History and Mission

Alaska Zoo Mission Statement:

To provide homes for arctic and sub-arctic wildlife in a natural setting for the recreational enjoyment and educational enrichment of Alaskan residents and visitors to our state.

History of the Alaska Zoo:

In 1966, the Crown Zellerbach paper company held a contest.  The grand prize was "win $3,000 or a baby elephant."  The contest winner, a grocer from the Fairbanks area, surprised everyone when he chose the elephant!  So a two-year-old female Asian elephant was brought to Alaska.  Eventually the grocer offered the elephant to Mrs. Sammye Seawell, who owned the Diamond H horse ranch in Anchorage (they had the only heated stalls available).

As the local community became interested in visiting the elephant (named Annabelle),  Sammye Seawell began to realize that Anchorage needed a place where people could visit animals and learn about them.  In 1968, she led a small group of supporters in forming a non-profit corporation. In 1969 the Alaska Children's Zoo opened, taking in orphaned and injured animals that needed homes.  Over 30 years later, we are still committed to this mission.

Today, the Alaska Zoo sits on 25 wooded acres located in the beautiful hillside area of Anchorage.  We are home to over 100 birds and mammals. We are renovating exhibits, planning new construction and expanding our educational services.  We are one of the most visited attractions in the state, with an annual attendance of close to 200,000 visitors.  Don’t miss your opportunity to experience a unique and special place in Alaska.