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Guests Help Name Next Rescue Moose at AWCC

View of rescued moose, Pip & Jo, all grown up and relaxing in the grass, at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

This summer we asked our Holland America Line community on Facebook and Instagram to suggest nicknames for the next rescued moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). It’s clear we have a lot of wildlife lovers from sea to sea, and they jumped at the chance to a-moose us with their recommendations! We’re grateful that no baby moose were orphaned this season, and we’re also grateful for everyone’s participation and creativity, which resulted in “Denali” topping the list.  

About the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center 

Dedicated to preserving Alaska wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care, AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing them with over 200 acres of spacious habitats. This safe haven and its furry residents can be found at the heart of Portage Valley, surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Helping them feel at home, these wild residents can display their natural wild behavior. 

Upwards of 255,000 visitors come through AWCC’s gates each year to experience the beauty of over a dozen different species of Alaska wildlife. You may see brown bears cooling off in the water, a black bear lounging in a tree, a moose showing off as it struts across the field, a porcupine enjoying a climb, and more. 

Most animals that come into their facility are given a name to help foster a bond with their caring crew and visitors around the world.  

We’re a proud partner of AWCC and the incredible work they do in caring for and protecting Alaska wildlife.  

View of moose eating food at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Enjoy a Moose Meet & Greet  

When you book a shore excursion with a stop at AWCC, you can enjoy a moose encounter with residents, Pip and Jo. Through this wild meet and greet, moose eat right out of your hands while the team shares information about their diet, behavior and wild counterparts.

Pip is short for Pippi Longstocking. She was found alone in May 2020 and was too young to be on her own. She’s sweet and independent. Though she enjoys meeting visitors, she also enjoys her alone time. 

Jo was rescued the same season as Pip following the loss of her mom. She’s named after Josephine March from Little Women. Despite being only a week or two older than Pip, she has positioned herself as the leader in their small but mighty group. 

You can visit AWCC, Pip and Jo on these Alaska shore excursions:

Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Conservation Center & Alyeska Tram
Portage Glacier Cruise & Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Moose Fun Facts 

  • Alaska’s moose are the largest of the species, typically referred to as the “Yukon Moose.” 
  • Their habitat is typically forested areas, but increasingly they can be found in suburban areas as well. 
  • Recognized as the largest member of the deer family, only adult males (also known as bulls) grow antlers. Some of the largest antlers can be found on Alaskan bulls.
  • Moose can be intimidating creatures of the wild, standing upwards of six feet tall or more! 
  • Learn more about Alaska wildlife and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.*  

    *By clicking this link, you will be leaving the Holland America Line website and navigating to a third-party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Holland America Line or any of its affiliates. 

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