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: Frozen fish and meat (less than 2 years, frozen, sealed, no smoking, no seasoning), Graham Crackers, Jello, Rye Crackers Food Coloring, Dried fruit (not cranberries), Unsalted nuts, Popcorn kernels, Bird Suet, Jelly/Jam/Preserves, Peanut Butter, Honey, Canned whip cream, Dog/cat treats, Dog/cat canned food, Canned pumpkin, Spices (especially cinnamon), Catnip, Perfumes/body spray/cologne.

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)

  • Kape Espresso Tayo Zoo Coffee Shop (open until 4pm on Dec. 21)

  • 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 Gift Shop open for business with fun animal gifts

  • Zoo Lights - 5-8pm

    • The zoo will remain open until 8pm. Zoo members will have FREE entry to the event from 12-6 and FREE Zoo Lights on this evening (zoo members only). Non-members pay general admission rates until 5pm, then Zoo Lights rates for non-member entry after 5pm. It's a great time to become a zoo member! Visit our website to become a member online!

We thank our Zoo Lights Sponsors:

Event entry: