Alaska Zoo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Alaska Zoo

Date opened	1969
Location	4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99507, United States
Land area	25 acres (10 ha)
Coordinates	61°07′29″N 149°47′32″W / 61.124799°N 149.792131°W / 61.124799; -149.792131
No. of animals	100
No. of species	35 (as of 2006)
Annual visitors	200,000

The Alaska Zoo is a special place in Anchorage, Alaska. It's located on 25 acres of land, which is about the size of 25 football fields! This zoo is very popular, with almost 200,000 people visiting each year.

The zoo is home to over 100 birds and mammals. These animals represent about 50 different kinds of species. You can see many animals that live naturally in Alaska, like polar bears and moose. The zoo also has some animals from other parts of the world, such as Amur tigers, Bactrian camels, and yaks.

Besides letting people see animals, the zoo also works on important projects. They focus on teaching people about animals, doing research, and helping to protect wildlife. Many animals at the zoo were rescued because they were orphaned or injured.

History of the Zoo

Annabelle's grave at the Alaska Zoo

The story of the Alaska Zoo began in 1966. A man named Jack Snyder won a contest. His prize was either $3,000 or a baby elephant! He chose the elephant, a female Asian elephant named Annabelle. Annabelle first lived at a horse ranch in Anchorage. The ranch owner, Sammye Seawell, had the only warm stalls available for her.

Annabelle became very popular. Because of this, Sammye Seawell decided to create a special place. She wanted a place where people could visit animals and learn about them. So, in 1968, she started a non-profit group.

The zoo first opened in 1969 and was called the Alaska Children's Zoo. Annabelle was one of its first animals. Other animals that needed homes were also brought there. In June 1980, the zoo's name was changed to the Alaska Zoo.

In 1983, another elephant joined the zoo. This was Maggie, a female African elephant. She became a friend for Annabelle.

The zoo gained a lot of attention in 1994 because of a polar bear named Binky. Binky became famous after some visitors got too close to his area. The zoo has since made sure that the polar bear exhibits are very safe for everyone.

Annabelle passed away in 1997. This left Maggie without her companion. In 2004, the zoo decided to keep Maggie in Alaska for a few more years. However, in 2007, Maggie was moved to a special elephant sanctuary in California. There, she could live in a warmer climate and be with other elephants.

Famous Animals at the Zoo

Annabelle (1964–1997), the Asian Elephant

Annabelle was an Asian elephant born in India in 1964. She came to Alaska in 1966 as a contest prize. Annabelle was one of the very first animals at the zoo when it opened in 1969. She lived there with other rescued animals. These included a black bear, a seal, an Arctic fox, and some goats. Annabelle passed away in 1997 due to a foot infection.

Binky (1975–1995), the Polar Bear

Binky was a very well-known polar bear at the Alaska Zoo. He became famous in 1994 for his playful, yet wild, actions. Binky was a big part of the zoo's history.

Maggie (1983– ), the African Elephant

Maggie, an African elephant, arrived at the Alaska Zoo in 1983. She came from Zimbabwe, Africa, where her herd had been culled. This meant she needed a new home. Maggie is also famous for having the world's first elephant treadmill! In 2007, Maggie moved to the PAWS sanctuary in California.

Animals You Can See Today

Helping Animals and Nature

The Alaska Zoo does a lot to help protect animals and their homes. They are very active in conservation efforts and research. They also have many educational programs for visitors. The zoo is part of special programs that help save tigers and snow leopards. They also work with Polar Bear International to protect polar bears. The zoo also does research on many different animals. They often work with the University of Alaska Anchorage on these projects.

See also

In Spanish: Zoológico de Alaska para niños