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.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Ranua, Lapland, Finland.
- ›Opened in 1983.
- ›Houses approximately 50 arctic animal species.
- ›Features Finland's only polar bears.
- ›Is an accredited member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
- ›Operates year-round.
Polar Bears
Polar Bears
About Ranua Zoo
Ranua Zoo, more widely known as Ranua Wildlife Park, is a significant wildlife park and holiday resort situated in the municipality of Ranua, Lapland, Finland. Established in 1983, it holds the distinction of being the northernmost zoo in Finland and ranks as the second northernmost in the world. This unique location allows it to focus on a collection of arctic animal species.
Animals and Exhibits
The wildlife park is home to approximately 50 different arctic animal species, with around 150 individual animals. Its inhabitants include prominent predators such as lynx, brown bears, and wolves, alongside herbivores like European moose and various deer species. A particularly notable feature of Ranua Zoo is that it houses Finland's only polar bears, making it a key destination for viewing these arctic icons.
Facilities and Activities
Beyond its zoological offerings, Ranua Resort provides a comprehensive holiday experience. Visitors can find accommodation, dining facilities at its restaurant, and a range of seasonal activities. These include popular pursuits like snowmobiling and husky safaris, capitalizing on the snowy Lapland environment. The resort maintains a year-round operation, welcoming visitors daily.
Ranua Zoo is an accredited member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), adhering to the standards and practices set forth by this respected organization.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ranua Zoo located?
Ranua Zoo is located in the municipality of Ranua, Lapland, Finland. It is the northernmost zoo in Finland.
When did Ranua Zoo open?
Ranua Zoo opened in 1983 as part of the Ranua Resort.
What kind of animals can be found at Ranua Zoo?
The zoo focuses on arctic animal species, featuring around 50 different types. This includes top predators like lynx, brown bears, and wolves, as well as European moose and deers. Notably, Ranua Zoo is home to Finland's only polar bears.
Is Ranua Zoo open all year?
Yes, Ranua Resort, which includes the zoo, is open every day of the year.
What is the significance of Ranua Zoo's location?
Ranua Zoo holds the distinction of being the northernmost zoo in Finland and the second northernmost in the world, highlighting its unique arctic environment.
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.
Särkänniemi Children's Zoo
Särkänniemi is a popular amusement park located in Tampere, Finland, known for its diverse attractions including rides, an aquarium, a planetarium, and an art museum. It is the second most visited amusement park in Finland, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually, and is owned by the city of Tampere.