Located in the scenic town of Portage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary for native Alaskan animals. Since its founding in 1993, this 700-acre nonprofit facility has welcomed visitors year-round to learn about wildlife through education, conservation, and close encounters with rescued animals. The 1.5-mile loop trail connects spacious outdoor enclosures where animals thrive in a natural setting.

Recommended For

Families & Animal Lovers: Get up close to moose, bears, and wolves in their natural environments.

Students & Educators: Take part in field trips, presentations, or explore online educational programs.

Volunteers & Interns: Learn about conservation through immersive internship opportunities.

What to Expect

  • Location: Mile 79 Seward Highway, Portage, Alaska
  • Size: 700 acres with a 1.5-mile trail loop
  • Established: 1993
  • Open: Year-round
  • Phone: 907-783-2025

Animal Residents

  • Species on Site: Grizzly and black bears, moose, lynxes, wolves, muskoxen, elk, red foxes, porcupines, bald eagles, great horned owls, wood bison, and more
  • Rescue Mission: Most animals are injured or orphaned, receiving lifelong care
  • Wood Bison: Part of a breeding and reintroduction program—largest land mammals in the Western Hemisphere
  • Wolves: Ambassadors educate the public on Alaska’s endangered wolves
  • Bears: Uli, Kuma, and Kobuk live in the B.E.A.R.S. (Bear Education Awareness Research Sanctuary)
  • Lynxes: Chena and Venetie, both rescued in poor condition

Educational Opportunities

  • Field Trips: Student groups explore wildlife up close, guided by experts
  • Live Animal Presentations: Educators bring animals like porcupines or ferrets into classrooms
  • Partner Organizations: Collaborations with Bear Trust International and Inspired Classroom
  • Online Programs: Free curricula like Wood Bison Curriculum, Grizzly Bear Curriculum, and Bison in a Box

Internship Programs

  • Animal Care Internship: Assist with feeding and exhibit maintenance
  • Naturalist Internship: Train with the National Parks Service to deliver educational programs

Visitor Tips

  • Plan for Walking: The 1.5-mile loop trail is open for walking, biking, or slow-driving
  • Dress for Weather: Prepare for changing Alaskan weather—layers and waterproof gear recommended
  • Visit Early: Arrive earlier in the day to see animals when they are most active
  • Photography: Bring your camera—great photo opportunities abound!

Contact & Location

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Mile 79, Seward Highway, Portage, AK 99587
Phone: 907-783-2025
alaskawildlife.org

Plan Your Trip