Adopt A Porcupine
Twix, a female porcupine, was orphaned in May 2018 in Juneau, Alaska. She was one day old when found with her umbilical cord still attached. Raising Twix from infancy has allowed us to learn a lot about porcupettes, including their needs and natural behaviors. Porcupettes nurse from their mother for up to 4 months and can eat vegetation after just a few weeks. As an orphan, Twix was bottle-fed with goat milk because it is gentle on the stomach and very nutritious. Porcupettes are born with their quills that harden within hours of birth.
Baby Ruth was found near a trail head in Homer, AK. It was very apparent she was being hand-fed and would often follow people around looking for food. Since she was habituated with people, and is still very young, she was picked up by the ADF&G and brought to AWCC. This is a valuable lesson on why we discourage anyone from ever feeding wildlife. Animals quickly become reliant on humans and will no longer fend for themselves. Therefore, Baby Ruth is now in our care. Baby Ruth is currently on display near the moose observation deck. Baby Ruth loves her new home, walking on her back legs to ask for food, and enjoys hanging out with her care givers!
Heath was found near Ninilchik frozen on the ground in the middle of a hiking path. He was cold and looked like he had been attacked by another animal since all of his quills were missing and he was very weak. He was picked up by a passer-by who contacted ADF&G, who then got in touch with AWCC. This is a good reminder that springtime is rich with babies, and if you are worried about an orphan, please leave the wildlife alone and call ADF&G. He was also found with a missing front leg… Heath has had a rough start but is doing well adapting to his new home at AWCC with his keepers. Heath is an avid climber, and enjoys snacking on grapes and nuts, especially pecans.
By adopting an animal at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, you can enjoy animal parenthood without all the work! Our professional staff will provide a special diet, environment, and veterinary care that your animal requires. You’ll enjoy wonderful benefits with each adoption level, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to provide a good home for your selected animal at the AWCC. Adopted animals remain in the care of AWCC.
Adoption Levels & Benefits:
Opt Green Option: All levels may choose to receive adoption certificates digitally or to opt out of the gifts and have 100% of your adoption amount to support our animals.
The Skulk Level $30
The Green option! It includes digital adoption certificate and the digital quarterly newsletter. (This option is digital and is available internationally. Shipping not available.) If purchasing as a gift, please include recipient’s emails in the “Order Notes” at checkout. Tax-deductible amount $25.
The Chain Level $50
Adoption certificate, small animal plush toy*, animal trading card, and the digital quarterly newsletter.
*Reindeer & Muskox not available at this level. Tax-deductible amount $25.
The Prickle Level $100
Adoption certificate, large animal plush toy, animal trading card, and the digital quarterly newsletter. Tax-deductible amount $50.
The Yoke Level $100
Adoption certificate, T-shirt (please indicate size), animal trading card, and the digital quarterly newsletter. Tax-deductible amount $50.
The Gang Level $500
Adoption certificate, tote bag, animal plush toy, T-shirt (please indicate size), and the digital quarterly newsletter. Tax-deductible amount $410.
The Parliament Level $1,000
Adoption certificate, a Walk on the Wild Side tour for 4 people (reservations required), and the digital quarterly newsletter. Tax-deductible amount $495.
All levels may choose to receive adoption certificates digitally or to opt out of the gifts and have 100% of your adoption amount to support our animals.