BEARS at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
A one of a kind project now under development.
AWCC is set to begin construction of phase one of the BEARS at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center project. Phase one is a series of boardwalks that will eventually lead the visitor to the BEARS facility. The boardwalks will work their way around and above the bear enclosures to allow the visitor to walk 'through' the enclosure. At a safe height, of course!
The project is slated to begin in early February, and we'll be sure to keep you posted with updates and images along the way!
Education
With Construction of this premier bear facility, AWCC has the opportunity to reach out to the public and provide necessary bear education. Teaming up with Bear Trust International (BTI), the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has assisted in implementing a program that provides education to school teachers who then pass this on to their students. AWCC & BTI continue to work together to move forward bear education in Alaska and throughout the country. More information on BTI can be found here.
Why?
AWCC originally opened knowing that interest in wildlife viewing was growing. Over 3 million people have visited the wildlife center since its inception. With an annual visitation of over a
quarter of a million people, AWCC has the opportunity to reach a large and diverse audience. By implementing the BEARS Center program, AWCC will be able to educate residents and visitors alike on these magnificent animals, and how to safely and responsibly travel and live in bear country.
Who?
Bear viewing in Alaska is an
activity appreciated by local Alaskan residents and visitors alike. No other species is as interesting, captivating or endearing to humans as bears. Millions of visitors come to Alaska each year to
witness and photograph its amazing wildlife resources. Hence, this bear facility has the ability to attract hundreds of thousands of new visitors each year. Seeing a bear is often at the top of most visitors' lists. However, bear
viewing by its very nature, is usually in remote settings and often comes at a high price. This is why AWCC would like to take advantage of the opportunity we have to share our 3 adult brown bears with visitors in a natural setting
only 50 minutes south of Anchorage. School groups, local Alaskans, and visiting summer tourist will have the opportunity to enjoy the Bear Education And Research Sanctuary (BEARS) while viewing bears in a semi-wild natural
environment. Already in place is an 18-acre enclosure, which is home to 3 brown bears, 4 coyotes and other visiting wildlife. Also, a one-acre pond and a coniferous forest are in place and provide a wilderness setting where
animals display their natural and wild behaviors.
How?
AWCC is currently fundraising for this project. The total budget to add the Bear Center to the existing park is approximately $6 million. This will allow us to construct a quality facility that provides the necessary aspect of education and bear interaction, all the time having as little impact on the land and being as green of a building as possible. AWCC has hired Z Architects out of Girdwood to design the building, and has tasked The Sibbett Group out of San Francisco to do the interpretive work in the center. For fundraising ideas, or more information, contact bears@alaskawildlife.org