Visit Korkeasaari Zoo, home to over a thousand animals representing around 160 species from the tundra to the tropics. The conservation of animal species is the zoo’s main focus.
See the Finnish forest reindeer, the wild cousin of the domestic reindeer, which the zoo is helping to reintroduce into the wild, as well as cold-tolerant species such as the Amur tiger, bearded vulture, snow leopard, wolverine, vicuña, and Bactrian camels.
Due to Finland’s climate, Korkeasaari does not have large mammals from warm regions, such as elephants, as the welfare of the animals is the most important value of the zoo’s operations. In the tropical houses, enjoy the warmth and observe the life of, for example, the pygmy marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey, or the extremely endangered turquoise dwarf gecko.
Explore the garden, which is over 130 years old, and bursts into bloom in the summer, but the autumn colours and snow-covered cliffs are just as impressive. To increase the diversity of the local nature, a large part of the park’s lawns have been converted into meadows. Although Helsinki Cathedral is within sight, at Korkeasaari you can enjoy the archipelago nature all year round.
Visit at least one restaurant, which is always open when the zoo is open. Enjoy access to an indoor snack area with a microwave, as well as a hut and barbecue areas, where you can find charcoal provided by the zoo. The island has playgrounds and Finland’s wildest souvenir shop at the entrance.
The name Korkeasaari means “high island,” and the terrain poses challenges for accessibility. However, Korkeasaari Zoo is largely accessible, and access to the zoo is barrier-free throughout the year.