Alaska SeaLife Center

06/01/2026

And after the eider "massing" exams, staff monitor the birds for any signs of stress after handling and to make sure everyone is comfortable.

That gave our photographer a great chance to get some up close photos of the stunning male spectacled eiders! 📷

05/31/2026

What better way to celebrate World Sea Lion Day than to watch a livestream of a wild Steller sea lion rookery?

Our research team has been monitoring the Chiswell Island rookery of the Endangered population of Steller sea lions for over 25 years, and now the public catch see what our researchers see every day!

I think I see at least three pups in the rookery now! 👀

https://www.youtube.com/live/aHDHAfFKng0?si=LBnu0-pl23YYW62Y

05/30/2026

Check out a recent spectacled eider exam during one of our monthly "eider massings!"
These routine health checks help our animal care and veterinary teams monitor weight, body condition, administer any needed medications, and ensure each bird is thriving before heading back to the water.

The Alaska SeaLife Center’s flock of Steller’s and spectacled eiders is part of a long running research and conservation program established in 2001 to support the recovery of these threatened waterfowl species in Alaska. Many of these birds are now over 20 years old, making regular health exams an important part of their care.

05/29/2026

Our minds are on Alaska birds here at the ASLC while we prepare for next weekend's Seward Seabird Festival!

So it's a perfect time to talk about our research flocks of Steller's and spectacled eiders.

While all animals at the ASLC receive incredible daily and veterinary care, birds can be especially challenging when it comes to spotting signs of illness. Many bird species instinctively hide symptoms until they are very sick, making proactive exams an important part of their care.

That’s why our animal care and veterinary teams perform monthly “eider massing” exams (outside of breeding season) for our research flock of spectacled and Steller’s eiders.

Here's an up close look at the Steller's eider exams! These hands on checkups help our teams monitor body condition, weight, administer medications, and more. Check back tomorrow for more!

05/29/2026

This season’s first rescued harbor seal pup officially has a name, and it comes with a heart warming story! ❤️

Longtime ASLC supporters from Seward won an auction package at the 2026 Alaska SeaLife Center Soiree to name one of the year's first harbor seal patients. Instead of choosing a name themselves, they wanted local Seward students to choose the name.

ASLC staff selected this year’s naming theme: old timey names. Then students from Seward Elementary School wrote name ideas on a big bulletin board. Finalists were narrowed down, and the final vote happened through a fun penny war fundraiser that raised more than $300 to support the ASLC Wildlife Response Program!

Since the first rescued harbor seal pup of the season is male, his official name is:

✨Stanley Sealton✨

Thank you to the students, teachers, and community members who helped welcome Stanley Sealton into rescue care while supporting marine mammal response in Alaska! 🦭

05/27/2026

Hi miss Mishka! 😍

A great way to celebrate World Otter Day is to celebrate an ASLC Wildlife Response Patient graduate! Mishka was rescued after being caught in a fishing net at a young age in 2015, and was deemed non-releasable by the USFWS. She now lives with our friends at the Seattle Aquarium ❤

05/26/2026

Tune in NOW to watch one of the first wild Steller sea lion births on the Chiswell Island rookery! Female "Dijon" is currently in labor, and our scientists believe she is having a heads-first birth. Dijon was first seen and identified in 2016 by ASLC scientists.

Tune in now to see this incredible moment in nature!

You are seeing a livestream of what ASLC scientists are seeing right now on the Chiswell Island Steller sea lion rookery. ASLC scientists have been monitorin...

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service.

Their sacrifice reminds us of the responsibility we all share to protect the places and communities we hold dear. We carry forward our gratitude for their legacy, today and every day.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is open today as a place of reflection, learning, and connection with the natural world.

05/25/2026

These past few weeks reminded us just how incredible the ASLC supporter community is ❤️

Whether you sent supplies to our teams from the Amazon Wishlist (https://www.alaskasealife.org/wishlist), donated to help fix our walk-in freezer, or simply follow and share the ASLC story, you are part of our work to protect Alaska’s marine life.

As a thank you, we wanted to share a first hand look at this year’s first harbor seal patient admitted into the ASLC Wildlife Response Program.

This moment is possible because of you! Thank you!

05/23/2026

Almost all newly admitted seal pups arrive dehydrated and need extra rehydration support in addition to their regular feedings.

One way our Wildlife Response team helps is by administering supplemental fluids subcutaneously using syringes to help these pups recover and regain strength. To maintain proper hygiene and patient care standards, syringes are changed frequently throughout the animal’s time in rehabilitation.

That means we go through a LOT each season. You can help support rescued seal pups by donating some from our wishlist >>> https://www.alaskasealife.org/wishlist

Pictured here is our first admit of 2026, PV2502, receiving fluids when he first arrived to the ASLC.