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Responsibility

The mission of the Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation is to protect endangered animals and their habitats. Ethics and responsibility are at the heart of all our work related to animal welfare, conservation and sustainable development. We live as we teach, which means that our actions are ecologically sustainable. We work to protect species and work to influence our visitors to become more environmentally aware. We want as many people as possible to visit the zoo and learn about biodiversity and its conservation!

The Mission of Zoos

Why do zoos exist?

The world’s animal and plant species are declining at an alarming rate. As species disappear, ecosystems become increasingly vulnerable. Preserving biodiversity serves as a kind of insurance against changes in Earth’s living conditions. The primary mission of responsibly managed zoos is the conservation of biodiversity.

Our Conservation Projects

Conservation work around the world.

In addition to the conservation and environmental education work at the zoo, Korkeasaari Zoo is involved in conservation projects around the world. Much of this work is financial support: we have donated hundreds of thousands of euros to conservation activities in the wild.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is the ethical foundation of everything we do.

The animals are cared for by professionals, and both the care and the enclosures are designed to suit each species and individual. Studies constantly bring in new information concerning the needs that are crucial for the well-being of animals. This information is then utilised in the development of the activities. Experiences and ideas are also shared internationally as part of the cooperation between zoos.

Environmental responsibility

Goal: Carbon free Korkeasaari in 2030

Unsustainable use of natural resources and climate change are rapidly eroding species’ habitats and ecosystem function. In addition to conservation work on animals, Korkeasaari Zoo wants to play its part in tackling the climate change.

Social responsibility

Nature School Arkki

Korkeasaari Zoo’s Nature School Arkki is part of the Finnish Association of Nature and Environmental Schools (LYKE) network and we are certified at the highest level of the association, i.e. as a development centre. Regular peer audits ensure that the certification criteria are met. In addition, Korkeasaari is a member of the International Zoo Educators Association.

School groups

Korkeasaari Zoo offers free or discounted entry for schoolchildren who are subject to compulsory education in Finland and for upper secondary school science classes, regardless of their municipality of residence. We also offer free material on our website to support learning both during the visit and in the classroom.

Free entry days

We want to make it possible for everyone to visit the zoo, regardless of their financial status! We organise free entry days outside the summer season once a month.

Sustainability certification and partnerships

Korkeasaari Zoo has been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label for its valuable and long-term work for sustainable tourism. Korkeasaari Zoo meets the criteria for ecological, social, economic, and cultural sustainability set by the label and is committed to their continuous improvement.

In addition, Korkeasaari Zoo has been awarded the Eco-Compass certificate, which the zoo received for the first time already in 2016. The environmental programme is updated annually and targets are set again at least every three years.

Sustainable Travel Finland
Eco-Compass

Our carbon neutrality targets are recorded on the Sittomus2050 page, which is part of the Social Commitment for Sustainable Development maintained by the Prime Minister’s Office. Korkeasaari Zoo is a Helsinki Climate Partner and a member of the Urban Climate Leaders in Tourism network.

In spring 2021, Korkeasaari became the first tourist destination to be accepted for the website ostavastuullisesti.fi, which offers a curated selection of sustainable products and services and tips for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Responsible fundraising

The Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation is a member of the Finnish Fundraising Association VaLa ry and we are part of the Hyvä testamentti (Good Testament) campaign. We are committed to following the professional values and principles of responsible fundraising.

VaLa ry
Hyvä testamentti -campaign

See also