Explore Finland’s diverse zoos and animal attractions across the country. From the island zoo of Korkeasaari in Helsinki to the Arctic wildlife of Ranua, and from Ähtäri to Kitee, these destinations offer memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. From cosy petting farms to large wildlife parks involved in international conservation programmes, Finland’s animal parks provide a great opportunity to discover northern wildlife and enjoy a day outdoors with the whole family.
Korkeasaari Zoo
Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki
Idyllically located on an island in the inner archipelago of Helsinki, Korkeasaari Zoo is home to around 150 animal species and approximately 1,000 plant species that illustrate the remarkable diversity of life on Earth. Founded in 1889, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world and also one of the few located on an island. This unique setting makes it an ideal destination for families visiting the Finnish capital.
Open throughout the year, Korkeasaari changes character with the seasons. In spring the island awakens as plants bloom and animals become more active after the winter. Summer turns the zoo into a lush green environment, and arriving by ferry from the city centre is a highlight in itself. In autumn the shorter days often make the big cats more active in Cat Alley. In winter the snow-covered landscape gives the zoo a magical atmosphere, while many animals remain outdoors as they are well adapted to northern conditions.
Korkeasaari also plays an active role in international conservation work. The zoo participates in global breeding programmes for endangered species and supports projects that aim to protect wildlife in their natural habitats. It has gained particular recognition for its work with large cats, including the breeding of endangered snow leopards. The zoo is also one of the largest supporters of conservation projects for the critically endangered Amur leopard.
Visitors can reach Korkeasaari by ferry from Hakaniemi or from the Market Square (Kauppatori) in central Helsinki during the summer season. There is also a pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting the island with Mustikkamaa, allowing easy access year-round. Buses to Helsinki Zoo run from Railway Square.
Throughout the year, the zoo hosts a number of seasonal events and family-friendly programmes. These include spring celebrations around Easter, the popular Night of the Cats event in early autumn, and seasonal autumn activities such as Halloween-themed events for families.
Ranua Wildlife Park
Rovaniementie 29, 97700 Ranua
Located in Lapland, about 80 km south of Rovaniemi, Ranua Wildlife Park offers visitors the opportunity to observe northern and arctic animals in surroundings that closely resemble their natural habitats. Open every day of the year, the park offers a different experience in each season, from snowy winter landscapes to the bright summer of the Arctic region.
Ranua Wildlife Park is home to approximately 50 animal species and over 150 individual animals. Many of the species are native to the Arctic and northern forests. During the summer months visitors can also explore a domestic animal park within the area.
Among the mammals living in the park are the polar bear, brown bear, lynx, wolverine, grey wolf, arctic fox, red fox, moose, reindeer, wild forest reindeer, white-tailed deer, musk ox, and wild boar. Smaller mammals include species such as pine marten, stoat, ermine, beaver, and lemming.
The park is also known for its diverse birdlife. Birds of prey are especially well represented and include species such as the golden eagle, white-tailed sea eagle, great grey owl, snowy owl, eagle owl, and Ural owl, alongside many other northern bird species.
In addition to the wildlife park itself, Ranua offers a range of outdoor activities. In winter visitors can enjoy husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile excursions, and cross-country skiing. Regular buses operate between Rovaniemi and Ranua Wildlife Park, making it an easy day trip from the regional capital.
Ähtari Zoo
Karhunkierros 150, 63700 Ähtäri
Established in 1973, Ähtäri Zoo is the second largest zoo in Finland. It lies roughly halfway between Jyväskylä and Seinäjoki, on the shores of Lake Hankavesi. The zoo covers an area of about 60 hectares and is one of the region’s most popular nature attractions.
The park is home to roughly 65 animal species, most of which originate from the forest zones of Northern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. There are also some species from other regions, including animals from the Himalayas and Asia. Visitors walk through the zoo along nature trails of approximately 3 km or 1.5 km, encountering around 300 animals along the way.
Species found in the zoo include the brown bear, lynx, wolverine, grey wolf, snow leopard, red panda, European bison, moose, forest reindeer, white-tailed deer, and wild boar, along with numerous bird species such as the golden eagle, great grey owl, and Eurasian eagle-owl.
Ähtäri Zoo is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience wildlife in different seasons. In spring, for example, brown bears become especially active as they emerge from winter hibernation. During the busy summer months, guided tours led by experienced keepers are available, often including English-language tours for international visitors.
Because the park covers a large area, exploring it usually takes between 2–4 hours. Visitors are therefore advised to wear comfortable shoes. Along the route there are cafés, picnic areas and grilling spots where families can prepare their own food.
Accommodation is also available near the zoo. Guests can stay in cottages, at a campsite for caravans and tents, or in nearby lodging facilities. The lakeside setting offers opportunities for swimming, sauna and other leisure activities. The zoo can be reached by train or bus from Tampere, Jyväskylä and Seinäjoki.
Kitee Zoo
Pajarinniementie 1, 82430 Puhos
Located about 55 km from the Niirala border crossing with Russia, roughly 70 km south of Joensuu, and around 75 km east of Savonlinna, Kitee Zoo is part of the Pajarinhovi tourist centre near the shores of Lake Pyhäjärvi. Established in 1996, it is one of the largest zoos in eastern Finland and home to more than 50 animal species and around 200 animals.
While many of the animals are native to Finland, the zoo also features several more exotic species. Visitors may encounter animals such as brown bears, lynx, reindeer, wild boar, arctic foxes, emus, yaks, mouflons, and various bird species including peacocks and cranes.
Kitee Zoo forms part of a broader family-friendly resort area that includes accommodation, restaurants, a dance pavilion and recreational facilities. The nearby Aquapark features pools, water slides, saunas and a children’s water playground, making the destination particularly appealing for families travelling in eastern Finland.
Sea Life Helsinki
Tivolitie 10, 00510 Helsinki
Open year-round, Sea Life Helsinki is an indoor aquarium located within the grounds of the Linnanmäki Amusement Park in Helsinki. The aquarium features around 50 displays and more than 1,500 animals representing over 100 species from oceans and freshwater environments around the world.
Visitors can observe a wide range of marine life, from colourful seahorses and clownfish to impressive predators such as sharks and piranhas. Among the most popular species are the blacktip reef shark, epaulette shark, and bonnethead shark.
Many of the animals at Sea Life Helsinki are part of international conservation and breeding programmes, while others have been rescued or transferred from other facilities. The aquarium also focuses on educating visitors about marine ecosystems and environmental protection.
A favourite attraction for families is the Interactive Rockpool, where visitors can carefully touch certain marine creatures such as crabs and sea urchins under the guidance of Sea Life staff. Informative displays throughout the aquarium provide insights into the behaviour and biology of the species on display.
Tropicario
Sturenkatu 27, 00510 Helsinki
Located not far from Sea Life Helsinki, Tropicario is a specialised reptile house and one of the largest attractions of its kind in the Nordic countries. Combining visits to both attractions makes for an excellent family outing in Helsinki.
Tropicario houses a wide range of reptiles and other exotic animals, including several species of large snakes, lizards and turtles. The facility is particularly known for its impressive collection of giant snake species, which are among the largest on display anywhere in Northern Europe.
Visitors can also encounter monitor lizards, water turtles, and occasionally large spiders and other tropical species. The animals are kept in spacious terrariums designed to resemble their natural habitats.
Each enclosure includes informative signage introducing the species and explaining their behaviour and origin. For those who want a deeper insight into reptile life, guided tours with experienced staff can also be arranged.
All the photos used in this article are the property of the Zoos and Animal Parks mentioned.
