Always something new to tell

Ähtäri Zoo was established in 1973, and this natural wildlife park is the first of its kind in Finland.

An elk named Köpi was the first animal to arrive at Ähtäri Zoo. Wolves and lynx arrived a few years later. Nevertheless, the most famous residents of the Animal Park are Santeri the bear and his mate Santra, who have lived in the Park almost ever since its establishment. At present, Ähtäri Zoo houses 65 animal species, most of which come from the coniferous forest zone. The Park?s latest arrivals are the snow leopards, donated by the Korkeasaari Zoo in honour of the Animal Park?s 30th jubilee year.

Ever since its foundation, our aim has been to provide a spacious and natural environment for the animals. Set in 60 hectares, the area has a varied terrain and flora and it has provided a wonderful opportunity for implementing the basic principles of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) on how to care for farmed animals. In addition, one of the most important tasks of zoos is to promote knowledge of animals and nature and to distribute educational information.

WINTER
In the winter, many animals are at their best.

The snow leopard

The newest arrival at the Animal Park, the snow leopard is well prepared for the winter: its coat is thicker and less dark than in the summer. The animal?s broad paws are also covered by a layer of hair, which makes it easier to move around in the snow.

A native of mountainous areas, the snow leopard is hunted for its valuable fur. The Ähtäri Animal Park contributes to the survival of this endangered species by raising snow leopards and creating opportunities for their breeding.

The wolf

The wolf is shy or at least suspicious by its basic nature. On the other hand, it is extremely quick to learn and adapt, and can be regarded as a wise animal. Born in the spring, the cubs are almost fully grown by winter. The only way to tell them apart from a grown-up is their fluffy cub?s fur.

SPRING

The deer give birth, birds nest and their young begin to hatch in late spring.

The bear

Mid-March sees bears waking up from hibernation. They are not very hungry at first, but gradually ?get used? to eating. Born at the turn of the year, cubs will have grown on mother?s milk alone during the first months of the year. Instead of just a few hundred grams, the fluffy balls of fur now weigh a few kilos. In the outdoors, the cubs play in the snow like children. Even older bears often get caught up in play and dig the snow for their toys from the previous summer.

SUMMER

The warmth of the sun and the wonderful smells of the summer lure the spring?s cubs away from their mothers to explore their new surroundings.

The wolverine

The wolverine is the largest weasel in Europe. The wolverine is a strong and shy wilderness wanderer with a strong jaw. Rather than hunting itself, it prefers to search for the remains of the prey of other animals. Wolverines enjoy warmth and like to lie in the sun. At times they excite each other with playful jousting. Swimming is their forte, and playing with the water is a particular joy.

The roe

The roe is the smallest of our deer. In May or June, the roe gives birth to 1-2 colts, which resemble Bambi from the cartoons with their white spots. Roes are shy and suspicious animals, as well as very particular about their food. Their favourite foods are the willow-herb and raspberries.

AUTUMN

The lynx

The lynx is a predator with extreme patience and great confidence in its excellent sight and hearing. Mastering the hunting skills may take the lynx a couple of years, even though the basic skills are genetic. Playing with a ball is good practice and particularly enjoyed by cubs. In the autumn, the lynx?s fur begins to thicken for the coming winter.

The snowy owl

Owls have excellent memories: they can accurately remember their hunting route in the labyrinthine forest. They also have extremely sharp hearing, which is up to 300 times sharper than that of the pigeon. The feather coat of a male snow owl is almost white, while the female has more brown feathers.

Ähtäri is located in the middle of Finland, some 160 km from Tampere. There is also a convenient train service to the wildlife park Zoo Stop.

The holiday resort next to the Zoo has a camping site and the Hotel Mesikämmen with its spa.

Area size: 60 hectares
Walking route: 3 km
Number of species: over 60
Animal population: approx. 300

Ähtäri (pdf, 5923 KB)