Furuviksparken

Furuviksparken, often referred to as Furuvik Zoo, is a multifaceted entertainment venue combining an amusement park with a zoo, located in Furuvik, Sweden, near the city of Gävle. Established in 1900 by Oscar Jakobsson, the park was officially inaugurated by Count Olle Cronstedt. Its history includes significant periods of management that shaped its attractions and public profile.

History and Development

After its founding, Furuviksparken saw a lengthy tenure under Gösta Nygren, who acquired the park in 1938 and managed it for 45 years. During Nygren's stewardship, the park introduced popular features such as the youth circus, Furuviksbarnen, which became a primary draw and also toured extensively. Nygren further enhanced the park's appeal by organizing live concerts featuring renowned artists like Louis Armstrong, Jussi Björling, and Sammy Davis.

The ownership of Furuviksparken has transitioned over the decades. Gävle Municipality assumed control of the park in 1983. It was later sold to Tom Widorson in 2004 and subsequently acquired by its present owner, Parks & Resorts Scandinavia AB, in 2010.

Notable Incidents and Attractions

Furuviksparken gained international attention in March 2009 due to the behavior of a chimpanzee named Santino. This chimpanzee demonstrated remarkable cognitive abilities by planning attacks on visitors. Santino would collect stones from his enclosure's moat and strategically throw them at people. This behavior was cited as evidence that the cognitive capacity for forward planning is not exclusive to humans.

More recently, in December 2022, the zoo faced a serious incident involving the escape of five chimpanzees. The escape resulted in a tragic outcome, with three of the chimpanzees, including Santino, being shot and killed. One chimpanzee was wounded, and another was successfully returned to the zoo. A fourth chimpanzee was later also shot dead.