Concerns over protecting Seward from further spread of novel coronavirus have prompted managers of the Alaska SeaLife Center to close the facility until further notice, while offering free virtual visits to the nonprofit research institution and public aquarium.
The center’s education department is now presenting daily live programs on YouTube at noon and 2 p.m. Alaska time seven days a week.
Everyone is invited to visit ASLC’s virtual classroom to learn about the state’s marine ecosystem and the Alaska animals housed there. Past programs can be accessed from ASLC’s YouTube channel youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter.
ASLC also will stream via live webcam from one of its aquariums on YouTube from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with content changing daily.
While closed to the public, ASLC animal caretakers, veterinarians and researchers continue to work at the center and are seeking financial support from the public at alaskasealife.org/donate. New memberships are also being accepted at alaskasealife.org/memberships to support animals and staff.
The center opened in 1998 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit research institution and public aquarium that promotes understanding and stewardship of the state’s marine ecosystems.
