Korkeasaari Zoo, Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, Helsinki, Finland.
Korkeasaari Zoo is an animal park situated on an island near Helsinki, housing approximately 1,500 creatures representing around 150 species from across the world. The grounds are divided into different zones where bears, big cats, hoofed animals, and birds live in settings designed to reflect how they behave in the wild.
The zoo opened in 1889, making it one of the oldest such facilities in northern Europe. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple animal collection into an institution focused on research, conservation, and educating the public about wildlife.
The zoo has become a gathering place where local families spend time together observing how different species behave in a setting that mimics their natural habitats. You'll notice how the grounds encourage people to slow down and watch animals in their daily routines rather than rushing through.
The zoo is accessible year-round via a bridge from the nearby Mustikkamaa district, with an additional summer ferry service from the central Market Square. Wear sturdy shoes since pathways cross hilly terrain and can be muddy after rain.
The grounds contain a specialized medical facility that treats injured and orphaned wildlife from the surrounding region, caring for everything from wounded birds to sick mammals found nearby. This hospital operates quietly and is usually hidden from visitor view, yet its work is vital to local animal survival.
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