Korkeasaari Zoo
Korkeasaari Zoo, also known as Helsinki Zoo, is Finland's largest zoo, situated on Korkeasaari island in Helsinki. Established in 1889, it is now operated by a non-profit foundation and is a significant visitor attraction in the city. The zoo plays a role in international conservation efforts, participating in breeding programs and maintaining studbooks for several species.
Key Facts
- ›Korkeasaari Zoo was established in 1889.
- ›It is operated by the non-profit Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation.
- ›The zoo is a full member of EAZA, WAZA, and the IUCN.
- ›It holds European studbooks for markhors, European forest reindeers, and snowy owls.
- ›Korkeasaari Zoo features two tropical buildings: Amazonia and Africasia.
Amazonia, Africasia
Amur Tiger, Snow Leopard, Przewalski's Horse, Barbary Macaque, Snowy Owl, Bearded Vulture, European Otter
Eaza Ex-Situ Programme, Reintroduction Programmes
About Korkeasaari Zoo
Korkeasaari Zoo, also known as Helsinki Zoo, stands as Finland's largest zoological institution, situated on the island of Korkeasaari within Helsinki. Its origins date back to 1889, making it one of the older zoos in the region. Today, the zoo is managed by the Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to its operation and development.
History and Operation
The island of Korkeasaari was a popular recreational spot for Helsinki residents prior to the zoo's establishment. In the late 19th century, a restaurant on the island led to disturbances, prompting the city to lease the island to the Helsinki Liquor Company. This company envisioned a zoo as a more refined public entertainment option. Although an initial proposal for a zoo in Alppila was rejected, the plan for Korkeasaari was realized in 1889. The zoo's ownership transitioned to the City of Helsinki in 1920 following financial difficulties faced by the liquor company, exacerbated by Prohibition. For many years, it operated under the city's administration until the end of 2017, when it transitioned to foundation status.
Conservation and Collection
Korkeasaari Zoo is an active participant in international conservation efforts, holding full memberships in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The zoo collaborates with other modern zoos on the EAZA Ex-situ Programme and engages in reintroduction programs. It holds the European studbooks for markhors, European forest reindeers, and snowy owls, serving as their conservation coordinator.
As of the end of 2025, the zoo housed 177 animal species, with a collection emphasizing European and Asian species that can adapt to Finland's climate. Notable residents include the Amur tiger, snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, Barbary macaque, snowy owl, bearded vulture, and European otter. The zoo also features two tropical buildings, Amazonia and Africasia, which showcase a variety of tropical species including small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects.
Facilities and Education
Beyond its animal collections and conservation work, Korkeasaari Zoo operates a Wildlife Hospital dedicated to the care of injured and orphaned wild animals. It also hosts a nature school for children, aiming to educate younger generations about wildlife and conservation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Korkeasaari Zoo founded?
Korkeasaari Zoo was first opened in 1889. Its establishment was initially planned by the Helsinki Liquor Company as a more refined form of public entertainment.
Who operates Korkeasaari Zoo today?
Korkeasaari Zoo is currently maintained by the Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation, which took over operations at the end of 2017. This foundation is a public benefit organization.
What is the conservation focus of Korkeasaari Zoo?
Korkeasaari Zoo is actively involved in conservation work, being a member of EAZA, WAZA, and IUCN. It participates in EAZA Ex-situ Programmes and reintroduction initiatives, and holds European studbooks for specific species.
What types of animals can be seen at Korkeasaari Zoo?
The zoo's collection features 177 animal species, primarily European and Asian animals suited to Finland's climate, such as Amur tigers, snow leopards, and snowy owls. It also houses tropical species in its Amazonia and Africasia buildings.
Does Korkeasaari Zoo have any special facilities?
Yes, Korkeasaari Zoo operates a Wildlife Hospital for injured and orphaned wild animals and runs a nature school for children. It also has two tropical buildings, Amazonia and Africasia.
Related Zoos
Ähtäri Zoo
Ähtäri Zoo is a 60-hectare zoological park located in Ähtäri, Finland, originally established in 1973. While it faced bankruptcy in 2025 and was set to close, a new company, Mesi Zoo Oy, took over operations in February 2026, ensuring its continuation. The zoo is particularly known for its Finnish wildlife like bears and wolves, and notably housed giant pandas on a 15-year lease from China.
Escurial Zoo and Flower Park
Escurial Zoo and Flower Park, formerly known as the Liminka zoo, is located in Liminka, North Ostrobothnia, Finland. Established in 1987, it relocated to its present site in 1995 and houses nearly 400 animals, including a variety of mammals and birds, alongside amenities like a cafe, grill areas, and a garden market.
Ranua Zoo
Ranua Zoo, also known as Ranua Wildlife Park, is the northernmost zoo in Finland and the second northernmost in the world. It is a wildlife park and holiday resort that focuses on arctic animal species, featuring Finland's only polar bears and housing top predators like lynx, brown bears, and wolves.