A friend is wondering if this might be orienteering-related. I can't think of another reasonable interpretation for what the delighted alcid is holding. It looks like a rolled-up paper with a compass rose on it - perhaps a promotional graphic of some sort?
(Background here:
http://www.kvsc.org/trivia/trivianews.html)
That's Seymour Moose. He was part of a wildlife chorus line that was part of the "Wild About Anchorage" television campaign that the Anchorage Convention and Visitor's Bureau put on in the 1980's.
http://www.anchorage.net/1731.cfm
It looks like old Seymour still has his moves but has left his Wild Bunch to begin a solo career indoors.
...but what is Seymour holding (and promoting)?
Seymour Moose - I like the pun there. Is there any truth to the rumour that he was forced into retirement and replaced with his young nephew Kilmore in the early days of the Palin administration?