Event Calendar Welcome to our Event Calendar.  Find out about upcoming events using the Event List, Calendar View, or Upcoming buttons located below.  You can also search for an event by name.

  Get ready for a summer of ocean discovery at the Alaska SeaLife Center! With camps designed for a range of age groups, each week blends hands-on activities, animal observations, and real science happening in our region. Campers will explore Alaska’s marine ecosystems up close through behind-the-scenes experiences, creative projects, and field-based learning connected to Resurrection Bay. Registration is open now – click below to reserve a spot     Jr. SeaLife Discovery Camp June 8 - 12 Ages 6 - 8yrs   Drop off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Camp: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Snacks provided. Campers should bring their own lunch.   Wonder, Discover, and Explore at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This playful, discovery-filled camp sparks a love of learning through hands-on experiments, art, cultural activities, and interactive games. Campers explore Alaska’s unique ecosystems, see fascinating animals up close, and uncover the wonders of the natural world. Daily adventures include tours of the Alaska SeaLife Center, real research activities, and creative projects that build confidence, friendships, and a deeper connection to nature.       Ocean Explorers Camp June 22 - 26 Ages 9 - 11yrs   Drop off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Snacks provided. Campers should bring their own lunch.   Dive into an unforgettable ocean adventure at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This week-long camp brings Alaska’s marine world to life. Campers will enjoy hands-on activities, games, animal observations, SeaLife Center visits, and engaging scientific exploration. Each day offers fun, exploration, and a chance to connect with the marine environment, experience the wonders of Resurrection Bay, and dive into real science happening right here in our region.         Marine Science Camp July 20 - 24 Ages 12 - 15yrs   Drop off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Snacks provided. Campers should bring their own lunch.   Plunge into a world of marine science at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This week-long summer camp is perfect for ocean lovers and budding scientists. Become a junior scientist as you explore Alaska’s amazing marine animals, uncover the secrets of local ecosystems, and learn about conservation in action. Spend your days in the lab, observing marine life, doing fieldwork in Resurrection Bay, and discovering creative ways to share what you’ve learned about Alaska’s waters.    

I was born in Washington DC but grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. At Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, I received an Air Force ROTC scholarship and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering and thought that I was done with school. I was in the Air Force for seven years and obtained a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton, Ohio. After I left the Air Force, I decided to pursue a veterinary degree. What intrigued me about medicine was the same thing that intrigued me about engineering, namely understanding how things worked. While I picked up required prerequisites and a second bachelor degree in Biology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, I also volunteered at a local zoo and worked part time for the Wildlife Clinic at Tufts Veterinary School. My first blood drawing experience was in the field, sampling colonial nesting birds. I traveled across the country to attend veterinary school at Washington State University but also pursued external aquatic animal experiences, attending AquaVet at Wood’s Hole and doing an externship at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. After graduation, I moved back to the east coast and did a two year aquatic animal internship at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. At the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine I helped start a new stranding center for marine mammals and later at the University of Southern Maine I developed marine mammal cell cultures and investigated the effects of heavy metals on those cells. Wanting to return to spending more time working with whole animals and not just their cells, I crossed the country once again to accept a job at the Alaska SeaLife Center. As the Staff Veterinarian I assist with the preventative medicine program, research projects, and clinical care for birds, fish, and marine mammals including both captive and stranded animals. Marine animals as sentinels for ocean and human health, comparative beluga whale health in particular how it facilitates understanding the endangered Cook Inlet population, how information and expertise about free ranging wildlife and those housed in zoological collections help each other.

Join us at the Alaska SeaLife Center for a LIVESTREAM event!  Join Author/Photographer Seth Kantner and UAA Ecologist Paddy Sullivan as they share their unique perspectives, stories and photographs of dramatic changes they have observed while living and working in northwest Alaska. Topics include living with caribou, decline of the Western Arctic Herd, sea ice retreat, changes in climate, thawing permafrost, proliferation of trees and shrubs, stream degradation, and other related issues. Tickets only $10, CLICK HERE to purchase. For more info CLICK HERE

June 8, 2022 is World Ocean Day - come celebrate with us at the Alaska SeaLife Center!   We will have activities all day long and special Conservation Talks from the ASLC Staff. All talks and activities are included with regular admission. We highly recommend you reserve your ticket online before you visit. The earlier you book, the more you can save >>> https://www.alaskasealife.org/tickets The schedule of Conservation Talks is coming soon, so check back!

Chief Science and Education Officer ASLC seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its Chief Science and Education Officer (CSEO). As a new position at ASLC, the CSEO represents an investment in the growth of the science department and the importance of collaborative science and education programs. The Chief Science and Education Officer will partner with the CEO, Board, and staff to set and execute a vision for science at ASLC, including generating funds to support ASLC’s growth. The ideal candidate will be a relationship builder with demonstrated experience cultivating and maintaining lasting collaborations and partnerships. They will not just embrace the Alaska SeaLife Center’s scientific and educational mission, but also demonstrate an ability to share that mission internally and externally, furthering the impact of ASLC.   How to Apply To learn more and to apply, read the full position profile here: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/cboard-view/7830  

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three different beach cleanups through the month of July.  ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Tuesday, July 12, 2022    7 - 9 PM  Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion No sign up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing station will be provided!     Other beach clean ups this month:  Sunday, July 24, 2022     4-6 PM  Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach    Saturday, July 30, 2022    9-11 AM  Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)      Want to continue learning and challenging yourself? Join the Plastic Free Ecochallenge and take small steps to make a big impact through out the month of July!  Sign up to compete with the ASLC team!  

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three different beach cleanups through the month of July.  ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Sunday, July 24, 2022     4-6 PM  Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach    No sign up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing station will be provided!     Other beach clean ups this month:    Tuesday, July 12, 2022    7 - 9 PM  Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion   Saturday, July 30, 2022    9-11 AM  Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)      Want to continue learning and challenging yourself? Join the Plastic Free Ecochallenge and take small steps to make a big impact through out the month of July!  Sign up to compete with the ASLC team!  

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three different beach cleanups through the month of July.  ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 30, 2022    9-11 AM  Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)    No sign up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing station will be provided!   Other beach clean ups this month:  Tuesday, July 12, 2022    7 - 9 PM  Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion   Sunday, July 24, 2022     4-6 PM  Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach    Want to continue learning and challenging yourself? Join the Plastic Free Ecochallenge and take small steps to make a big impact through out the month of July!  Sign up to compete with the ASLC team!

All are welcome at this fun, free community event – get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and a visit from Santa! The Community Holiday Party will be held at the Alaska SeaLife Center Dec. 1 from 6- 8 p.m. – Show up 15 minutes early and catch Santa's arrival!

All are welcome at this fun, free community event – get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and a visit from Santa! The Community Holiday Party will be held at the Alaska SeaLife Center Nov. 30 from 6- 8 p.m. – Show up 15 minutes early and catch Santa's arrival!

All are welcome at this fun, free community event! Get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and a seasonal performance by the Seward Community Band! Come at 5:45 to catch Santa's special arrival outside of ASLC's front doors.  This event was made possible by a grant from the Seward Community Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation 

All are welcome at this fun, free community event! Get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and more! This event was made possible by a grant from the Seward Community Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation  Check back for event details. More information coming soon.    

Seward, Alaska (August 31, 2020)The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has been granted a generous dollar-for-dollar matching donation up to a total of $250,000 from ConocoPhillips Alaska. ASLC is continuing a fundraising campaign that started in July to offset the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week the Center announced meeting the initial $2 million campaign goal to avoid permanent closure. Despite this success, ASLC’s financial need has not gone away, and the Center is still fighting for long term survival in the face of uncertainty. “The outpouring of support has been amazing, and we are no longer looking at a situation where we could close permanently this fall. Thanks to ConocoPhillips Alaska, we are excited to transition into a new campaign phase where supporters have the opportunity to ensure we are able to do more than just barely survive,” said President and CEO Tara Riemer. “Mission programs like education, research, and wildlife response need financial support to continue operations through the offseason.” The ConocoPhillips Alaska donation is a matching donation, which means they will match the next $250,000 that the Alaska SeaLife Center is able to raise. Memberships and other donations are eligible for this match through the month of September or until the $250,000 is reached. “We have supported the Alaska SeaLife Center for more than 20 years,” said Joe Marushack, President of ConocoPhillips Alaska. “We greatly value the close relationship we have with the Center and with this match challenge and donation, we look forward to helping the Center continue with their mission of serving Alaska’s marine research, education and wildlife response programs.” 

Contact Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664 Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 Visitor Information and Reservations Hotline Phone: (907) 224-7908 Toll Free: (888) 378-2525 Fax: (907) 224-6320 Email: visit@alaskasealife.org Education Program Registration Phone: (907) 224-6306 Phone Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 ext. 6306 Email: education@alaskasealife.org Employment Phone: (907) 224-6325 Email: hr@alaskasealife.org Volunteers & Summer Internships Phone: (907) 224-6327 Email: volunteercoordinator@alaskasealife.org Membership Phone: (907) 224-6374 Email: membership@alaskasealife.org Stranding Hotline Phone: (907) 224-6395 Toll Free: (888) 774-7325 Email: wildliferesponse@alaskasealife.org Media Relations Phone: (907) 224-6338 Email: media@alaskasealife.org Donation Requests Please fill out the Donation Request Form Phone: (907) 224-6337 Email: donationrequest@alaskasealife.org DIRECTIONS, PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY >>

      The CORaL Network Go to the CORaL Network Website The Community Organized Restoration and Learning (CORaL) Network strengthens existing resources across the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill-impacted region, ranging from Prince William Sound, Homer, and Kodiak Island. The CORaL Network empowers the region by fostering collaboration, sharing scientific, cultural, and Traditional Knowledge, and co-creating solutions that respond to community needs. Our efforts, funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC), ensure that science outreach remains relevant, culturally responsive, and co-created with the communities we serve. The CORaL Network aims to engage youth in community-based science, coordinate science outreach between organizations, and sustain capacity-building activities such as learning opportunities and internships. We also seek to deepen understanding of Alaska Native knowledge, foster cultural competency, and build collaborative community relationships. Through these initiatives, the CORaL Network supports ongoing regional restoration efforts while addressing the unique needs of impacted communities. The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is a proud partner of the CORaL Network alongside five other organizations that serve Southcentral Alaska: Alutiiq Museum Archaeological Repository (AMAR) in Kodiak, Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC) in Seward, Prince William Sound Science Center (PWSSC) in Cordova, Alaska Sea Grant (ASG) in Valdez, and Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) in Homer.     CORaL’s Programs and Initiatives: Community Coastal Experience: This annual program is an opportunity for adults ages 18 and up to explore career and internship pathways in marine science, archaeology, cultural history, and more. Over the span of four to five weeks, participants travel with program leaders to observe, learn, and practice new skills in Kachemak Bay, Seward, Cordova, and Kodiak. The program is spearheaded by CACS, but overall it is a colossal collaborative effort among partners, from program development, participant selection, and hosting in their respective locations. This level of collaboration also presents opportunities for co-learning between participants and host organizations. Collective Alaska Native Perspectives: Each year CRRC leads a Collective Alaska Native Perspectives series to build an understanding of Alaska Native true history, legal complexities, diverse cultural practices, and the way of life from the perspective of Alaska Native People. Participants are invited to explore opportunities to learn from other cultures and share experiences through panel participation with Alaska Native Elders and an all-Native Mentor panel.  Educational Programs: Many partners within the CORaL Network offer immersive educational opportunities that demonstrate the power of cross-sector collaboration between local schools, organizations, and scientists. Two examples of this include Ocean Science Week, led by CACS, and Ocean Sciences Festival, led by PWSSC. All CORaL partners participate in Ocean Science Week, collaborating in the process of program creation and presentation to create a diverse experience for students. These opportunities grow students’ awareness, expand their curiosity, and help them to begin building relationships with scientists and educators throughout the region. CORaL is also involved in the annual Seward Symposium and Stewards of the Bay monthly series led by ASLC, CRRC, and other local Seward agencies. AKSEA: The Alaska Knowledge, Science, and Education Alliance (AKSEA)aims to foster connections across the region and share knowledge from, and with, all our community members. It brings together traditional knowledge experts, researchers, graduate or recent graduate students, and school educators to co-create lessons focused on marine-related anchoring phenomenon in the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill region. Coastal Connections Camp: This camp-in-a-box program, facilitated by ASG as a CORaL community outreach activity, is a week-long summer program that includes outdoor exploration, hands-on science, art, team building, and personal resilience skills. ASG recruits members from the community hosting the camp, creating an opportunity for local involvement. CORaL partners also attend camp training, bringing the curriculum back to their own facilities. The camps are offered in collaboration with local entities. Historic Preservation: Spearheaded by AMAR, this set of resources promotes the value of archaeological sites and their preservation. When people know that ancestral sites and objects hold valuable information, they are more likely to respect sites and report findings to a local professional. Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Cultural Orientation: AMAR hosts a bi-monthly virtual, one-hour orientation to introduce the history and culture of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people who have lived in Kodiak for at least 7,500 years.   ASLC’s Key Contributions to the CORaL Network:   The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) serves as the grant administrator and principal investigator for the CORaL Network, playing a key role in advancing the network’s goals. ASLC facilitates partner meetings, manages communications, oversees budgeting and reporting, and conducts evaluations to ensure the success of the initiative. In addition, ASLC integrates cultural competencies into exhibits and educational programming, fostering collaboration on both scientific and cultural outreach efforts. As a founding partner of Stewards of the Bay, ASLC helps organize the annual Seward Science Symposium and the monthly Community Connections Series, which highlight the intersection of research, science, and culture. These events promote community pride and environmental stewardship, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous-led research. The ASLC also leads the production of videos for a cross-network media portal and kiosk library, showcasing the diverse and impactful work of the CORaL Network. Additionally, in 2023, the ASLC launched COMPASS (Community Pathways for Student Science), a 6-year program to establish a regional partnership that connects schools with citizen science opportunities. This project builds upon Dr. Tuula Hollmen’s successful SeeBird Project, a community science education initiative started in Seward. COMPASS allows students to actively engage in the scientific process, explore their local environment, and contribute to research in the Gulf of Alaska, strengthening the partnership between scientists, educators, and communities.   (Caption: CORaL Network partners gather for a photo during a shared meal at the CORaL Annual Meeting in Cordova, 2024)   SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER [Subscribe to email newsletter link]     Previous CORaL Network Newsletters: February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 March 2024 December 2023 November 2023

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

Corporate Giving Education Tax Credit The Alaska Education Tax Credit Program provides a tax credit to businesses to make contributions to Alaskan facility that qualifies as a coastal ecosystem learning center under the Coastal American Partnership.  Corporate Donors and Sponsors The Alaska SeaLife Center welcomes corporate donors and sponsors. They are many different ways for organizations to support the Center, whether through donations for general support, support for specific programs, or as a sponsor for an event. If you are interested in becoming a donor or sponsor please contact Laura Swihart at lauras@alaskasealife.org or (907) 224-6337.      

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!”

     

Directions & Accessibility The Alaska SeaLife Center is located at Mile 0 of the Seward Highway in Seward, Alaska, 125 miles south of Anchorage. You can reach Seward by road year-round, or via the Alaska Railroad or cruise ship during the summer season. Getting Here Car or RV: The highway to Seward is one of the most scenic byways in Alaska. We are located approximately 125 miles south of Anchorage at Mile 0 of the Seward Highway. For the most up-to-date safety, traffic, and travel information on Alaska's highways, visit Alaska 511 online.           Cruise Ship: Some cruise lines provide transfer service from the dock to the Alaska SeaLife Center as part of your tour. If you wish to visit us independently, we recommend using the shuttle or taxi services detailed below. Transportation from Anchorage: Transportation between Anchorage and Seward is available daily during the summer season through the Park Connection. Year-round transportation is available through Seward Bus Line. Local Shuttles & Taxis: There is a free shuttle offered by the Seward Chamber of Commerce during the summer season that has stops at the rail and cruise terminals. There are also several taxi services in Seward. Glacier Taxi: 907- 224-5678 Mike’s Taxi: 907- 224-2244 PJ’s Taxi: 907- 224-5555 Seward Taxi & Tours: 907- 362-8000 Parking Parking is available at no charge year-round.  Our parking lot is located adjacent to the Center. Accessibility The Alaska SeaLife Center welcomes guests of all abilities. Please contact our visitor services team if you have any questions about available accommodations and accessibility at visit@alaskasealife.org.  The Alaska SeaLife Center is wheelchair & stroller accessible. We do have a small number of wheelchairs and strollers available for use during your visit. Service Animals In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards, the Alaska SeaLife Center accommodates service animals (dogs and miniature horses) in all public areas with the exception of areas where there is concern that the service animal could affect the safety and health of collection animals, specifically the open-air aviary; and with the following understandings: • Service animals must be trained to perform specific or task directly related to a person’s disability. • Companion animals, therapy animals and comfort animals are not service animals. • Service animals must be under control and harnessed, leashed, tethered, under voice, signal or other effective control. Staff at the ASLC may ask you two questions: 1. Is the animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? The ASLC retains the right to request that service animals be removed from the premises if 1) the animal is out of control and the handler does not take control, 2) the animal is not housebroken, or 3) the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of others. Some ASLC tours include areas that are not open to service animals. ASLC security is available to briefly assist tour guests with service animals for that portion of the tour by staying with the animal in an adjacent unrestricted area. ADA Guidelines You can find information about ADA guidelines for service animals on the ADA website at https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#exc. From the ADA “Frequently Asked Questions” site the following applies: “Exclusion of Service Animal” Q25. When can service animals be excluded? A. The ADA does not require covered entities to modify policies, practices, or procedures if it would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public. Nor does it overrule legitimate safety requirements. If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited. In addition, if a particular service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded. Q.26. When might a service dog’s presence fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program provided to the public? A. In most settings, the presence of a service animal will not result in a fundamental alteration. However, there are some exceptions. For example, at a boarding school, service animals could be restricted from a specific area of a dormitory reserved specifically for students with allergies to dog dander. At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated. They cannot be restricted from other areas of the zoo.   Certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity The Alaska SeaLife Center was the first organization in the state of Alaska to be certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. Our front-line staff have been trained and equipped with the knowledge to help people with sensory disabilities if needed during their visit. Signage can be found throughout the aquarium designating where the quiet area and headphone zones are located.        Resources: View the ASLC social story to prepare for your visit and have the best experience possible. View the Headphone Zone Map to prepare for potentially loud areas Sensory Bags, provided by KultureCity, can be checked out from the admissions counter free of charge and include headphones, the ASLC headphone zone map, fidgets, verbal cue cards, and a VIP lanyard. We also have a weighted lap pad that is available on request.      Audio Tour The ASLC Audio Tour offers rich descriptions to support visitors who are blind or have low vision, providing access to information that may not be available through visual exhibits and signage. It features some unique stories and perspectives not presented in written displays. Some stories by Sugpiaq Native Elders are presented with permission through an ongoing partnership with Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation, a program of Chugachmiut, the tribal consortium dedicated to promoting the self-determination of the seven Alaska Native communities in the Chugach Region of South-Central Alaska. For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask that you use headphones or earbuds when accessing the audio tour.  This audio program and accompanying booklet were made possible through generous grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds through the office of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy with additional support from the Seward Community Foundation, recorded in partnership with Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation, a program of Chugachmiut, the Tribal consortium created to promote self-determination to the seven Native communities of the Chugach Region,  and CRIS Radio, a nonprofit 501(c)3 radio-reading service, serving people who are blind or print-challenged.