New Scientific Publication: Changes in Steller Seal Lion Winter Diets Following the Pacific Marine Heatwave
May 1, 2023

Dr. John Maniscalco, Ph. D. — a lead scientist at the ASLC — recently published a peer-reviewed article in Global Ecology and Conservation that looks at how the Pacific marine heatwave could have affected the winter diets of the Endangered population of Steller sea lions in Alaska.
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ASLC Wildlife Response Program Admits First Fur Seal Patient in Six Years
February 3, 2023

The Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a northern fur seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on January 31, 2023. Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017.

 

The female pup, estimated to be around six months old, was seen swimming erratically near the shore in Sitka, Alaska. Her abnormal behavior worried local residents, who reported the pup to the ASLC 24-hour stranding hotline (1-888-774-7325). Sitka is an unusual location to see northern fur seals this time of year, which raised concerns for her survival by ASLC staff. After receiving approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the animal was transported to the Center for treatment.

 

The main concerns found by the ASLC veterinary team upon the initial admit exam were dehydration, malnourishment, and signs of an unknown infection found in her bloodwork. Despite these concerns, she was observed to be active and alert when handled. The team found no evidence of severe physical trauma; however, noted that the pup seems smaller than average for her age. Staff are currently providing initial treatments and examining the patient further to understand more details about her condition. 

 

The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from federal grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. Those interested are encouraged to contribute to the care of rehabilitating marine animals here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of its Wildlife Response Program from companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Matson, PetZoo, GCI, and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as The Stanley J. Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, and The NC Giving Fund. 

 

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ASLC Mourns Unexpected Passing of Steller Sea Lion, Mist
January 30, 2023

The ASLC is saddened to share that Mist, a two-and-a-half-year-old Steller sea lion, unexpectedly passed away on January 23, 2023. The reason for her death is currently unclear. She appeared to experience seizure-like tremors and passed away within minutes of the episode. This is a heartbreaking loss for both the ASLC staff and the entire community.
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Alaska SeaLife Center Announces 2023 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award Recipients
January 23, 2023

These awards are given annually to individuals and organizations
that have made significant contributions to the awareness and sustainability of the state’s marine resources.
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Alaska SeaLife Center Announces New Board Members, Officers
December 7, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors in 2022. Each of these members will serve a three-year term. The Board also elected new officers: Josie Hickel as Chair, Rachel Bunnell as Vice Chair, and Brian Pinkston as Treasurer, with Darryl Schafermeyer continuing as Secretary. Officers will serve in these positions for two years.
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Nominations Now Open for 2023 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards
November 2, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2023 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. ASLC established the Awards to recognize those who have made significant contributions to ocean sciences, education, and resource management in Alaska. Nominations for the 2023 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 12, 2022.
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Otter Pup Patient "Qilak" Arrives to New Home at Shedd Aquarium
October 27, 2022

After nearly two months of rehabilitation at the Alaska SeaLife Center, male sea otter pup "Qilak" finds home in Chicago at Shedd Aquarium.
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ASLC Maintains Prestigious Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
September 20, 2022

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) this week announced that the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) was granted continued accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission for meeting the highest standards in animal wellbeing, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety.
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ASLC Admits Two New Marine Mammal Patients
September 14, 2022

The Wildlife Response Program patients include a young harbor seal and a sea otter pup
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CORaL Network Brings Together Six Alaskan Conservation Organizations
June 24, 2022

CORaL Network Brings Together Six Alaskan Conservation Organizations, EVOSTC Funds Five-Year, $12.5 Million Education Project for Continued Scientific Support
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Alaska SeaLife Center Admits First Two Harbor Seal Pups of 2022 Season
June 13, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted the first two harbor seal pup patients to the Wildlife Response Program on June 2, 2022.
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Updated Safety Procedures Now in Place Due to Avian Influenza
June 2, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center is taking extra measures to protect its resident birds against Avian Influenza.  As a precaution
to keep the birds within its Seabird Aviary safe, we have made the decision to close the aviary at this time. However, the birds are still viewable from the Rocky Coast Area as well as in Underwater Viewing.
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New Safety Procedures Now in Place Due to Avian Influenza
May 25, 2022

A strain of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is currently spreading throughout North America, including Alaska, in domestic poultry and wild birds. Due to this spread, the Alaska SeaLife Center is taking extra measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in its resident birds.
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ASLC Becomes the First Sensory Inclusive Certified Organization in Alaska
April 21, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has partnered with KultureCity to be the first Sensory Inclusive Certified organization in the State of Alaska. With this new certification, ASLC is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting.

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Female Elephant Seal is Alaska SeaLife Center’s First Marine Mammal Patient of 2022
April 12, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center admitted the first marine mammal patient of the year to its Wildlife Response Program, a 1-year-old female elephant seal from Seward. Within a week, the care of this animal concluded with a successful release of the seal back to the ocean.
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2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award Recipients
March 29, 2022

The Alaska SeaLife Center is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards.
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Alaska SeaLife Center and International Bird Rescue Announce Partnership
January 20, 2022

In the event of an oil spill, the facilities will join forces to rescue wildlife in distress
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Beluga Rehabilitation at Alaska SeaLife Center Spurs Scientific Knowledge
December 9, 2021

A recent publication shares research findings from two former beluga calf patients
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Leaving a Legacy - Richard C. Hocking 1951-2021
December 6, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Richard C. Hocking, the Alaska SeaLife Center’s esteemed Aquarium Curator of 24 years.
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Wei Ying Wong Fills New Science and Education Leadership Position
November 8, 2021

The Alaska SeaLife Center is proud to announce that Wei Ying Wong has been chosen to become ASLC’s first Chief Science and Education Officer.
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Nominations open for 2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards
November 3, 2021

ASLC established the Awards to recognize those who have made significant contributions to ocean sciences, education, and resource management in Alaska.
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Alaska SeaLife Center’s Virtual Visits are Back on YouTube
September 23, 2021

Made possible by Royal Caribbean Group
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Alaska SeaLife Center’s Small Fry School is Back on YouTube
September 10, 2021

This ocean-centered program for preschoolers is made possible by Alaska 529
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Alaska SeaLife Center Admits Sea Otter Pup from Seldovia
August 12, 2021

This patient is the first sea otter pup admitted to the Wildlife Response Program in 2021
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Phase One of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Rocky Coast Discovery Pools Completed
July 15, 2021

The new touch pools were a joint effort among generous donors
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