Management
The zoo is directed by the Chief Executive Officer, and its executive team includes the Heads of Operations. The Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation is part of the Helsinki City Group, and its Board members and chairperson are appointed by the City of Helsinki City Council for a period of two years at a time.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Sanna Hellström
toimitusjohtaja@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 060 9549
Board members
Board of Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation from 18.9.2025
- Chair Emma Kari (Green party)
- Mikko Vesterinen (Green party)
- Henrik Meinander (Swedish People’s Party in Finland)
- Tua Tapper (Left Wing Alliance)
- Pekka Laitinen (expert member, Urheiluhallit Oy)
Administration
The administration is responsible for the zoo’s administration, finances, IT, staff and recruitment. The administration organises internal training and is responsible for staff benefits to encourage Zoo employees to exercise and enjoy culture. The administration also regularly monitors job satisfaction, job meaningfulness and gender equality at the zoo. In addition, the administration develops procedures related to safety at work.
Head of operations
Administrative Director
Kirsi Korpaeus
kirsi.korpaeus@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 809 5536
Security
Security office:
+358 50 352 5989
Security manager Néa Huru
nea.huru@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 334 5432
Security specialist Joni Rantamaula
joni.rantamaula@korkeasaari.fi
HR and recruitment
Open applications:
zoo.rekrytointi@korkeasaari.fi
HR specialist Johanna Nikko
johanna.nikko@korkeasaari.fi
HR specialist Minna Linjama
minna.linjama@korkeasaari.fi
Information technology
ICT specialist Toni Rossi
toni.rossi@korkeasaari.fi
IT support Rea Rekunen
rea.rekunen@korkeasaari.fi
Finance and other administration
Financial specialist Paula Sompi
paula.sompi@korkeasaari.fi
Coordinator of Administration and Internal Communications Sari Kettunen
sari.kettunen@korkeasaari.fi
Animal Care and Conservation
Animal Care and Conservation is responsible for the zoo’s species, their upkeep, planning and welfare. The operation contributes to the conservation of biodiversity both in Finland and abroad. It also carries out research to promote animal welfare and species conservation. Work to conserve endangered species is carried out as a member of both European Assiociation of Zoos and Aquaria and its worldwide counterpart, and in cooperation with various conservation organisations. The treatment of injured Finnish wild animas at the Wildlife Hospital is also part of the operations tasks.
Head of operations
Director of Animal Care and Conservation
Nina Trontti
nina.trontti@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 511 8118
Curators & specialists
Curator & animal nutrition specialist Aino Sjöholm
aino.sjoholm@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 345 9636
Curator & EEP coordinator of the European forest reindeer Hanna-Maija Lahtinen
hannamaija.lahtinen@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 761 3250
Curator & research coordinator Ulla Tuomainen
ulla.tuomainen@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 592 3298
Curator & EEP coordinator of the snowy owl Ville Vepsäläinen
ville.vepsalainen@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 541 8614
Animal training welfare specialist Merja Wahlroos
merja.wahlroos@korkeasaari.fi
Wildlife Hospital
Marketing and Customer Service
Marketing and customer service is responsible for the zoo’s customer service, program production, marketing, corporate partnerships, fundraising for conservation projects and communicating zoo and wildlife information to customers and the media. The Nature School Arkki organises a programme for schoolchildren on endangered species and the importance of nature conservation. The Korkeasaari Zoo Shop is the wildest shop in Finland. The marketing department prepares all the information and material that the customer sees about the zoo. This includes the zoo’s signage, printed material, website, social media and video production, as well as the development of visitor experience, sales, service production and information systems.
Head of operations
Marketing Director
Susanna Silvonen
susanna.silvonen@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 435 9539
Marketing and communications
Media sales:
markkinointi@korkeasaari.fi
Marketing communications specialist Julia Peltola
julia.peltola@korkeasaari.fi
Communications specialist Mari Lehmonen
mari.lehmonen@korkeasaari.fi
Communications specialist Annika Sorjonen
annika.sorjonen@korkeasaari.fi
Communications specialist Lotta Kivalo
lotta.kivalo@korkeasaari.fi
Graphic designer Aki Kotkas
aki.korkas@korkeasaari.fi
Exhibition expert Katri Houtbeckers
katri.houtbeckers@korkeasaari.fi
Customer service & shop
Customer service:
info@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 334 2952
Product inquiries and claims:
shop@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 652 7121
Customer service manager Marianne Winter
marianne.winter@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 349 5488
Education, groups & events
Group sales:
myynti@korkeasaari.fi
Please note: We do not accept group bookings by phone or email. To apply for a visit, please complete the form on our website using the links below
Zoo education manager Marjo Priha
marjo.priha@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 3346287
Zoo educator Tero Kirjosalo
tero.kirjosalo@korkeasaari.fi
Zoo educator Laura Puikkonen
laura.puikkonen@korkeasaari.fi
Event producer Katariina Jalkanen
katariina.jalkanen@korkeasaari.fi
Sales coordinator Adriana Rodriguez
adriana.rodriguez.abril@korkeasaari.fi
Property and Environmental Management
Property and Environmental Management keeps the zoo clean and safe for customers, staff and animals. The operation is responsible for the construction and renovation of the zoo’s environment, as well as the maintenance of its buildings, parks, greenhouses, structures and equipment. It also carries out the decoration of animals habitats and the zoo. It also takes care of cleanliness, waste management and, in part, the zoo’s animal transport services. It also produces and records information about vegetation and contributes to the planning and development of the zoo.
Head of operations
Property Director
Joonas Pursiainen
joonas.pursiainen@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 701 9223
Property
Property manager Elina Kurki
elina.kurki@korkeasaari.fi
+358 40 528 6607
Coordinator of property services Pia Kivelä
pia.kivela@korkeasaari.fi
Maintenance expert Jenni Koljonen
jenni.koljonen@korkeasaari.fi
Building maintenance technician Salla Lähteenmäki
salla.lahteenmaki@korkeasaari.fi
Environment
Head gardener Minna Hyvärinen
minna.hyvarinen@korkeasaari.fi
+358 50 378 5504
The Korkeasaari Zoo’s restaurant services are provided by Marcante Oy, cleaning and security services by Palmia.