Kolmården Wildlife Park

Kolmården Wildlife Park (Swedish: Kolmårdens djurpark) is a prominent zoological institution located in Sweden, recognized as the largest zoo in Scandinavia. Established in 1965, the park overlooks the Bråviken bay and was initially conceived to revitalize the Kolmården Municipality. It has since evolved into a significant attraction, noted for its pioneering exhibits and commitment to animal welfare and visitor experience.

History and Development

The park's foundation dates to 1962 when Ulf Svensson proposed its creation. Upon opening in 1965, it housed 210 animals. Key developments over the years include the opening of the polar bear facility in 1968, which was one of the world's largest at the time. A significant milestone was the inauguration of Scandinavia's first dolphinarium in 1969, which continues to host daily shows. The zoo also introduced a drive-through safari park in 1972, alongside the Tropicarium, which featured reptiles.

In the 1990s, Kolmården transitioned from municipal to private ownership in 1997. The following year saw the opening of Bamses värld, an area dedicated to the popular cartoon character Bamse. Under new management by Parks and Resorts Scandinavia starting in 2001, the park underwent numerous transformations. Tiger World, offering close encounters with tigers, was completed in 2007, and the dolphinarium was expanded into the comprehensive Marine World in 2008. The park also introduced themed roller coasters, including 'The Dolphin Express' and the larger 'Wildfire,' which opened in 2016.

Kolmården achieved a notable success in 2006 with the birth of its first baby gorilla, Enzo, a significant event for Sweden. The park's safari experience was re-envisioned in 2011 with the introduction of 'Safari,' a cableway attraction that traverses five distinct thematic zones: the highland, forest of the bears, the Savannah, the Scandinavian forest, and the Valley of Lions.

Animals and Conservation

The park is home to a diverse array of animals, including two Indian elephants gifted to the King of Sweden by Thailand. Kolmården Wildlife Park holds exclusive rights in Sweden for several species, including gorillas, bottle-nosed dolphins, bush dogs, addax antelopes, oryx antelopes, Indian elephants, takin, Grévy's zebras, and ibex. The dolphinarium currently houses eleven dolphins.

Incidents and Safety

Kolmården Wildlife Park has experienced several serious incidents. In July 1982, a visitor was fatally attacked by lions after leaving their vehicle in the safari area. In 1991, an elephant keeper died when he was crushed between an elephant and a wall. The 'Close contact with wolves' program, which ran from 1991 to 2012, was terminated after a group of wolves killed a biologist and zoo guide. The zoological director at the time faced legal consequences for severe neglect of duty.