Alaska Zoo
Alaska Zoo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIDescription
outdoor
family friendly
The Alaska Zoo is a zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, located on 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside. It is a popular attraction in Alaska, with nearly 200,000 visitors per year. The zoo is currently home to more than 100 birds and mammals representing some 50 species.
attractions: Zoo Facilities, Alaska Zoo Gift Shop, Polar Bear Exhibit, restaurants: Alaska Zoo Coffee Shop
Ratings
Description
The Alaska Zoo is a zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, located on 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside. It is a popular attraction in Alaska, with nearly 200,000 visitors per year. The zoo is currently home to more than 100 birds and mammals representing some 50 species.
Posts
I wasn't sure how visiting would be in the winter, but I was pleasantly surprised. Don't expect the bears or big cats to be out and about (they were all hibernating or napping) but you can expect to see some of the following: lots of beautiful birds (owls, eagles, ravens, and more!), a playful sea lion / seal and otter, Caribou, mountain goats, musk ox, camels (yes, camels!), llamas, deer, and coyotes. I even got lucky enough to see some baby black bears playing in the snow! Also, keep in mind that the vast majority of these animals are rehabilitated or unable to live in the wild as well. There are lots of signs around explaining the stories of the animals, why they're at the zoo, and facts about their species. If you stay for long enough you might also watch some of the animals get fed by staff, who appeared very friendly with the animals from my perspective. It was a delightful day, and I left the zoo with a full heart, grateful to be graced with the presence of the animals I saw. P.S. The raven was probably my favorite animal, as it was incredibly vocal and made some very adorable sounds. Some of them even sounded like electronics? They were amazing!
Dark ClawDark Claw
20
This place is very run down needing updates we did see some being made but not very far along and looks like they have been started a while, I'm not sure how much help they have to properly run the place, the staff we encountered some were friendly some not, the coffee shop/snack shop very outdated as well and very minimal hours they was closed when we was there, also some of the animals not very good health it seemed, Moose had what looked to be an infection in left rear hoof swelled up bad with duck tape wrapped around it, alot of the enclosed were over grown along with the landscaping around the property, I don't know if this is State funded or not but if it is, I feel the State should rethink who is in charge or Managing and also look into a different Vet. I am replying to your response, after I made my review I did go and read some of the reviews and from what I'm seeing it matches with what I said, I know you said animals are being well cared for and you have a gardening crew, if it was me then I would be considering a new gardening crew and definitely get another Vets opinion me and my wife have been to several Zoos and animal conservation places and this one is by far the worst we've seen, my only concern is the animals. If your the owner you should understand feedback that has multiple concerns on animals well being.
david gulleydavid gulley
20
To start this review positively the animals look healthy, and the Polar Bear Exhibit is being updated. This being Alaska's only zoo, I figure it would have more government assistance and funding. • Online lists only 18 species of animals at the zoo. (Which almost caused me not to go.) • The exhibits weren't marked correctly • Most Exhibits were cluttered or dirty • The whole time I was visiting, I only saw 2 people working outside. • Most of the Zoo feels like you're looking at someone's private collection in their backyard. (If that's the case.. then at least make it feel like a zoo if that's what you're marketing it as.) • The Path's around the exhibits dead end in weird places and it's not stated as so. The paths are just common gravel, so it wouldn't be expensive to continue a path to a possible beneficial route to the exit. I give it 3 stars because overall the animals didn't seem in distress and they looked healthy. It needs serious work though.
Gunner MatternGunner Mattern
10
A great place to visit for Alaskans or visitors. Lots of rescued animals and sometimes they have baby bears. I really wish that they would update some of the habitats. The zoo is great about helping rescued animals and getting them to other zoos but it would be nice if they traded with other zoos for a few more animals here. Quite a few of the animals have passed away from old age. There are currently lots of exhibits empty. I also highly suggest going to the polar bear at arrival and when leaving. It is a rare sight to see the polar bears. The exhibit layout makes it really difficult to see the polar bears when they are actually in the viewing exhibit. I really appreciate the option for close encounters but I shouldn't have to pay an extra fee just to see certain animals. I am hopeful that with the purchase of the property next door, improvements will be coming. Maybe?
Melodious MerriMelodious Merri
10
I really liked this zoo, more than most I've been to. It was a nice last stop on our last day in Alaska, but compared to all the epic adventures and scenery we experienced, including native animals in the wild, it felt a bit tame by comparison. The zoo is not overwhelmingly large, but features mostly animals native to Alaska. It's a great opportunity to see them up close, as out in the wilderness you typically need high-powered binoculars or a stroke of incredibly good luck. The enclosures are large enough to give the animals room to roam, but not too large that they can roam far from view. It's a very family-friendly place, evidenced by the large number of mostly local families we saw there. Something I could tolerate, but that didn't necessarily add to the experience.
Matt MerkelMatt Merkel
20
(Update) Was finally able to take my family and visit. Had a good time seeing all the animals. My kids really enjoyed jumping in all the puddles. Upgraded to a 3 star because I still couldn't get ahold of anyone on any phone. Yes I called during normal business hours on a weekday when it's open and still no answers. Tried calling to get information about the zoo. I got no replies from every single phone option, I literally mean every single option. Not a single person answered a phone. I left a message for admissions but never got a call back. After two days I tried again and same thing happened, no one answered any of the phones. So ultimately I don't think anyone works here anymore.... I'm not happy that I can't get ahold of anyone.
Zer0LimitsZer0Limits
10
Nearby Attractions Of Alaska Zoo
Zoo Facilities
Alaska Zoo Gift Shop
Polar Bear Exhibit
Zoo Facilities
4.2
(59)Click for details
Alaska Zoo Gift Shop
4.2
(17)Click for details
Polar Bear Exhibit
3.7
(9)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Alaska Zoo
Alaska Zoo Coffee Shop
Alaska Zoo Coffee Shop
4.3
(8)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.3
(1.2K reviews)
Phone
(907) 346-3242
Call
Website
alaskazoo.org
Visit
Deep Dive
A deep dive into Alaska Zoo
- Unable to get your location