Adoptions From Rescues and Shelters

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Erin Sledge

On a lazy afternoon whilst browsing Youtube, I came across Cory Williams’, a.k.a DudeLikeHELLA, video that showed his visit at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

During this video, I was able to see him interact with some of the animals, feed bears, porcupines, and baby musk oxen, and see the beautiful and wild scenery of Alaska. The guide in the video informed him and the viewers of releasing animals, like elk, back into the wild, the local donated food, and the adoption and rehabilitation of injured animals. His visit inspired me to talk about this wonderful, non-profit organization and to eventually visit the AWCC.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, located in Girdwood, Alaska, is a 200-acre reservation that houses animals and educates visitors about Alaskan wildlife. The AWCC cares for various animals such as bears, musk oxen, moose, eagles, elk, caribou, Sitka black-tailed deer, foxes and lynx, and will release them back into the wild; if an animal is too injured, they have a permanent and secure home at the AWCC.

The AWCC is currently working on the Wood Bison Restoration Project. Their goal is to bring the wood bison back into Alaska, since this type of bison has been extinct in Alaska for a while. They have taken a few wood bison from a herd in Canada and have been breeding wood bison at the AWCC.

The AWCC also provides internships to students that are majoring in biology, zoology, and veterinary science. The students will have the chance to care for animals, maintain the facilities and learn to educate visitors about the AWCC.