For more than five decades, The Alaska Zoo, previously known as The Alaska Children’s Zoo, has held a cherished place in the heart of the Last Frontier. Its remarkable journey commenced in August of 1969 when it welcomed the public through its gates, yet its origin narrative is a uniquely Alaskan tale.

In 1966, the zoo’s saga began with the arrival of a remarkable visitor – a young circus elephant named Annabelle. The story took root when a Fairbanks grocer, who had clinched an unconventional tissue sales competition presented by Crown Zellerbach, faced an extraordinary decision: “$3,000 or a baby elephant.” Against all expectations, he opted for the latter. Consequently, Annabelle, the Asian elephant, embarked on a transition from the world of circus performance to the rugged wilderness of Alaska.

However, the grocer soon recognized the challenges of caring for a baby elephant in Alaska’s harsh climate, especially with winter looming on the horizon. Determined to provide Annabelle with a warm sanctuary, he embarked on a quest to find the right caretaker. This quest led him to Sammye Seawell, the proprietor of Anchorage’s Diamond H Horse Ranch. Sammye possessed not only an innate understanding of horses but also a heated horse stall, rendering her the ideal guardian for Annabelle. Under Sammye’s watchful eye, a profound and unique bond blossomed between her and Annabelle. They could frequently be spotted taking leisurely walks near the horse ranch, creating heartwarming scenes for the onlooking neighbors.

In 1966, the zoo’s saga began with the arrival of a remarkable visitor – a young circus elephant named Annabelle. The story took root when a Fairbanks grocer, who had clinched an unconventional tissue sales competition presented by Crown Zellerbach, faced an extraordinary decision: “$3,000 or a baby elephant.” Against all expectations, he opted for the latter. Consequently, Annabelle, the Asian elephant, embarked on a transition from the world of circus performance to the rugged wilderness of Alaska.

However, the grocer soon recognized the challenges of caring for a baby elephant in Alaska’s harsh climate, especially with winter looming on the horizon. Determined to provide Annabelle with a warm sanctuary, he embarked on a quest to find the right caretaker. This quest led him to Sammye Seawell, the proprietor of Anchorage’s Diamond H Horse Ranch. Sammye possessed not only an innate understanding of horses but also a heated horse stall, rendering her the ideal guardian for Annabelle. Under Sammye’s watchful eye, a profound and unique bond blossomed between her and Annabelle. They could frequently be spotted taking leisurely walks near the horse ranch, creating heartwarming scenes for the onlooking neighbors.

Word of Sammye’s unconventional houseguest rapidly spread throughout the town, drawing people from far and wide who were eager to catch a glimpse of Annabelle. As time passed, Sammye’s vision began to take shape. She aspired to create a better way for the public to interact with Annabelle while simultaneously pursuing her passion for rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife. Wildlife officials soon approached her with an orphaned black bear, later named Tuffy, and an orphaned Arctic fox, later named Sally. In 1968, the Alaska Zoo was officially established as a nonprofit organization. Adjacent land was prepared, and on August 2nd, 1969, the Alaska Children’s Zoo opened its doors to the public.

From that moment forward, the Alaska Zoo became a cherished destination where both locals and visitors forged enduring memories. Numerous generations of families frequented the zoo, nurturing a profound connection with the animals and the natural surroundings of the zoo’s expansive grounds. The zoo transformed into a sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of animals, with many finding permanent residences while others were relocated to other zoological institutions.

Dedicated zoo staff worked tirelessly to rescue animals in need, fostering robust partnerships with local, state, and federal wildlife agencies, as well as local businesses and corporations. Their educational programs expanded to encompass a diverse range of offerings, rivaling those found in major city zoos. All of these accomplishments were made possible by the unwavering support of devoted employees and ardent zoo supporters, whose donations and visits shaped the evolution of the zoo into what it has become today. Reflecting on the past 54 years, the Alaska Zoo is deeply appreciative of the countless memories and experiences shared with the community. It all began with a baby elephant, a compassionate animal enthusiast, and a vision to connect people with animals and essential programs.

Nevertheless, the zoo’s mission continues to evolve. Since its inception in 1969, it has remained the sole zoo in Alaska dedicated to the care of orphaned and injured wildlife. The zoo takes immense pride in its progress, providing top-tier education and conservation programs for the local community, residents across Alaska, and visitors from across the nation and around the world. Despite the expansion of its animal population and facility infrastructure over the years, the Alaska Zoo remains steadfast in its fundamental mission – offering refuge to animals in need. The zoo collaborates closely with wildlife officials and fellow zoos to ensure that animals secure permanent and loving homes amidst its naturally wooded grounds. Remarkably, the Alaska Zoo operates as a nonprofit entity, relying solely on the generous support of individuals and organizations, as it receives no financial assistance from the city, state, or federal government for its daily operations. The zoo holds profound gratitude for the sustained backing of its mission from all those who have contributed to its enduring success.

The Alaska Zoo’s narrative epitomizes resilience, unwavering dedication, and an unswerving commitment to wildlife conservation. With 54 years of service and beyond, it continues to stand as a beacon of hope for animals in need, a source of education and wonder for the community, and a testament to the realization of a dream turned into reality.

Photos courtesy of The Alaska Zoo