We have new owners! We are opening the Zoo on Feb 16th!
Zoo open 16.2 – 1.3.2026
Entrance
10.00 - 15.00
Zoo
10.00 - 16.00
Farm
10.00 - 16.00
Zoo Deli & Café
10.00 - 16.00
Zoo Shop
10.00 - 16.00
16.2 - 1.3.2026 opening hours
Entrance
10.00 - 15.00
Zoo
10.00 - 16.00
Farm
10.00 - 16.00
Zoo Deli & Café
10.00 - 16.00
Zoo Shop
10.00 - 16.00
Welcome to Ähtäri for the winter holidays!
In winter, the animals at the zoo are truly in their element
The red pandas that lay in the shade during summer heat now climb around, enjoying the cold air, the otters plunge into ice holes between snow play and sledding and the snow leopards stalk silently across the snowdrifts on their huge, padded paws.
Enjoy a winter day at the zoo, have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and eat a warm lunch at Zoo Deli & Café.
A new beginning for ähtäri zoo
Become an investor
Operations at Ähtäri Zoo are now being launched under a two-operator model. Animal welfare and responsible environmental education remain at the core, while the financial sustainability of the operations is strengthened at the same time.
In the new model, the division of responsibilities is clearly defined between two main operators. The association Vieraile ja Välität ry is responsible for species conservation, animal care and welfare, and for guidance and educational activities.
A newly established company, MesiZoo Oy, will in turn be responsible for business operations and strategic development projects, as well as their implementation in cooperation with the association. Would you like to be part of the new company and help make history? Now you too have the opportunity to influence the future of the zoo by becoming an investor!
Ähtäri Zoo's animals are well taken care of
Vieraile ja Välität ry is raising funds
Ähtäri Zoo is Finland’s oldest naturalistic zoo. It was founded in 1973. In October 2025, Ähtäri Zoo was closed to visitors due to the company’s bankruptcy. Since then, the non-profit association Vieraile ja Välität ry has been responsible for the animals’ welfare. The association has actively raised funds for the animals’ food, medicines, care, and maintenance costs.
Thanks to countless private donations as well as support from companies, the association was able to take care of the animals until a new, responsible operator was found.
There's plenty to do here
Animals
Ähtäri Zoo is Finland’s first organic zoo. More than 50 different species of animals live in the park, including the snow leopard, red panda, bear and lynx.
Other activities
Besides the zoo, we offer a variety of other activities such as spa/swimming hall, trekking paths and bowling.
Farm
Our Farm focuses on native Finnish breeds and it is often the favorite part of the whole Zoo especially for our youngest visitors. For many adults as well it might be the first time of seeing a farm animal from up close and even touching one.
A longer vacation in Ähtäri?
Stay comfortably in Hotel Mesikämmen, right next to Ähtäri Zoo. Hotel is open until 30th of October
Hotel Mesikämmen is an architecturally valuable hotel in the center of the Ähtäri Tourist Area – just a stone’s throw away from the Ähtäri Zoo. It offers high-quality accommodation for tourists by the lake and close to nature. Welcome to enjoy nature, unique milieu and architecture.
