Marvel at rare leopards and get close to bears and lions at the superb Helsinki Zoo. See flocks of colorful parrots fly overhead or watch as powerful birds of prey dip and dive to reach their food. The zoo has been open since 1889 and is a favorite spot for visitors and residents.
Step into this unusual island zoo to see 150 different animal species. You will feel as though you have entered a world apart from the noisy city nearby. Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the snowy tundra where amazing brown bears patrol while reindeer and Mongolian wild horses forage on the frigid ground.
In the next area of the zoo, discover some of the finest creatures to roam the continent of Asia. Tigers and lions are particular highlights in this section. You’ll also have the chance to spot the rare Amur leopard. As few as 70 of these majestic mammals now roam in the wild.
Continue onward to admire emus and wallabies in the Australia section. Then move to the vast bird enclosure. The air is filled with the screeches of colorful macaws while the ground here is covered by hundreds of species of tropical plants.
Plan your day around the lunchtime feeding sessions for the opportunity to see how some of these spectacular animals really hunt in the wild. Learn how lions, tigers and leopards stalk their prey.
Helsinki Zoo is on Korkeasaari, an island just east of the city center. Between May and August catch the ferry from Hakaniemi or during the winter cross the bridge from the north side of the island. If driving, there is free and paid parking at the Mustikkamaa recreation area not far from the zoo entrance. The zoo is open year-round and has an admission fee. It also has several cafés, restaurants, kiosks and gift shop.
