Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo started in 1969 with one baby elephant named Annabelle that was won in a contest. Since then, it has expanded to include 80 animals across 23-plus acres of the Anchorage hillside. The zoo has the widest variety of animals native to the state of Alaska as well as a handful of exotic cold-climate species that are part of a great center for education and research that focuses on wildlife conservation and animal rehabilitation.

For 53 years, the zoo has been a nonprofit organization serving the wildlife and people of Alaska, as well as visitors to our state. They rely on admissions, donations, gift shop sales, coffee shop purchases and memberships to operate and care for the animals as they receive no ongoing city or state funding.

This hillside zoo nestled near the Chugach foothills allows visitors to experience northern wildlife up-close along the wooded, gravel boreal forest pathways. The staff takes pride in maintaining a natural setting for both zoo animals and visitors. During summer months, the zoo offers tours (reserve online in advance) and animal feeding experiences (sold at the gate) as well as a shuttle. In winter months the zoo's trails become quiet with falling snow and the call of ravens, a perfect time to visit and take photos while enjoying winter events like Zoo Lights.

Hours

• Hours (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
• March & April: 10am - 5pm
• May: 9am-6pm
• June, July & August: 9am-8pm
• September: 9am-6pm
• October: 10am-5pm
• November - February: 10am-4pm
• Closed: Thanksgiving & Christmas

Length

2-3 hours.

Admissions tickets available online and at the gate. The zoo offers an all-terrain wheelchair rental (subject to availability, contact for details).

Photos by John Gomes.