Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Updated June 11, 2025

## Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), Girdwood — Practical Guide for an Anchorage Day Trip

Coordinates: 60.8212004, -148.9792242
Address: Mile 79, Seward Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit sanctuary focused on conservation, education, research, and high-standard animal care. Most residents arrived orphaned or injured and now live in large, naturalistic enclosures as “ambassadors” for their species. Wildlife Conservation Center

### Why AWCC is worth your time
– See Alaska’s headline species in one stop. Confirmed residents include bald eagle, black & brown bears, coyotes, deer, elk, foxes, great-horned owl, Canada lynx, moose, muskox, porcupines, reindeer, wolves, and wood bison. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Easy, accessible loop. Explore via a 1.5-mile loop that you can walk, bike, or drive, with interpretive signage at habitats—ideal in any weather window. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Real conservation impact. AWCC partnered with Alaska Department of Fish & Game on the wood bison reintroduction—Alaska’s largest land mammal returned to the wild in 2015 after a century’s absence; about 130 animals were released near Shageluk. Wildlife Conservation Center

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## Planning Logistics

### How to get there
– From Anchorage: ~49–50 miles south via the scenic Seward Highway (allow about an hour without stops).
– Physical address: 43520 Seward Highway (Mile 79), Girdwood, AK 99587. The site sits in Portage Valley near Turnagain Arm. Wildlife Conservation Center

### On-site experience
– Self-guided loop: 1.5 miles by foot/bike/car; all habitats are outdoors with fencing; bring layers and a windproof outer shell. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Tours & programs: AWCC offers guided experiences and educational programming along the same loop; bookable options are listed on their site. Wildlife Conservation Center

> Inclusivity & respect: AWCC acknowledges it operates on the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina people and highlights Indigenous stewardship of the region. Visitors are encouraged to learn and engage respectfully. Wildlife Conservation Center

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## What You’ll See (and Learn)

### Keystone species & storylines
– Wood bison: AWCC devoted extensive acreage to a breeding and quarantine program leading to the 2015 release; the project restored a once-extirpated native herbivore to Alaska. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Bears & predators: View brown and black bears, wolves, and lynx in spacious habitats—photography is best from posted viewing areas; keep barriers between you and animals at all times. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Arctic ungulates: Muskox, moose, elk, reindeer, and wood bison showcase adaptations to subarctic climates. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Birds of prey & small mammals: Bald eagles, great-horned owls, foxes, porcupines, and more round out a diverse roster, with placards explaining rescue context and ecology. Wildlife Conservation Center

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## Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

– Timing & weather: Conditions swing quickly along Turnagain Arm; dress for wind and rain. (AWCC is fully outdoors.) Wildlife Conservation Center
– Mobility: Driving the loop works well for limited-mobility travelers; you can step out at designated pull-offs and viewing decks. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Photography etiquette: Stay behind barriers; use longer focal lengths for respectful wildlife images (reinforced in on-site guidance). Wildlife Conservation Center
– Seasonal operations: Hours, special programs, and admission vary by season; verify the latest on the official site before you go. (Data changes regularly; don’t rely on third-party listings.) Wildlife Conservation Center

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## Responsible Travel Notes

– Sanctuary first: Animals here are not “shows.” Many cannot be released; your entry helps fund habitat care, education, and research. Wildlife Conservation Center
– Conservation in action: The wood bison project (with ADF&G and partners) is a standout model for species restoration, from captive breeding to monitored release flights in 2015. Department of Fish and Game

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## Nearby/Related Anchorage Culture Guides (internal links)
– Alaska Botanical Garden — a calm, educational stop that pairs well with wildlife learning days.
– Alaska Native Heritage Center — deepen context on Alaska’s Indigenous cultures before or after your AWCC visit.

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## Quick Facts (Copy-and-Use Box)

– Location: Mile 79, Seward Highway (Portage Valley)
– Distance from Anchorage: ~49–50 miles by road
– Experience: Outdoor sanctuary; 1.5-mile loop (walk/bike/drive) with interpretive signage
– Focus: Long-term care for orphaned/injured wildlife; conservation education; research
– Signature program: 2015 wood bison reintroduction in partnership with ADF&G

Sources for verification: AWCC official pages on visiting and animals, AWCC history & wood bison program, and ADF&G releases on the 2015 reintroduction. Wildlife Conservation Center

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### Outdated/Variable Data to Double-Check
– Admission & hours (seasonal).
– Specific tour offerings (schedules change).
Always confirm directly with AWCC’s official site before finalizing plans. Wildlife Conservation Center

This guide prioritizes factual accuracy, Indigenous acknowledgment, accessibility, and conservation context.

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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

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