 24/7 and providing intensive care. This habituation to human care means that this calf will not be a candidate for release, but she will serve as an important ambassador for her species, raising awareness about the challenges faced by Pacific walruses and the ecosystems they live in. “Animal conservation is a team effort that requires collaboration and commitment. Answering the call to help with this rescue embodies our mission of protecting nature and inspiring people to care for our world,” said Dr. Robert Shumaker, Indianapolis Zoo President and CEO. Indianapolis Zoo is currently home to “Aku,” the Pacific walrus calf the ASLC rescued and rehabilitated in 2017. Like Aku, this current patient and any young orphaned walrus calves that are successfully rehabilitated are not candidates for release to the wild. "Walrus are amazing ambassadors for the Arctic and an inspiration to all of us to be better stewards of the planet we all share. We are honored to have walruses in our parks, providing our guests the opportunity to learn about them and inspiring people to protect them and their habitats," said Dr. Chris Dold. The joint efforts of ASLC and its AZA walrus care partners illustrate the dedication required to rehabilitate and care for such a precious marine mammal from the Arctic. By coming together, these organizations are giving this specific walrus calf the best possible chance at survival while also highlighting the broader significance of her species and the plight of the Arctic ecosystem as a whole. “This one abandoned and rescued walrus calf serves as a vital ambassador for her species, the communities who rely upon them, and the arctic ecosystem. ASLC and our partners are excited to contribute to the broader effort of conserving these magnificent creatures and their ecosystems, including the rich culture and wisdom of the Alaska Native peoples, who have been here since time immemorial,” said Dr. Wei Ying Wong, ASLC President and CEO. The walrus calf, though still in a critical state, is showing positive signs of improvement. She is still in the quarantined wildlife response area and is not currently viewable to the public. If this changes, an announcement will be made on ASLC’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Updates on her condition will be shared through ASLC’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on the pages of the partnering organizations. Those interested in contributing to the care of these patients can visit www.alaskasealife.org/donate.     

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.

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

Join us for this week-long virtual fundraising event!    Sitting at the doorstep of the glacier-carved Kenai Fjords National Park and surrounded by a network of science-based partners, the Alaska SeaLife Center is uniquely positioned to study the region’s seabirds. Our avian team pairs field surveys with controlled studies of resident flocks to reveal how seabirds shape – and are shaped by – a changing environment, while providing hands-on opportunities for students and citizen scientists in our community. With a small gift, you can join this network and support research that guides conservation, informs husbandry, and inspires a new generation of seabird stewards and scientists.     Our "Roundup" event is held each fall on the Alaska SeaLife Center’s social media pages, and this year, we're focusing on our seabird research efforts at the ASLC.    Fans and followers from around the world can learn more about the critical seabird research being done at the ASLC with daily social media posts on Facebook and Instagram.  We hope these stories inspire donations that will benefit a mission-critical program at the Center. This week only (September 15 - 21, 2025) Become a Seabird Steward by donating $25 or more and receive a limited-edition seabird research supporter sticker! Join our flock of seabird stewards and help protect these incredible birds: Donate today!    This year's sticker, created by one of our talented in-house graphic designers:  A preview of the stories:  Photostory: Puffin Poop with a Puspose Blog: Kittlitz's Murrelet and the Kenai Fjords   Video: Voluntary Research with ASLC Common Murres Video: Part 1: Resurrection Bay Seabird Surveys | On the Water with ASLC Seabird Researchers! Video: Part 2: Resurrection Bay Seabird Surveys | The Importance of Long-term Data Collection