The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward has launched a fundraising campaign, asking Alaskans to help the center stay open amidst what has been a devastating season for the Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Center said on Monday that based on their current projections, they may be forced to permanently close the doors at the end of the summer. If this happens, they will be forced to send the animals they house to other facilities, lay off staff, and close the building. Despite the grim message, they are optimistic that community help can help turn things around.
Tara Reimer, President and CEO of the SeaLife Center delivered a video message via social media in which she details the state of the Center: “Research that contributes valuable scientific understanding of Alaska’s marine wildlife will be interrupted and there will be on marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility to serve the orphan and injured marine mammals of Alaska. The coronavirus pandemic has been uniquely devastating to the Center. While our non-profit mission includes marine research, education, and a wildlife response, we earn the majority of our revenue over the summer, and it’s obvious that this summer’s tourism season is just not going to be the same. Alaskans have made it a priority to visit us, and we appreciate that, from the bottom of our hearts, but it has not been enough.”
She also encourages action, rather than settling for a grim fate. The Center says there are several ways to help prevent them from closing:
- Become a member, which not only helps them financially, it offers admission to the Center as well as other perks such as gift shop discounts. There are membership tiers for individuals as well as for families.
- Donate directly to the Center by clicking this link and providing whatever funding is available.
- Sign-up to be a fundraiser, using your skills and connections to help raise as many funds as possible in your social circle.
- Finally, the Center says that simply paying them a visit will help offset the lost visitors they have missed due to COVID-19.
