Ähtäri Zoo bankruptcy has left nearly two hundred animals in a difficult situation after the zoo and its adjoining Hotel Mesikämmen filed for insolvency. The decision, confirmed by the South Ostrobothnia District Court, marks the end of years of financial struggle and unsuccessful restructuring attempts.
Attorney Leo Lagerstam has been appointed as the estate administrator to oversee the bankruptcy process. Both the zoo and hotel submitted their applications last Friday, following failed efforts to stabilize their finances.
Despite the collapse, operations will continue as usual through October, including the autumn school holidays. Ticket prices remain unchanged, and both the zoo and hotel are still welcoming visitors.
Zoo director Arja Väliaho said the main goal now is to find a new operator to keep the zoo running in Ähtäri, where it has operated for more than fifty years. If no suitable partner is found, the management will work with other Finnish and European zoos to relocate the animals safely.
“We’re putting all our energy into finding a successor,” Väliaho said. “That would allow the animals to stay here, and we wouldn’t need to talk about moving them at all.”
The zoo has confirmed that no internal discussions about euthanizing animals have taken place. Every effort is being made to ensure that all animals will find proper homes if relocation becomes necessary.
Founded in 1973, Ähtäri Zoo is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). This organization helps coordinate the exchange and relocation of animals between European zoos, ensuring safe and ethical standards.
Financial reports show that Ähtäri Zoo owes around 17.1 million euros, with assets valued at only about 700,000 euros. Hotel Mesikämmen’s debts are near 4 million euros, and its assets are estimated at roughly 525,000 euros.
Following the announcement, public interest unexpectedly grew. More than one thousand visitors came to the zoo on Sunday alone, and hotel bookings increased with very few cancellations. “We’re very grateful to everyone who came. It really means a lot,” said Väliaho.
The zoo will continue its normal opening hours for now and may extend them based on visitor turnout. Its traditional night safari event will proceed as planned.
The bankruptcy marks a major turning point for one of Finland’s most recognized wildlife parks. In 2018, the zoo leased two giant pandas, Lumi and Pyry, from China under a fifteen-year agreement. Due to financial pressure, the lease ended early in 2024, and the pandas were returned to China.
Earlier this year, the panda enclosure welcomed a new resident, a male spectacled bear named Tao from France. Plans to bring in two more spectacled bears, one from the UK and another from France, were halted after the bankruptcy, even though all necessary permits had already been obtained.
“Those transfers are now frozen,” Väliaho said. “If a new operator is found, we’ll revisit the matter.”
The zoo entered a corporate restructuring process in late 2024, but the results were slow and incomplete. Rising operational costs, reduced tourism spending, and the high expense of maintaining exotic species all contributed to the financial downfall.
Although efforts were made to reduce costs and improve revenue, the situation could not be reversed under the existing model. This outcome highlights the wider challenges facing regional attractions in Finland amid changing visitor habits and economic pressure.
EAZA and other wildlife organizations are now coordinating with the estate administrator to guarantee that animal transfers, if needed, will follow established welfare standards. The zoo currently houses a diverse range of animals, including bears, lynx, owls, reindeer, and endangered species involved in European conservation programs.
While Ähtäri Zoo’s long-term future is uncertain, there is determination at both local and international levels to protect the animals and maintain ethical care. The estate administrator will assess the zoo’s financial position and explore interest from potential buyers or new operators.
For now, the community’s support remains strong. Visitors continue to arrive, hoping their presence might help keep the beloved zoo alive through this difficult transition.
