Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located in the scenic region of Portage Valley, only an hour's drive from Anchorage. This wildlife sanctuary offers a safe haven for orphaned and injured animals native to Alaska, including bears, moose, elk, and wood bison. Covering about 700 acres, the center provides spacious enclosures that mimic the animals' natural environments, allowing them to live in conditions that encourage natural behaviors. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via a 1.5-mile loop road, either by car or on foot, providing numerous opportunities for wildlife photography and learning about Alaskan fauna through educational programs and interpretive displays. The center is involved in critical conservation projects, notably the reintroduction of wood bison, which were once extinct in the wild, to their native habitat. It's a perfect spot for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in conservation efforts, offering a rare chance to witness the majesty of Alaskan wildlife up close.