The Alaska Zoo

Don't expect the variety of a big-city zoo, but what the Alaska Zoo lacks in size it makes up with a charm all its own. Anchorage residents have developed personal relationships with the animals, naming many of them. The zoo's best feature is the opportunity it affords to see familiar Alaskan animals up close. I enjoy watching the polar bears, Ahpun and Lyutyik, play and swim underwater (you can check that out on a webcam, too). Gravel paths meander through the woods past enclosures with natural flora for bears, wolves, seals and otters, musk oxen, Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and waterfowl. If you want to pass yourself off as a master wildlife photographer, crop out the Bactrian camels, snow leopards, and a few other northern creatures that don't normally live in Alaska. You can easily spend half a day here. If you don't have a car, consider using the free summer-only shuttle from downtown. It is timed to meet up with 2-hour naturalist tours that take place every day at noon and include some backstage stops. The tours are $25 adults, half-price for children 12 and under. A snack bar serves basic meals and there is a gift shop.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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