On January 10th, 2023, the zoo announced that their (0.1) harbor seal named Chloe passed away.
The Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo
Alaska Zoo Alaska Zoo News
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On March 5th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) Amur tiger named Korol passed away at age 19 on March 3rd.
The Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo
On March 21st, it was reported that the zoo transferred a (0.1) Eurasian wolverine named Olive to the Henson Robinson Zoo in Illinois.
https://www.wcia.com/news/sangamon-county/wolverine-heading-back-to-henson-robinson-zoo/
On March 29th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) American black bear named Kenai to the Cameron Park Zoo in Texas.
Cameron Park Zoo
https://www.wcia.com/news/sangamon-county/wolverine-heading-back-to-henson-robinson-zoo/
On March 29th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) American black bear named Kenai to the Cameron Park Zoo in Texas.
Cameron Park Zoo
Three wolverine boys were born in February and are now leaving the den. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=617767893729345&set=a.457123143127155
The female polar bear cub that was rescued last year has been named Kova. She began rotating into the public enclosure on June 4.
A few animals have been rescued, one of which with an interesting story (I wouldn't normally post about a facility that seems to adopt animals frequently doing so, but there is a special story to one).
From Facebook:
"As many Alaskans probably know, the locally famous Grubby the opossum who accidentally rode in a shipping container from Washington state to Homer, Alaska is now resting safely in the zoo's infirmary. She arrived yesterday evening after a city-wide hunt for her whereabouts ended in her capture by a Homer police officer.
Opossums are not native to Alaska and would be considered an invasive species were they to become loose in the wilds of Alaska. We are glad she was safely found, captured and brought to the zoo where she can sleep off her adventures (she is seen doing so in this photo by Curator Sam Lavin). This is an emerging story, so we will keep our followers posted as we have updates and photos.
The zoo also recently received the first orphans of the season - a brown bear cub and moose calf."
more news on Grubby, also from a Facebook post made by the zoo:
"Grubby the opossum’s adventures continue with the news that she had babies (called joeys) in Homer, Alaska after she arrived as a stowaway on a ship. https://alaskapublic.org/.../grubbys-son-captured-as.../"
A few animals have been rescued, one of which with an interesting story (I wouldn't normally post about a facility that seems to adopt animals frequently doing so, but there is a special story to one).
From Facebook:
"As many Alaskans probably know, the locally famous Grubby the opossum who accidentally rode in a shipping container from Washington state to Homer, Alaska is now resting safely in the zoo's infirmary. She arrived yesterday evening after a city-wide hunt for her whereabouts ended in her capture by a Homer police officer.
Opossums are not native to Alaska and would be considered an invasive species were they to become loose in the wilds of Alaska. We are glad she was safely found, captured and brought to the zoo where she can sleep off her adventures (she is seen doing so in this photo by Curator Sam Lavin). This is an emerging story, so we will keep our followers posted as we have updates and photos.
The zoo also recently received the first orphans of the season - a brown bear cub and moose calf."
more news on Grubby, also from a Facebook post made by the zoo:
"Grubby the opossum’s adventures continue with the news that she had babies (called joeys) in Homer, Alaska after she arrived as a stowaway on a ship. https://alaskapublic.org/.../grubbys-son-captured-as.../"
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On May 16th, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) alpaca named Pablo which is now on exhibit.
The Alaska Zoo - Say hi to the new dude on zoo campus -...
The Alaska Zoo - Say hi to the new dude on zoo campus -...
On September 6th, the zoo announced that they acquired (0.0.20) mice (species not specified) after they were left outside the facility in December 2022. 15 mice were rehomed to staff and volunteers while the zoo kept 5 for ambassador animals.
The Alaska Zoo - We have a heartwarming story for you!
...On September 8th, the zoo announced that they acquired (0.0.3) American black bears on September 5th, after its mom was hit by a car. The zoo also announced they acquired (0.0.2) brown bears on September 5th after its mom was killed.
The Alaska Zoo - September 5th was a busy day at the zoo...
Piece of September 2023 News Not Mentioned:
On September 29th, the zoo announced they acquired another (0.0.1) brown bear that was found in the Yakutat area.
The Alaska Zoo - The zoo received another end-of-season...
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On November 20th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (1.1) brown bears to the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois.
Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo Press Room
On December 1st, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) Virginia opossum named Homer (one of Grubby's joeys) to the Oregon Zoo in Oregon.
Welcome, Homer: Stowaway opossum finds new home at zoo
On December 12th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (1.1) American black bears to the Oregon Zoo in Oregon.
Orphaned black bear cubs Timber and Thorn arrive at zoo
On September 29th, the zoo announced they acquired another (0.0.1) brown bear that was found in the Yakutat area.
The Alaska Zoo - The zoo received another end-of-season...
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On November 20th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (1.1) brown bears to the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois.
Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo Press Room
On December 1st, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) Virginia opossum named Homer (one of Grubby's joeys) to the Oregon Zoo in Oregon.
Welcome, Homer: Stowaway opossum finds new home at zoo
On December 12th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (1.1) American black bears to the Oregon Zoo in Oregon.
Orphaned black bear cubs Timber and Thorn arrive at zoo
On January 25th, 2024, the zoo announced that they are constructing a new exhibit for Arctic ground squirrel which will open in summer 2024.
The Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo
That will pretty neat. They don't live in 'towns' but they are a charismatic rodent active during daylight hours. Should make for a good exhibit. Hopefully the signage will tie the species in with both their cultural importance (they are called "Parka" squirrels by Alaskan Natives, for obvious reasons) and biological importance....as a primary food source of Barren Ground Grizzly Bears.
I love how this zoo develops. Seen a docu on it quite recently, I think it is an essential to visit if you want to go outdoors in the area.
On Wolverine: The species was re-introduced to the park in 2015. A set of cubs born in 2022, a female (Olive) was sent to Henri Robinson Zoo this year and another set of 3.0 cubs was born this year. Are they part of a local SSP or part of the EAZA EEP (since the parents were imported from Russia/Sweden)?
What subspecies of caribou do they hold?
I can’t tell you much about the wolverines except that I believe they were farmed animals (is that a thing with wolverines?), possibly they came from zoos. I do not know if they participate in either species breeding program. I imagine they are bred simply to have animals available for display at other zoos that would like to feature wolverines. Not sure honestly.
I believe the zoo’s Caribou are domestic Reindeer.
The Wolverine within the EAZA/EEP are part of ex situ assurance colony and conservation breeding. The program has built a robust captive population, the founders were wild caught.
I don't understand why US/Canadian zoos do not invest more in ex situ conservation work with the various caribou species. They are facing multiple threats in the wilds and all we can exhibit in zoos is domestic reindeer (BTW: reindeer is used for European Rangifer and caribou for North America ones.
Yep. I should have put "Caribou" in quotes. Now, if I am not mistaken the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has two exhibits for Rangifer, one signed Reindeer and the other Caribou...but I'm not sure the pedigree of the animals...or the current accuracy of my comment. The Reindeer farm in Palmer is 100% domestic Reindeer and the Large Animal Research Station also displays domestic Reindeer. I know the Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center's education signs at their enclosures primarily focus on the natural history of "Caribou" in Alaska. Most Reindeer in Alaska are from animals sourced from the old experimental herds up on the Seward Peninsula...where I do believe there has been some introgression between the domestic Reindeer and the local Caribou. So some native Caribou genes might be present in the displayed animals. The only facility that does not apparently allow the animals to breed is the Alaska Zoo.
@Pleistohorse, if the caribou where to be pure-bred ... the no breeding policy is a no-brainer. I do not think it assists effectively in situ conservation and for most caribou subspecies all population trends are downward (f.i. Peary caribou).
I know that a consortium of zoos is funding a caribou breeding facility. I read it last week ..., cannot remember the zoo involved (I thought Canadian ..could be Metro Toronto Zoo. and 1-2 US zoos too involved) building a dedicated facility. This zoo maintained a small group of Porcupine River caribou (if I remember correctly) from the Yukon basin.
On February 15th, the zoo announced that their Executive Director Patrick Lampi is retiring in April after 38 years while current Chief Business Officer Tristan Thon will become his successor.
The saying goes that every end is a new beginning and, having said that, we have a big announcement. After 38 years of service to the zoo, Executive Director Patrick Lampi is set to retire in April with a transition underway to welcome his successor, current Chief Business Officer Tristan Thon who was appointed unanimously by the Zoo Board of Directors. Pat first began his journey with the Alaska Zoo in 1986, a path which took him through the ranks to Executive Director. His leadership through the ups and downs of managing a zoo has made for many interesting stories. “It is strange how events in life change your path and where you end up. I found myself working at the zoo and wanting to make it a better place for the animals, the people working here and for the community,” said Lampi as he reflects on his experiences. Pat wishes zoo staff, volunteers and supporters the best and cherishes the memories of the animals he has helped over the years. Pat will remain in his position to complete the transition in April of this year. More updates to come soon! Feel free to comment your best wishes for Pat here as well as congratulations to Tristan! Photos by John Gomes. | The Alaska Zoo | James Taylor · You've Got a Friend
The saying goes that every end is a new beginning and, having said that, we have a big announcement. After 38 years of service to the zoo, Executive Director Patrick Lampi is set to retire in April with a transition underway to welcome his successor, current Chief Business Officer Tristan Thon who was appointed unanimously by the Zoo Board of Directors. Pat first began his journey with the Alaska Zoo in 1986, a path which took him through the ranks to Executive Director. His leadership through the ups and downs of managing a zoo has made for many interesting stories. “It is strange how events in life change your path and where you end up. I found myself working at the zoo and wanting to make it a better place for the animals, the people working here and for the community,” said Lampi as he reflects on his experiences. Pat wishes zoo staff, volunteers and supporters the best and cherishes the memories of the animals he has helped over the years. Pat will remain in his position to complete the transition in April of this year. More updates to come soon! Feel free to comment your best wishes for Pat here as well as congratulations to Tristan! Photos by John Gomes. | The Alaska Zoo | James Taylor · You've Got a Friend
On February 18th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) Virginia opossum named Grublet (one of Grubby's joeys) to the Bramble Park Zoo in South Dakota.
Bramble Park Zoo
On March 14th, the zoo announced that their (1.0) Amur tiger named Kunali passed away at age 20 due to complications caused by old age.
The Alaska Zoo
Bramble Park Zoo
On March 14th, the zoo announced that their (1.0) Amur tiger named Kunali passed away at age 20 due to complications caused by old age.
The Alaska Zoo
Zoo adventures
Well-Known Member
The zoo estimate that the moose is around 2 weeks old
Attachments
On June 2nd, the zoo announced that they acquired 2+ moose which are on exhibit.
The zoo now has several orphan moose calves, and Zookeeper Sarah is shown here bottle feeding one of them. When calves are young, they are bottle fed every few hours around the clock by our dedicated animal team. Our keepers are most definitely orphan animal heroes, and you can be too. When you purchase Orphan Hero tickets to our Champions of the Wild Gala to be held June 27th, you support the effort and expenses of caring for these orphaned moose and other animals that come in our season. You also receive a private feeding session with your purchase. It’s a great way to make a difference in many ways and a life moment you will never forget. Zookeeper Sarah https://alaskazoo.betterworld.org/events/2024-champion-wild-alaska-zoo-gala #alaska #championsofthewild #wildliferescue #anchorage #alaskalife #weloveanimals #nonprofit | The Alaska Zoo
On June 8th, the zoo announced they started construction on a new pathway trail that will split the musk oxen and moose (calves) exhibits.
The Alaska Zoo
On June 18th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.2) Arctic foxes from the Henson Robinson Zoo in Illinois which are now on exhibit.
Alaska Zoo Arctic Fox Sisters Arrive |
New Animal Alert! The Alaska Zoo recently received two arctic fox sisters who were born and raised at the Henson Robinson Zoo Springfield Park... | By The Alaska ZooFacebook
On June 21st, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) moose named Beaker from the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Alaska which is now on exhibit. The zoo announced they will be transferring the previously mentioned moose calves, except for one, to other facilities in the future.
The Alaska Zoo
The zoo now has several orphan moose calves, and Zookeeper Sarah is shown here bottle feeding one of them. When calves are young, they are bottle fed every few hours around the clock by our dedicated animal team. Our keepers are most definitely orphan animal heroes, and you can be too. When you purchase Orphan Hero tickets to our Champions of the Wild Gala to be held June 27th, you support the effort and expenses of caring for these orphaned moose and other animals that come in our season. You also receive a private feeding session with your purchase. It’s a great way to make a difference in many ways and a life moment you will never forget. Zookeeper Sarah https://alaskazoo.betterworld.org/events/2024-champion-wild-alaska-zoo-gala #alaska #championsofthewild #wildliferescue #anchorage #alaskalife #weloveanimals #nonprofit | The Alaska Zoo
On June 8th, the zoo announced they started construction on a new pathway trail that will split the musk oxen and moose (calves) exhibits.
The Alaska Zoo
On June 18th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.2) Arctic foxes from the Henson Robinson Zoo in Illinois which are now on exhibit.
Alaska Zoo Arctic Fox Sisters Arrive |
New Animal Alert! The Alaska Zoo recently received two arctic fox sisters who were born and raised at the Henson Robinson Zoo Springfield Park... | By The Alaska ZooFacebookOn June 21st, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) moose named Beaker from the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Alaska which is now on exhibit. The zoo announced they will be transferring the previously mentioned moose calves, except for one, to other facilities in the future.
The Alaska Zoo