The Alaska Zoo and the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) are excited to announce a fundraising raffle for two (2) Governors special permits for McNeil River State Game Sanctuary guided brown bear viewing. The winner of this raffle will be able to take another person along on this amazing experience.
The raffle package includes:
Two (2) J Block Guided Viewing Permits for McNeil River Sanctuary for the viewing dates of July 13-16, 2026. Departure from Homer and return to Homer will be weather/tide dependent.
Two (2) roundtrip float plane tickets between Homer and McNeil.
$500 reimbursed to you for your hotel stay in Homer.
Ticket Packages 🎟️
1 raffle ticket for $25.00
6 raffle tickets for $100.00
35 raffle tickets for $500.00
100 raffle tickets for $1,000.00
Please note: If you won a permit last year, you cannot be a permit holder the following year. This raffle is for special viewing permits and is separate from the regular McNeil Lottery. You may apply in the regular lottery and in the raffle to increase your chances. Ticket purchases are non-refundable. Purchases cannot be applied to different raffle packages, all purchases are final. Please double check your purchase in checkout.
The Alaska Zoo and IBA are nonprofits dedicated to the conservation, public awareness, research and management of brown bears as well as bears around the world. We believe that learning about and viewing brown bears in their wild habitat is an unforgettable experience which can also benefit conservation.
Funds raised by this raffle will support our organizations in several ways. Of the funds generated, 30% will be split between the zoo and IBA. The IBA portion will support their work to promote bear research, conservation and management. The zoo’s portion will support public bear awareness programs as well as the raising of orphaned brown bear cubs. The remaining 70% of the funds will go to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) for non-game species conservation projects.
The raffle period is February 1, 2026 at 12:00am through May 10, 2026 at 11:55pm.
How the winner is chosen:
The winning ticket will be chosen by random number generator.
The winner will be notified on May 11th, 2026.
The winner has 48 hours to accept the prize and commit to the permit use.
If no acceptance is given 48 hours from notification, another winner will be chosen.
The winner has the option to give the package to someone else.
All entrants will be notified by email of their status after the winner has accepted.
Every purchase makes a significant difference in this fundraising raffle.
Thank you for your support!