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.

Legistlation and inspections

For a zoo to operate, it needs a license from the authorities.

There are many laws and regulations that govern the day-to-day running of a zoo. Our activities are subject to regular inspections by the authorities and other experts. We, the people working at Korkeasaari Zoo, are responsible for ensuring that the animals are well cared for, taking into account the needs of both the individuals and species.

Environmental Responsibility

Currently, the unsustainable use of natural resources and climate change are weakening species’ chances of survival and the functioning of ecosystems at an accelerating rate. In addition to conservation work focused on animals, Korkeasaari Zoo also wants to contribute to mitigating climate change. Our goal: carbon-neutral Korkeasaari by 2030.

Local Nature

Biodiverse nature is better able to cope with changing conditions. Korkeasaari Zoo protects local biodiversity by managing meadows on the island, leaving deadwood in the environment, and removing invasive species. Korkeasaari Zoo’s gardeners and environmental maintenance staff continuously update their skills and have studied gardening practices that support biodiversity.

Social responsibility

Everyone is welcome to Korkeasaari Zoo just as they are!

Korkeasaari Zoo is committed to promoting equality and preventing all forms of discrimination and harassment. We provide specially priced or free visits for special groups, organise free entry days outside the summer season, and invest in accessibility and accessible services. We want as many people as possible as possible to visit the zoo and learn about biodiversity and its conservation.

Free entry days

Zoo’s accessibility

School and ECEH groups

Diverse and Equal Work Community

We aim to be the best workplace in Finland, employing the leading experts in our field. Our goal is to be a diverse, equal, and equitable working community. We follow principles of equality in recruitment, allocation of work tasks, remuneration, and in all operations of the zoo. We regularly monitor employee well-being, the meaningfulness of work, and the realisation of equality through recurring surveys. In staff surveys, equal treatment regardless of personal characteristics has consistently been one of our greatest strengths year after year.

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 communications and fundraising

Korkeasaari is committed to following ethical guidelines for communications in all its operations and to providing internal guidance to all employees whose work includes communications. The main principles of these guidelines are openness, honesty, reliability, and respect.

The Korkeasaari Zoo Foundation holds a fundraising permit granted by the National Police Board, which identifies a lawful fundraising campaign. 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

Better world for wild animals