Ähtäri Zoo, Nordic wildlife zoo in Ähtäri, Finland
Ähtäri Zoo is a 50-species facility set in natural forest landscape, with enclosures designed to mirror the native habitats of Scandinavian and Asian animals. The spaces allow animals more room to move naturally compared to traditional zoo settings.
The zoo was established in June 1973 as Finland's first natural-environment facility, creating new standards for animal care across the Nordic region. This opening influenced how zoos in the area were designed and managed afterward.
The zoo emphasizes education about wildlife found in Nordic and Asian regions, showing visitors how these animals fit into their natural environments. Through guided areas and displays, people learn directly about the species and their ecological roles.
The facility has walking paths through the forest that connect different animal areas, making it easy to move between enclosures. Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as you will spend the day outdoors on natural terrain.
The zoo is home to Europe's northernmost giant pandas, with specially designed habitats and feeding programs tailored to these rare animals. These pandas represent a remarkable feature that visitors rarely encounter so far north on the continent.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
