Alaska Zoo

Alaska Zoo and its collection

Alaska Zoo, opened in 1969, is a zoo in Anchorage, United States.

Over 100 birds and mammals of around 50 species are kept, and close to 200,000 people visit each year.

History

A 1966 competition allowed the grocer Jack Snyder to choose between a cash prize and a young elephant, and he took the animal. Annabelle, an Asian elephant born in India in 1964, lived at the zoo until 1997, and an African elephant, Maggie, arrived in 1983 to keep her company. The zoo was renamed in June 1980.

Exhibits

Besides the widest range of Alaskan native species, the collection includes Amur tiger, Bactrian camel and yak.

Conservation and approach

It takes part in Species Survival Programs for tigers and snow leopards and works with Polar Bears International. Husbandry and research are carried out partly with the University of Alaska Anchorage.

What the venue says

• seasonal events (like Zoo Boo)
• specialized summer behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters
• a small playground area
• An on-site coffee shop/café offers a limited menu of light meals, snacks, and warm drinks.
• Ample parking is conveniently available directly on-site with straightforward access to the main entrance.
• The facility maintains its gravel trails year-round.
• For enhanced mobility, a single non-motorized, all-terrain wheelchair equipped with studded tires is available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.