Guaranteed Alaska Wildlife Viewing Near Anchorage

Visit Aphun at the Alaska Zoo. Aphun was recently joined by five-year-old polar bear from Australia named Lutik.

Visitors looking for guaranteed and authentic wildlife viewing experiences have several choices throughout the Anchorage bowl and the Mat-Su Valley.

The Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo in South Anchorage features a wide variety of arctic and sub-arctic animals in a natural, wooded setting including such favorites as Oreo the brown bear and Ahpun the polar bear. Join naturalist tours and learn more from unique educational enrichment programs. Weekly family events include Sketch-N-Safari, Storytime and more. www.alaskazoo.org

Musk Ox Farm

Learn about musk ox history, and get close to these powerful beasts. Located an hour north of Anchorage, at a picturesque farm with breathtaking views. See qiviut products, made from the hair of musk ox, in the visitor center's gift shop. (907) 745-4151

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Feel the power of a buffalo staring down at you. Get close to a young moose or deer. Spot a herd of reindeer. Photograph a huge bull elk. See any number of big game living much as they would in their natural habitat.
www.alaskawildlife.org

Alaska SeaLife Center

Get oceans away from ordinary. Witness 1500-pound Steller sea lions gliding past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in a naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals sprawling atop rocky beaches at this world-class marine science facility - committed to preserving the wonders the sea through research, rehabilitation and education. www.alaskasealife.org

Elmendorf State Hatchery

Watch salmon struggle upstream! Located near downtown, on the north bank of Ship Creek at the corner of Reeve Boulevard and Post Road. The hatchery is owned and operated by the State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game, Sport Fish Division. (907) 274-0065