Alaska Zoo
Discover Alaska's unique wildlife at the Alaska Zoo, home to polar bears, moose, wolves, and rescued animals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Alaska Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Alaska's unique wildlife at the Alaska Zoo, home to polar bears, moose, wolves, and rescued animals.
"A nice laid-back experience with everything you want to see and you can get pretty close."
🎯 Check Feeding Schedules
Arrive during keeper talks or feeding times for the most active animal viewing. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo is walkable, but you'll cover ground. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Polar Bears
Polar Bear Exhibit
Witness these magnificent Arctic giants in their habitat. A must-see for many visitors!

Native Alaskan Mammals
Various Exhibits
Encounter iconic Alaskan wildlife like brown bears, moose, wolves, and snow leopards.
Rescued Animal Stories
Orphaned Moose & Wolverine Kits
Learn about animals like Skeeter the moose calf and the wolverine kits, rescued and cared for by the zoo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Sightings
Embrace the Alaskan Wildlife Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Feeding Schedules
Arrive during keeper talks or feeding times for the most active animal viewing. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo is walkable, but you'll cover ground. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
You can see most animals in about an hour, but 2 hours allows for a relaxed pace. :stopwatch:
🐻 Focus on Alaskan Natives
Prioritize seeing the unique Alaskan animals; they are the zoo's specialty. :bear:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Feeding Schedules
Arrive during keeper talks or feeding times for the most active animal viewing. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The zoo is walkable, but you'll cover ground. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
You can see most animals in about an hour, but 2 hours allows for a relaxed pace. :stopwatch:
🐻 Focus on Alaskan Natives
Prioritize seeing the unique Alaskan animals; they are the zoo's specialty. :bear:
📱 Check for Events
Look for special 'Family Fun Days' or keeper events for an enhanced visit. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Alaska Zoo to be a charming and worthwhile stop, particularly for its focus on native Alaskan wildlife. While some exhibits could benefit from modernization, the accessible enclosures and friendly staff create a positive experience. It's a great option for families and those wanting to see unique local animals.
"16 bucks for veterans. The bears alone are worth the price. It's a small zoo - you can see everything in an hour if you're quick. But they've got everything you want to see and you can get pretty close. I was 3 feet from the snow leopard and 6 feet from the black bear. Overall a nice laid-back experience."
Seth
"A small zoo , easy to walk around & every exhibit set up to easily view each animal. I hope to see the exhibits renovated into larger living spaces for the animals similar to The Tiger & wolves enclosure . Overall we enjoyed our time ."
Erin D
"For Alaska, The Alaska Zoo is a good stop to go if you are visiting or if you have kids here in Alaska. A fun time indeed seeing the animals and if you plan right see many attractions that they have going on. We got to watch zookeepers feed some animals just because we were there at the right time! We took our time with older kids and finished in about 2 hours to see all the exhibits.
Hope you get to see the Polar Bears we didn’t 😉
The brown bears exhibit makes up for that and so much more. Posted as much as allowed!
I mentioned zookeepers, any staff for that matter is kind and great here. All a big plus!!"
Kenny Menendez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Alaska Zoo is located south of downtown Anchorage. You can drive, take a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transportation. The People Mover bus system has routes that stop near the zoo. Check their schedule for the most convenient options.
Yes, the Alaska Zoo offers ample parking for visitors. It's generally easy to find a spot, especially on weekdays.
Depending on your starting point in Anchorage, walking might be possible but is a significant distance. It's more practical to use transportation options.
For families, driving or using a rideshare service offers the most flexibility. Public transport is an option but may require more planning with young children.
Yes, the People Mover bus system serves the area around the Alaska Zoo. Consult their route map and schedule for specific lines and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but general admission is reasonably priced. They often offer discounts for seniors, military, and veterans. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to save time.
The zoo's hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Alaska Zoo website for their current operating hours before your visit.
Yes, the zoo typically offers discounts for veterans, seniors, and children. Look out for special promotions or membership options.
While not always mandatory, booking timed entry online can help manage crowds and ensure entry, especially on busy days.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The polar bears are a major draw, along with native Alaskan species like brown bears, moose, wolves, and snow leopards. Don't miss the rescued animals like Skeeter the moose calf.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the zoo. You can see everything quickly in an hour, or take your time and enjoy the exhibits.
While there aren't extensive play structures, the zoo is designed to be engaging for children with plenty of animal viewing opportunities. Special 'Family Fun Days' often include activities.
Many exhibits allow for close viewing, with some visitors reporting being just a few feet from animals like snow leopards and black bears.
If you notice an animal is stressed, like the wolves pacing, avoid encouraging them by banging on enclosures or making loud noises. Respect their space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo typically has a cafe or snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks. Options may include light snacks, meals, and beverages.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. It's a good idea to check the zoo's specific policy on their website.
The zoo may have designated picnic areas, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy your own packed lunch amidst the natural surroundings.
Expect typical zoo fare like hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Options might be limited, so bringing your own food is a good backup.
Zoo food prices can be on the higher side, as is common at such attractions. Packing your own snacks can help save money.
📸 📸 Photography
The polar bear and brown bear exhibits offer dramatic photo opportunities. Also, try to capture the unique Alaskan wildlife like moose and wolves.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, avoid using flash photography, especially near sensitive animals, as it can disturb them.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance, while a wider lens can be good for capturing the habitat and overall scene.
Tripods might be restricted in certain areas to avoid congestion. Always be mindful of other visitors and the animals' well-being.
Use a zoom lens and try to shoot during times when animals are most active. Patience is key! Look for opportunities during feeding times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during feeding times or keeper talks to keep children engaged and ensure they see the animals at their most active. Bringing snacks and drinks is a good idea, though there are food options available. The zoo's layout is generally stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on a weekday morning can help you avoid peak crowds and potentially enjoy a more relaxed experience. The zoo is relatively compact, so you can see most of the animals in a couple of hours, making it an efficient use of your time and budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Utilize a telephoto lens to get close-ups of animals from a distance. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon can provide softer lighting and more active animals. Be mindful of enclosure barriers and avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals and result in poor image quality.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Alaska Zoo: Native Wildlife
Many of the animals at the zoo are there due to rescue situations. Stories like that of Skeeter, the moose calf found alone on a beach, or the wolverine kits born to a rescued mother, highlight the zoo's crucial role in wildlife conservation. These narratives add a layer of emotional connection for visitors, emphasizing the importance of protecting Alaska's wild inhabitants. The zoo provides a unique opportunity to learn about these animals and the challenges they face in the wild.
While the zoo does house some non-native species like tigers and camels, the true stars are the Alaskan residents. Planning your visit around feeding times or keeper talks can significantly enhance your experience, as animals are often more active and visible then. The zoo's layout allows for relatively close viewing, making it a rewarding experience for all ages.
Navigating the Alaska Zoo: Tips from Visitors
Many visitors recommend checking the zoo's schedule for keeper talks and feeding demonstrations. These events not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable insights into the animals' behavior and care. Arriving early on a weekday is often suggested to avoid crowds and see the animals when they are most active. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be on your feet exploring the grounds.
While the zoo is well-maintained, some reviews mention a desire for exhibit renovations to create larger living spaces, similar to more modern zoo designs. Despite this, the overall sentiment is positive, with many appreciating the accessible enclosures that allow for close encounters with the animals. The staff are consistently praised for their kindness and helpfulness, adding to the positive visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit