Christmas for the Animals

A family tradition at the Alaska Zoo since the 1970’s.

Saturday, December 21st, 2024 from 12-6pm, with Zoo Lights on until 8pm.

Bring food donations for zoo animals between 12-6pm and stuff the large stockings hung at each habitat. Feel free to bring a sled, cart or bag to take your food donations to the habitats of your favorite zoo animals. Volunteers will make rounds to empty stockings and sort food in the commissary.

Stockings will be taken down at 6pm.

Ideas for food donations: Unseasoned frozen fish, unseasoned frozen meat (no bear meat), fresh carcass hide, fresh carcass bones, honey, lard, any fresh produce, dog treats, cat treats, peanut butter, jelly, food coloring, raisins, cereal, oatmeal, noodles, rice, graham crackers, paper cups, canned dog food, canned cat food, unsalted nuts, goat milk powder, food extracts, essential oils, spray whipped cream, dried fruits, dried meal worms, dried crickets, canned veggies, frozen veggies.

Ideas for gifts for zoo animals: Gift cards to Lowe’s Home Improvement, Home Depot, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Petco, Animal Food Warehouse, Alaska Mill and Feed or any other pet supplier.

We thank our Christmas for the Animals Sponsors:

We thank food and beverage vendors:

Event highlights:

  • Stuffing stockings with food donations at animal habitats - 12-6pm

  • Caroling by local groups by bonfire at old admissions - 12-6pm

  • Trendy Eats food truck (12-6pm) and Kape Espresso Tayo Zoo Coffee Shop

  • North Pole Craft Village by Walmart in greenhouse - 12-6pm

  • Storytime with Mrs. Claus and Elf with Best Beginnings in Discovery Center - 2pm & 4pm

  • Santa photos in Discovery Center - 1-5pm

  • Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Best Beginnings - 12-6pm

  • Petting Zoo - 1-3pm

  • Polar Bear Trail Talks - 12-6pm

  • Porcupine Presentation - 3pm

  • Zoo Lights - 5-8pm

We thank our Zoo Lights Sponsors:

Event entry: