Z is for Zoo

Snow leopard kittens (Uncia  uncia ) in Ähtäri Zoo, Finland.

Ähtäri Zoo is located in the middle of Finland, some 160 km from Tampere, and is the first natural wildlife park of its kind in Finland. Set in 60 hectares, the aim of Ähtäri has been to provide a spacious and natural environment for the animals, and it has a varied terrain and flora which has provided an excellent opportunity for the implementation of the basic principles of EAZA, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, on how best to care for animals in care.

Przewalski's Horse ( Equus przewalskii )

Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki is located on an island in the harbour, and is home to some 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species, and includes many endangered species that are raised here. The zoo is laid out in zones, enabling visitors to pass from the tropical climates of Africa, Asia, and the Amazonian rain forests, into the deserts of Africa and the jungles of Indonesia. In the Arctic environment such animals as the snowy owl, musk ox, and the European forest reindeer are all at home in the Finnish winter. In the Cat Valley you'll find Amur tigers, lynxes, and leopards that are used to similar wintery conditions in their homelands.