Belugas Count! 2026 will be held on Sunday, September 13, at locations throughout
Cook Inlet. 2026 station information and directions will be posted to the Belugas Count website soon. To keep up to date on the latest event information, follow the Belugas Count! Facebook page.
This year's event includes:
Multiple publicly accessible beluga viewing stations throughout Cook Inlet, staffed by beluga experts from throughout the U.S.
A free afternoon celebration at the Alaska Zoo with interactive educational activities for kids and adults, booths, and live presentations by beluga experts and aquaria.
2026 Lead Planning Partners: Alaska Zoo, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of Anchorage Wildlife Refuge, and The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project.
What is Belugas Count!?
Belugas Count! is an annual celebration that brings together members of the public to focus on the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, fostering local pride, awareness, and stewardship. The NOAA Fisheries-led event is a collaboration among government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, Tribes, industry, zoos and aquaria across the country, as well as individuals.
Belugas Count! occurs every September, typically on a Saturday. The event is free and open to the public; no registration is required.
View the flyer here.
