Tucked into the heart of Portage Valley near Girdwood, just south of Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) spans 200 acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness. Framed by the dramatic Chugach Mountains and the shimmering waters of Turnagain Arm, the landscape alone is worth the visit—offering breathtaking views before you even step inside. But this is no ordinary wildlife attraction. AWCC is a sanctuary, not a zoo or safari park. Its mission is rooted in compassion and conservation: to provide refuge for animals that cannot survive in the wild, and when possible, to rehabilitate and release them back into their natural habitats. It’s a place where care meets wildness, and where every creature has a story worth hearing.

Animals You’ll Encounter

The AWCC is home to a wide array of rescued and rehabilitated Alaskan wildlife, many of whom are permanent residents due to injury or orphaning. Commonly seen animals include:

Brown bears and black bears