Alaska Zoo gears up for summer with special Bear Aware and Mother’s Day

ANCHORAGE – This May, the Alaska Zoo has several ways for visitors to enjoy the beginning of summer. The zoo will offer fun and informational safety activities for the whole family with its annual Bear Aware event on Sunday, May 13, featuring free zoo admission for moms in honor of Mother’s Day.

Offered in partnership with the Anchorage Bear Committee, Bear Aware will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. The family-friendly awareness workshop will feature hands-on activities throughout the zoo grounds, such as how to read bear behavior, use bear spray safely, keep a bear-aware home and campsite as well as what to do in the instance of a bear encounter. One of the most popular demonstrations is a bear-resistant trash bin test starring the zoo’s resident black and brown bears. Additional Bear Aware event details are available on the Alaska Zoo website.

“The Alaska Zoo always looks forward to the summer season and the exciting events and extended hours that come along with it,” said Alaska Zoo Executive Director Patrick Lampi. “Whether guests are learning important skills like bear safety or just exploring the grounds and getting to know the beautiful, remarkable animals who call the Alaska Zoo home, our goal is to continuously provide fun and educational opportunities.”

From May 12 to Sept. 20, the Alaska Zoo will offer complimentary shuttle service, running every hour between the zoo and downtown Anchorage at the corner of 4th Avenue and F Street. The Alaska Zoo will operate on extended summer hours from June 1 to Aug. 31, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. During the month of September, hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Complete details on upcoming Alaska Zoo events are available at www.AlaskaZoo.org.