McNeil Bear Viewing Raffle
A winner has been chosen!
Congratulations to Sue Cicila on winning the McNeil Brown Bear Viewing Raffle! We thank everyone who entered the raffle in support of the bears of McNeil. You raised $150,260 to split among the Alaska Zoo (15%), International Association for Bear Research and Management (15%), and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (70%) for bear conservation and non-game wildlife programs. Thank you for your support!
Thank you to Beluga Air for their generous donation of two outdoor gear rental packages for the raffle winners.
About the Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting conservation of Arctic, sub-Arctic and like climate species through education, research and community enrichment. The zoo focuses on providing homes for orphaned and injured wildlife, primarily native to Alaska. Each year, the zoo cares for orphaned polar, black and brown bear cubs who are brought in by ADF&G or USFWS biologists. The agencies and zoo staff maintain a list of qualified facilities to provide permanent homes for these cubs with the Alaska Zoo being the first option is habitat space is available. Since the zoo opened 1969, over 100 cubs in need have been given a new chance at life. The zoo also holds an annual bear awareness event called Bear Aware in May, a partnership event among agencies and nonprofits to remind the public of how to live and recreate safely in bear country in an effort to protect bears and keep them wild. This information is included in zoo education programs throughout the year.
About IBA
The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) supports bear scientists, managers and conservation. From humble beginnings in 1968, IBA has grown into a thriving community of bear biologists, managers, technicians, educators, and conservationists. IBA has approximately 500 members in over 40 countries, and receives assistance from donors, partner organizations and non-members as well. IBA impacts bear conservation through conferences, publications, grants and a website. Their efforts focus on supporting member work and training the next generation of bear professionals. To learn more about IBA, visit their website here.
For questions about this raffle, contact us here.
Photos and videos were taken at McNeil River Sanctuary by IBA President John Hechtel.