Fourth Harbor Seal Patient Admitted from Nikiski
May 31, 2023

The newborn pup was found on a crowded fishing beach in Nikiski, and observed for several hours without seeing any adult seals in the area. This is the fourth harbor seal pup patient admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center over a seven-day span.
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ASLC Admits Three Harbor Seal Pups from the Copper River Area in Less than 72 Hours
May 26, 2023

Alaska SeaLife Center admits three harbor seal pups from the Copper River area in less than 72 hours. These pups are the first harbor seal patients admitted to the Alaska SeaLife CenteR Wildlife Response Program in 2023.
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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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