Conservation work Copy Menu Main Opening hours and services Arrival Tickets Explore the zoo Conservation FAQ Group bookings Main Opening hours and services Arrival Tickets Explore the zoo Conservation FAQ Group bookings Conservation work Zoo animal populations Korkeasaari keeps and breeds endangered animals together with other zoos involved in conservation efforts in order to help secure a future for the species. Most of the animals in Korkeasaari Zoo are born either here or some other zoo. As all responsible zoos, Korkeasaari Zoo does not buy or sell animals – with the exception of justified individual cases. This way the zoos do not support illegal animal trade, which is one of the most significant reasons why species become endangered. Some of Korkeasaari Zoo’s inhabitants are former victims of illegal pet trade that have been rescued. The procreation of each species is taken into account beforehand. Some of the animals born in Korkeasaari Zoo remain here, while some are taken to other reputable zoos. For species included in ex-situ conservation programmes this is done according to recommendations from the species coordinator. These animal transfers help avoid breeding between close relatives, which secures the genetic diversity of the species. Species list Assesment of threatened species Reintroduction projects Maintaining healthy zoo populations and systemic breeding of endangered animals allow us to participate in wildlife reintroduction projects. Animals born in the zoo are released into the wild into areas from which the species has either completely disappeared, or where the population needs reinforcement. Korkeasaari Zoo has released such animals into the wild as European forest reindeer, Przewalski’s wild horses, European bison, lynxes, European wildcats, snowy owls and bearded vultures. Animals are reintroduced into the wild according to instructions from IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and these projects always require detailed surveys and conditioning of the individual animals before they are released into nature. These reintroduction projects are expensive and time-consuming, which is why Korkeasaari Zoo often engages in them in cooperation with other zoos and conservation organisations. Learn more Supporting conservation efforts in nature In addition to conservation work at the Zoo, Korkeasaari participates in conservation efforts in different parts of the world. For example, Korkeasaari Zoo employees have travelled to Morocco to help protect Barbary macaques in the field. Korkeasaari has donated hundreds of thousands of euros for conservation efforts in nature preserves. These funds have been used for such purposes as establishing nature preserves, hiring patrols to protect animals against poachers and enabling the GPS tracking of endangered species. You too can support this work by donating to Korkeasaari Zoo’s conservation projects! Participate by donating! Research The research conducted at Korkeasaari Zoo aims to improve animal well-being and the success rate of conservation work. In nature, studying many species can be difficult due to difficult terrain or the scarcity of the species, for example. Zoos make it easy to study the behaviour and reproduction of animals. Various studies and monitoring projects are constantly ongoing at Korkeasaari. The research is often conducted with other institutions, such as universities. The purpose of studying animal well-being is to use the gained information to develop the care and captivity conditions of animals by coming up with new kinds of enrichment activities for zoo animals, for example. In addition to zoo conditions, monitoring techniques are also utilised during animal transfers. Wildlife Hospital The Wildlife Hospital of Korkeasaari Zoo is the largest treatment facility for injured or orphaned wild animals. Wild animals in need of aid can be brought to the Wildlife Hospital to receive professional care. Patients are received at the Korkeasaari Zoo ticket booth during the Zoo’s opening hours. You may also contact us to evaluate the animal’s need of care. The goal of the treatment given at the Wildlife Hospital is to return the animals back into nature in good health. However, if rehabilitation does not go as planned, some of the animals originally brought to the Wildlife Hospital for treatment have been given special permission from the authorities to remain and live in Korkeasaari Zoo. Contact information You can contact us in case you need advices with troubled wild animals. Wildlife Hospital’s telephone during Zoo opening hours: +358 40 334 2954 Email: villielainsairaala@korkeasaari.fi City of Helsinki’s website: When does an animal need help and what to do? Environmental education Each year Korkeasaari Zoo is visited by approximately half a million animal enthusiasts. We encourage our visitors to act for the benefit of nature and tell them about the importance of biodiversity. Each visit to the Zoo helps us create a better world for wild animals. Korkeasaari is a great setting for school group visits throughout the year and, indeed, groups of school children that sign up beforehand can visit the Zoo at reduced prices. You can also organise an experience-filled day at Korkeasaari Zoo for your work mates! Group bookings Carbon neutral Korkeasaari Korkeasaari Zoo’s mission is to conserve endangered animals and biodiversity. Currently the climate change and unsustainable use of resources are weakening the species means of survival, and the way ecosystems work. In addition to endangered species’ conservation work, Korkeasaari Zoo wants to help to tackle climate change. Our goal is to be carbon-neutral by 2030. Korkeasaari Zoo is heated by carbon-free district heat. IWe have switched to energy-efficient LED lighting and twilight switches. We compensate for the carbon emissions resulting from our business trips and animal transfer flights. We have developed procurement criteria that better take into account the life cycle of the procurement, as well as the perspectives of climate and circular economy. Learn more
