Join us for the Seward Seabird Festival! Activities will take place all around Seward June 10, 11, and 12, 2022. All weekend long, visit Seward for events celebrating the migration of Alaska's seabirds through education, science, and art!  Visit www.alaskasealife.org/sewardseabirdfestival for updates on the event!    

Alaskan bird enthusiasts flock to Seward this month for the annual Seward Seabird Festival! Join community partners to celebrate the rich seabird diversity of the Kenai fjords through family-friendly activities, local art, sightseeing opportunities, and chances to network with seabird researchers and professionals. From the budding birder to the seasoned seabird expert, this city-wide event has something for everyone! Click here to view and download the event schedule 

Seward, Alaska (November 7, 2018) - Twenty-two top aquariums across the United States, including the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), have already eliminated 5 million straws in their coordinated campaign to reduce sources of plastic pollution. Now they’re upping their game by encouraging individuals, businesses and cities around the country to cut back on single-use plastic—starting with plastic straws—by Earth Day 2019. Banding together in a joint #FirstStep to plastic-free waters, the aquariums seek commitments from 500 more businesses, pledges from individuals, and policy action by municipalities, all to reduce a growing source of single-use plastic waste that harms ocean and freshwater wildlife around the world. The campaign will kick off during #NoStrawNovember, a nationwide movement asking people who don’t need them to refuse plastic straws for 30 days.  “Reducing straws alone doesn’t solve the problem of plastic in our ocean, but it’s an important first step,” said Tara Riemer, ASLC President, and CEO. “Our goal is to get Alaskans thinking about ways to reduce single-use plastics—and encourage the availability of ocean-friendly alternatives in the state.” The #FirstStep campaign includes: Recruiting 500 new businesses to partner with aquariums across the country by committing to offer straws only on request, for a total of 1,000 businesses committed by Earth Day 2019 An online pledge site (pledge.ourhands.org/) where individuals can commit to make the last straw their first step to plastic-free waters Initiatives by partner aquariums to inspire cities in their regions to pass straws-on-request ordinances and other local measures to reduce single-use plastic An opportunity for individuals to get tips via text message on ways to cut back on single-use plastic in their daily lives. Since the 2017 launch of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), 22 partner aquariums in 17 states – located on the coasts and in the heartland – have eliminated more than 5 million straws a year, stopped using plastic shopping bags, and have committed to significantly reduce or eliminate plastic beverage bottles by 2020.  Nearly 500 businesses—including United Airlines, the Chicago White Sox, Dignity Health hospitals and Farmer Brothers Coffee—have made plastic-reduction commitments in collaboration with ACP aquariums.                                                            Municipalities in aquarium communities, and California on a statewide basis, have enacted laws either banning single-use plastic from many foodservice operations or requiring businesses to offer plastic straws only when customers request them. ACP partner aquariums are supporting these efforts in a variety of ways. “There’s new scientific evidence, almost on a weekly basis, about the ways that plastic pollution is harming marine and aquatic wildlife,” said Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard.    “I find it so encouraging that people are responding quickly to the threat—by changing their habits, and asking businesses and governments to step up and take action.” “The health of our lakes and rivers is important not only to the wildlife that live there – they are a recreation and economic resource for us all,” said Bridget Coughlin, president and CEO of Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. “Beyond inspiring the public to take action, it’s our duty to empower businesses and community leaders to raise the issue of plastic pollution taking place in both freshwater and marine habitats, lead by example and make long-lasting, impactful change.” “A sea change is underway, and people want to do their part to ensure the future of our ocean planet,” said National Aquarium President and Chief Executive Officer John Racanelli.“All 22 of the aquariums that make up the ACP are committed to reducing single-use plastics, and it is now our hope to inspire and serve as a model for other organizations and companies as well as individuals. The reality is that if everyone does their part, we can make a meaningful impact.” ACP's initiative has already expanded globally. Its work sparked the European Commission and United Nations Environment Program – with support from five international partners, including ACP – to announce a commitment by European Union Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella at the 5th international "Our Ocean" conference October 29-30 in Bali, Indonesia to coordinate a global coalition of 200 aquariums by 2019 to raise public awareness about plastic pollution. For more information about the #FirstStep campaign or to take the pledge, please visit pledge.ourhands.org/. About the Aquarium Conservation Partnership The Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) is a collaboration of 22 U.S.public aquariums in 17 states, all committed to advancing conservation of the world’s ocean, lakes, and rivers through consumer engagement, business leadership, and policy changes.  ACP was founded by Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, and National Aquarium in Baltimore, in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. More information at pledge.ourhands.org/.   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. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.  

  A New Way to Share ASLC Stories!   The ASLC 60 North Science Blog has expanded to include even more stories highlighting the important work that happens at the ASLC!  See the new look of the blog and join our staff as they share stories fo research, education, wildlife response, and animal care. All the amazing archived science stories are still active on the blog, but the link has changed to https://stories.alaskasealife.org/                

Our Education Team will convince you that learning is fun!

Mission Statement The Alaska SeaLife Center generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems.  About The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only facility in Alaska that combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response.  While primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the nonprofit Center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state.  The Alaska SeaLife Center lies at "Mile 0" of the scenic Seward Highway on the shores of Resurrection Bay. Visitors have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other Alaska marine life while learning about the work our researchers conduct both in the field and in our laboratories.

  A meaningful gift option for you or the ASLC fan in your life! By symbolically adopting your favorite animal at the Alaska SeaLife Center, you support important work in wildlife rehabilitation, scientific research, and husbandry.  *Graduation Season Special! Now through May 31, add a free mini graduation cap to your Adopt an Animal package at checkout. Packages are mailed via USPS. Your adoption kit includes: A plush animal of your choice A certificate of adoption A fact sheet about the species If a gift, you can include a special message for the recipient                    .          Choose Your Delivery Option to Check Out:                    

Seward, Alaska (March 10, 2016) - The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is inviting visitors to get a closer look at the adorable and charismatic sea otters currently in residence at the Center, including a tiny fur ball of a pup. This is the first time the public can view these otters.   Each of the otters was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program after being stranded in various locations across Southcentral Alaska as far back as July of last summer and as recently as March. The ASLC, a non-profit organization, is the only permitted marine mammal wildlife rehabilitation entity in Alaska.   In addition to viewing from the Center’s general admission areas and “I.Sea.U.” overlook, for a limited time this spring, the sea otters are the latest animals to be added to the list of ASLC Animal Encounter Tours.   “I tell people who come to see the otters, don’t worry about how cute they are, let me tell you how cool they are,” says Emmy Wood, an ASLC mammalogist who specializes in otter care.   The 30-min Otter Encounter Tours are led by expert animal care givers from the ASLC and are suitable for ages 6 and up. Visitors will learn more about sea otters, a highly specialized keystone species in the marine ecosytem. Participants will also have the opportunity to join animal care givers to observe a feeding or animal enrichment session in the outdoor otter pool.   Young otters are entirely dependent on their mothers for up to nine months. Admitting the tiny patients to the Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program means standing in for otter moms to provide constant care for the duration, teaching them all the skills they need to survive from basic potty training and grooming – and the laundry that goes with that – to teaching the otters how to forage for food.   ASLC general admission is $21.95 Adults (13+), $19.95 Seniors (65+), $11.95 Child (4-12), Free for 3 & under. Alaska resident and U.S. military discounts avaialable. Otter Encounter Tours cost $24.95 per person for adults (13 and older) and $19.95 per person for children ages 6 -12 in addition to general admission. Minimum age for Otter Encounter Tour is 6 years old. Maximum of 12 people per tour. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Limited space available. To book a reservation please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525 or email visitaslc@alaskasealife.org. Proceeds from admission and tours support the work of the ASLC, a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium.   About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. High resolution photos and full story available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6397.

Nat Geo WILD’s new series, “Alaska Animal Rescue,” is airing on Saturdays at 5 p.m. Alaska time. This new show highlights three renowned animal conservation centers, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Raptor Center.   The series will give viewers a unique behind the scenes look at wildlife response in action as animal care teams experience both the rewards and challenges of rescuing wildlife in various regions of Alaska. From Nat Geo WILD: “Whether caring for a stranded sea lion, an orphaned lynx or an injured eagle, these are the people on the front lines, willing to do whatever it takes to rescue and preserve Alaska’s wildlife.”   Learn more about the organizations and the show and how you can support them on our wesbite here. 

Nat Geo WILD’s new series, “Alaska Animal Rescue,” is airing on Saturdays at 5 p.m. Alaska time. This new show highlights three renowned animal conservation centers, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Raptor Center.   The series will give viewers a unique behind the scenes look at wildlife response in action as animal care teams experience both the rewards and challenges of rescuing wildlife in various regions of Alaska. From Nat Geo WILD: “Whether caring for a stranded sea lion, an orphaned lynx or an injured eagle, these are the people on the front lines, willing to do whatever it takes to rescue and preserve Alaska’s wildlife.”   Learn more about the organizations and the show and how you can support them on our wesbite here. 

Nat Geo WILD’s new series, “Alaska Animal Rescue,” is airing on Saturdays at 5 p.m. Alaska time. This new show highlights three renowned animal conservation centers, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Raptor Center.   The series will give viewers a unique behind the scenes look at wildlife response in action as animal care teams experience both the rewards and challenges of rescuing wildlife in various regions of Alaska. From Nat Geo WILD: “Whether caring for a stranded sea lion, an orphaned lynx or an injured eagle, these are the people on the front lines, willing to do whatever it takes to rescue and preserve Alaska’s wildlife.”   Learn more about the organizations and the show and how you can support them on our wesbite here. 

Live Virtual Event! February 12, 2022

Help us celebrate the ocean this year by attending the Alaska SeaLife Center's Annual Alaska Marine Gala. Join us for a night of fun, food, and fundraising on February 8, 2020, at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage. We promise an evening of heartfelt memories, wonder, humor, and appreciation for the generous support of Alaskans who continue to make the Alaska SeaLife Center what it is today! More details here.

 

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a female harbor seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on July 4, 2021.   The seal was spotted on Fox Island, a popular landmark in Resurrection Bay, on July 3. Observers noticed the animal had a bloody neck and reported it to the ASLC Stranding Hotline. The following day, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officers were able to locate the animal and quickly transport it to the Center.    The veterinary team is focused on treating the many puncture wounds the pup likely sustained from a potential animal attack or failed predation attempt. The team will assess the patient further with radiographs and more in-depth exams to understand the severity of the animal’s condition. Updates on this harbor seal will be provided after further monitoring and examination.     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 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 Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has admitted a male harbor seal pup into the Wildlife Response Program. The harbor seal pup was found far from the water’s edge near a beach in Port Moller on the Alaska Peninsula. The animal was monitored for several days by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game until it became evident that intervention was necessary when no seals returned to the pup. The animal was transported to the Center after receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval on June 15. Lake Clark Air graciously donated the flight for the seal to Anchorage.  Upon the initial admit exam, the main concerns of the veterinary team include severely low body weight,  dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of the animal’s condition. A full press release will be provided with updates on this animal after further monitoring and examination.   The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like this harbor 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, 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.   

Seward, Alaska (May 13, 2021)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a juvenile ringed seal to the Wildlife Response Program yesterday on May 12, 2021. The male ringed seal was found in Dutch Harbor, outside the normal range for this species of seal. The animal was monitored on the beach for several days with the help of local volunteers, and it became evident that the seal was losing weight. After receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval, the animal was transported to the Center. The main concerns of the veterinary team upon the initial admit exam are malnourishment, dehydration, and possible infection. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of the animal’s condition. A full press release will be provided with updates on this seal after further monitoring and examination.   The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like this ringed 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 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.  

  Seward, Alaska (May 9, 2019) –On April 13, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a one-week-old bearded seal pup into their Wildlife Response Program. The female pup was observed on the shores of Shaktoolik by local residents. A few school children in the village took it upon themselves to ensure the seal wasn’t harassed by people or pets. Ice seals are hunted for subsistence purposes in many northern villages of Alaska, but since the children became attached to this particular animal, the village decided to call ASLC for help. Village Police Officer, Jeffery Paniptchuk, played a crucial role in transporting the seal from the village to Ravn Air. He located the pup after National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) granted permission to secure the animal. Upon arrival to the Center, ASLC staff noted the pup was extremely underweight. Adding weight onto a young bearded seal is no simple task. In the wild, bearded seal pups gain three times their weight within a few weeks of birth, indicating mother’s milk has a high fat content. “If you feed too much fat to a starving animal too quickly it can be harmful. We have to take her weight gain slow to make sure her body can process the nutrients,” states Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac. Since this is one of the few bearded seal pups in ASLC’s history, a special formula was created for her with the vet staff taking elements from walrus, harbor seal, and fish gruel formulas. Because this pup was extremely underweight upon arrival, it had trouble regulating body temperature, especially when swimming. “When she first started swimming, staff had to assist her out of the water to ensure she didn’t get too cold,”states Husbandry Director, Lisa Hartman. Staff are working to increase her blubber layer through regular feedings every four hours. The last time ASLC responded to a bearded seal in distress was 2002. This animal is non-releasable due to the National Marine Fisheries Service policy established for the four species of Alaskan ice seals. Ribbon, bearded, spotted, and ringed seals are considered non-releasable in the state due to consideration of subsistence hunters. The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for organizations like, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, GCI and PetZoo whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals in need. ASLC operates a 24-hour stranding hotline where trained professionals will walk people through the proper steps to assist the animal. Call 1-888-774-SEAL if you see a marine mammal in distress.          

Seward, Alaska (April 23, 2019) – A newborn female sea otter pup was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) on April 9. After observing the sea otter pup floating alone in Kachemak Bay, concerned fishermen contacted ASLC. Volunteers based in Homer transported the pup to the Center after receiving permission from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When the pup arrived at ASLC, the staff were surprised to see a fleshy umbilical cord, indicating she could be around a day old. It is not unusual for the ASLC to treat very young sea otter pups, but one that could be a day old or less is rare. “About ten percent of the sea otters admitted to the Center are younger than a week old, but only a few are about a day old,” states Director of Animal Health, Dr. Carrie Goertz. This young 3-pound pup is now under 24-hour care. Since the pup is so young, ASLC animal care specialists used various methods to teach her how to suckle from a bottle. “Usually the young pups catch on pretty quick, but it can take them a few days,” states Jane Belovarac, Wildlife Response Curator. ASLC staff started with syringe feeding so they could control the amount of formula the sea otter received. Now the pup is taking formula from a bottle and is being fed every 2 hours.  The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for organizations like SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, GCI and PetZoo whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals like sea otters. Since the Alaska SeaLife Center responds to 33,904 miles of coastline, stranding partners and civilians are critical in assisting the Center with wildlife response calls. When an animal is in distress the first reaction is often to tend to it. This can be a mistake as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish distress from normal behavior. Sea otters leave their young in what they perceive to be a safe place while they forage for food. If people or pets are nearby when they return they are likely to abandon their young. Marine mammals have been safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972, so any disturbance to them is illegal without permission from the correct government authorities. If a sick or injured animal is encountered, ASLC staff urge people to call first, observe at a safe distance, respect the animal’s territory, and keep pets and children away. ASLC operates a 24-hour stranding hotline where trained professionals will walk people through the proper steps to assist the animal. Call 1-888-774-SEAL if you see a marine mammal in distress.

Seward, Alaska (February 25, 2020)– A young male sea otter pup was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) on January 17, 2020.  Thetwo week old otter pup was found stranded on a beach near Seldovia, AK with snowballs embedded in his fur and surrounded by birds. A local resident called the stranding hotline to report that the young otter had been seen alone and there were no other otters in sight. After receiving permission from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Smokey Bay Air donated the flight to get the pup to Homer where a team of volunteers transported the otter to the Center. The sea otter pup, now seven weeks old, is under 24-hour care from our Wildlife Response Team. “Young otter pups like this one need constant care and attention, from grooming his coat to encouraging him to play in the pool. We are with him around-the-clock,” stated Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac. Currently, the otter is getting fed both formula and solid food every 3 hours. The team has slowly introduced clam into his diet and he is progressing well. Caretakers continue to work on getting him to practice proper grooming skills like rolling in the water and swimming with purpose. This young pup has already proven to be quite the athletic otter as he swims and manipulates toys in the water.   The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for individual donors and organizations like Marathon Petroleum Corporation, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, PetZoo, GCI, HDR Marine, and Graphic Works whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals like sea otters. Since the Alaska SeaLife Center responds to 33,904 miles of coastline, stranding partners and civilians are critical in assisting the Center with wildlife response calls. When an animal is in distress the first reaction is often to tend to it. This can be a mistake as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish distress from normal behavior. Sea otters leave their young in what they perceive to be a safe place while they forage for food. If people or pets are nearby when they return they are likely to abandon their young. Marine mammals have been safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act since 1972, so any disturbance to them is illegal without permission from the correct government authorities. If a sick or injured animal is encountered, ASLC staff urge people to call first, observe at a safe distance, respect the animal’s territory, and keep pets and children away. ASLC operates a 24- hour stranding hotline where trained professionals will walk people through the proper steps to assist the animal. Call    1-888-774-SEAL if you see a marine mammal in distress.   About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education programs. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.   High-resolution photos available from media@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6397

Seward, AK – April 30, 2015– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted its first stranded marine mammal for the 2015 season. The two-day-old female harbor seal pup was found abandoned on mud flats near Kachemak Drive in Homer, Alaska on April 24. Staff from ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program were already in the Homer area conducting a volunteer training when the call came in from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Staff were then able to monitor the pup’s condition first-hand. Along with minor injuries, the pup still had her white lanugo coat, indicating she was born prematurely. After searching the area for her mother or other seals, the crew made the decision to bring the pup in.  The newborn arrived at the Alaska SeaLife Center on April 25 weighing 8.1 kilograms (18 pounds). The pup, named Silky, is currently being fed five times a day with a formula created specifically for seals that contains all of the nutrients and calories needed to help seal pups grow. The pup is currently in stable condition and staff say she is very feisty. Her feisty nature pairs well with this year’s naming theme: sharks. Staff chose the shark theme in celebration of ASLC’s 2015 Summer of Sharks. Silky is named after the silky shark species, a tropical shark with very smooth skin. The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as harbor seals, walrus, and sea otters. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to harbor seals with the authorization of NOAA. Once a seal is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC. According to President and CEO, Dr. Tara Riemer, “The Alaska SeaLife Center has very limited federal funding and no state funding to care for marine mammals, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We especially thank Shell Exploration and Production and ConocoPhillips Alaska for their generous contributions to the Center in support of wildlife rescue and oil spill response readiness.” The Alaska SeaLife Center is a private non-profit research institution and visitor attraction, which generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.  The Alaska SeaLife Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.alaskasealife.org. The Alaska SeaLife Center operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded marine mammals or birds,and encourages people whohave found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal.  Call first!  1-888-774-SEAL

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.     

Alaska SeaLife Center Admits First Two Harbor Seal Pups of 2022 Season The two pups were found abandoned on a beach in Kasilof, Alaska   Seward, Alaska (June 13, 2022)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted two newborn harbor seal pups to the Wildlife Response Program on June 2, 2022. The ASLC Wildlife Response team received a call on the 24-hour stranding hotline (1-888-774-7325) reporting an abandoned and skinny harbor pup seal on the beach in Kasilof, Alaska. Based on the female pup’s emaciated body condition, the team decided she needed immediate help. While the team was preparing to pick up this pup, the original caller from Kasilof spotted an additional seal pup on the beach, this one a male. This pup was also abandoned and in poor body condition. After receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval, both pups were transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center for treatment. The main concerns of the veterinary team upon the initial admit exam of the female pup are malnourishment, dehydration, and lethargy. An x-ray showed that the female pup had ingested rocks. She was found with her umbilical cord still attached, leading the ASLC team to believe she was less than 48 hours old when admitted. The male pup also still had his umbilical cord attached. The main concerns of the veterinary team upon his initial admit exam are malnourishment and dehydration. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining both patients further to understand the severity of the animals’ conditions. Follow the ASLC on Facebook and Instagram for continuing updates on the seal pups. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like these seal pups 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.   Call 1-888-774-SEAL(7325) if you see any marine mammal in distress in Alaska.        

Seward, Alaska (Saturday, May 29, 2021)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a newborn harbor seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on May 27, 2021. The male harbor seal pup was found on land near Tonsina Creek Trail in Seward, Alaska and appeared to be abandoned after birth. He was virtually nonresponsive, still had the placenta attached, and showed signs of having gone through a difficult birth. Our team hiked for over an hour after receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval to locate the seal near a popular hiking trail. He was transported back to the Center with the help of a Miller’s Landing water taxi. The main concerns of the veterinary team upon the initial admit exam are malnourishment, dehydration, and possible serious infection. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of the animal’s condition. A full press release will be provided with updates on this seal after further monitoring and examination. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like this harbor 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 companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Borman Family Foundation, PetZoo, GCI, Partners4Wildlife, and Sea Otter Foundation & Trust. 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.