Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo and its collection

Korkeasaari Zoo, opened in 1889, is a zoo in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland.

The zoo stands on an island, reached by the Crown Bridges from two mainland districts and by a further bridge from Mustikkamaa.

History

A restaurant on the island in the late 1800s drew complaints over drinking, and the city let the island to a liquor company as a public park so that the supply of drink and general order could be controlled. The zoo first opened in 1889.

Animals and collection

At the close of 2025 the collection stood at 177 species, weighted towards Europe and Asia: otters, bearded vultures and snowy owls are kept, as are Barbary macaques, Przewalski's horses, snow leopards and Amur tigers. Animals are chosen for their ability to live outdoors in the local climate, which leaves much of the usual charismatic megafauna absent.

Things to do

Things to do include Maailmanpelastajat-pakopeli, Opastetut kierrokset, Synttärit, Polttarit and Villieläinsairaala.

Conservation and approach

It participates in EAZA Ex-situ Programmes and in reintroductions, keeps European studbooks and coordinates conservation for markhor, forest reindeer and snowy owl. A hospital for injured and orphaned wild animals is also run on site.

What the venue says

• Maailmanpelastajat-pakopeli
• Synttärit
• Polttarit
• Villieläinsairaala
• Visitors have access to on-site restaurants and cafés that remain open during operational hours. Additionally, the island provides indoor snack areas equipped with microwaves as well as outdoor barbecue and hut areas where the zoo supplies charcoal for visitor use.
• Korkeasaaren eläintarhalla ei ole omaa pysäköintialuetta. Omalla autolla saapuessa kannattaakin suunnata läheiseen kauppakeskus Redin parkkihalliin.
• Because the name Korkeasaari translates to "high island," the local terrain involves natural hills and slopes that pose some logistical challenges.
• the zoo features barrier-free primary pathways ensuring that the grounds are largely accessible throughout the year.