How are species selected for Korkeasaari Zoo?
The selection of species for Korkeasaari Zoo takes into account several factors, including the regional collection planning of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the species’ conservation status, and their inclusion in conservation programs. Additionally, all species have an educational value. Only species that are suited to Finland’s climate or can be provided with appropriate indoor facilities are chosen for Korkeasaari Zoo.
Like other responsible zoos, Korkeasaari Zoo does not buy or sell animals, except in rare and well-justified cases. Most of the animals at Korkeasaari Zoo were either born here or came from other zoos. Korkeasaari Zoo also aims to provide a home for confiscated animals, if the species fits within the zoo’s collection and there is suitable space available.
Animal transfers between zoos
Many animals cannot remain with their parents once they reach adulthood, so young individuals born at Korkeasaari Zoo are typically placed in new homes at other zoos. Korkeasaari Zoo only sends animals to zoos that operate according to international standards – animals are never transferred to private individuals. Each transfer is carefully planned, taking into account the specific needs of the species and individuals being moved.
About one-third of Korkeasaari Zoo’s animal species are endangered and part of EAZA’s ex-situ conservation programs and monitoring. Within these programs, a species coordinator oversees breeding and transfers based on studbook data, which contains detailed information on animal individuals. The coordinator, along with a species committee composed of EAZA members, makes recommendations on which animals should breed and where the offspring should be relocated. Some species also have a globally managed studbook.
Maintaining a balanced population structure
To preserve genetic diversity, there must be a sufficient number of individuals, and the population structure – including juveniles, breeding-age adults, and older animals – must remain balanced. Since zoos have limited space for each species, breeding must be carefully managed.
Reproduction can also be restricted by keeping males and females separate. However, for animals of social species, the long-term separation from their group can cause stress. Contraceptive methods, such as hormone implants or castration, can also be used. However, continuous suppression of reproduction may lead to decreased fertility, making it difficult for animals to breed normally in the future.
Typically, an equal number of male and female offspring are born, but in many social species, only one breeding male is tolerated in a group. Multiple adult males may engage in dominance conflicts, leading to prolonged stress, injuries, or even death. If no suitable placement is found for a subordinate male, euthanasia may be considered in the interest of animal welfare. To address imbalanced sex ratios, some species are kept in “bachelor groups,” where males can be later introduced into breeding populations.
Reproduction as part of animal well-being
Breeding and caring for offspring are essential behaviors for species that rear their young. This is particularly important for species that live in family groups and share parental responsibilities. In such cases, raising offspring strengthens social bonds, and the absence of this behavior can negatively impact well-being.
Although reproduction is sometimes restricted, preventing this fundamental behavior in family-living species can cause frustration, chronic stress, and behavioral or physiological issues. Therefore, in certain cases, animals may be allowed to breed even if no immediate placement is available for their offspring. Korkeasaari Zoo has some reserve enclosures where animals can be temporarily housed while waiting for transfer to another zoo.
In the wild, a significant portion of offspring do not survive due to predation or food shortages. In zoos, however, all individuals typically reach adulthood. If a healthy animal must be euthanized due to lack of space, its remains can often be used as food for carnivores or contribute to scientific research.