Nordens Ark
Sweden·Conservation Breeding Center·20th century
Nordens Ark, also known as the Ark of the North, is a zoo situated on the historic Åby Manor in Bohuslän, Sweden. Established in 1989, it operates as a non-profit foundation dedicated to breeding and reintroducing endangered Nordic and exotic species, playing a significant role in conservation efforts.
Key Facts
- ›Located on the 383-hectare (950-acre) Åby Manor in Bohuslän, Sweden.
- ›Opened in 1989 and operated by the Nordens Ark Foundation.
- ›A member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) since 1992 and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) since 1994.
- ›Participates in re-population projects for species like the white stork, European wildcat, and lynx.
- ›Has a national responsibility for rearing and reintroduction of the white-backed woodpecker and peregrine falcon, among others.
- ›Receives approximately 100,000 visitors annually.
- White Stork Re-Population
- Eagle Owl Re-Population
- Bell Frog Re-Population
- Otter Re-Population
- European Wildcat Re-Population
- Lynx Re-Population
- White-Backed Woodpecker Rearing and Reintroduction
- Peregrine Falcon Rearing and Reintroduction
- Green Toad Rearing and Reintroduction
- Lesser White-Fronted Goose Rearing and Reintroduction
- Beetle Species Rearing and Reintroduction
About Nordens Ark
Nordens Ark, meaning "Ark of the North," is a zoological institution and conservation center located on the historic Åby Manor in Bohuslän, Sweden. Established in 1989, it is operated by the Nordens Ark Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the breeding and reintroduction of endangered species.
History and Estate
The estate on which Nordens Ark is situated, Åby Manor, has a long history, with evidence of King Håkon of Norway residing there in 1307. The manor has undergone several ownership changes and developments over the centuries, with significant structures like the dwelling house dating back to 1729 and parts of the barn believed to be from the 17th century. The Bohus Breeding Center Foundation was established in 1988, and Nordens Ark was officially inaugurated in 1989. The foundation purchased Åby Manor in 1996, and by 1997, it adopted its current name, Nordens Ark Foundation.
Conservation Focus
Nordens Ark plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, focusing on three main categories of breeding and rearing: endangered old Nordic breeds, endangered Nordic wild mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, and endangered exotic wild mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects from environments similar to Nordic ones. The facility is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), adhering to international standards for animal welfare and conservation.
Projects and Operations
The zoo actively participates in re-population projects, aiming to release animals born at the facility back into the wild. Notable species involved in these efforts include the white stork, eagle owl, bell frog, otter, European wildcat, and lynx. Nordens Ark also holds national responsibility for the rearing and reintroduction of species such as the white-backed woodpecker, peregrine falcon, green toad, lesser white-fronted goose, and various beetle species. A significant portion of the park, known as Lunden, is dedicated to quarantine and breeding and is not accessible to the public. Nordens Ark is open daily to visitors, attracting approximately 100,000 people each year.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nordens Ark established?
Nordens Ark was inaugurated on June 14, 1989, by Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. The foundation that operates the zoo was originally founded on March 8, 1988, as the Bohus Breeding Center Foundation and changed its name to Nordens Ark Foundation in 1997.
What is the size of Nordens Ark?
Nordens Ark is situated on the 383-hectare (950-acre) Åby Manor. The foundation that owns and runs the zoo possesses this significant area.
What is the primary mission of Nordens Ark?
Nordens Ark is dedicated to breeding and reintroducing endangered Nordic and exotic species. Its work focuses on endangered old Nordic breeds, endangered Nordic wild mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, as well as endangered exotic wild species from similar environments.
What conservation projects is Nordens Ark involved in?
Nordens Ark participates in re-population projects to release animals born at the facility into the wild. This includes species such as the white stork, eagle owl, bell frog, otter, European wildcat, and lynx. The park also has a national responsibility for rearing and reintroduction of several other species.
Is Nordens Ark accessible to the public?
Nordens Ark is open to visitors every day of the year and receives around 100,000 visitors annually. However, quarantine and breeding activities take place in a separate, non-public area called Lunden.
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