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Autumn Evenings at Korkeasaari Zoo

Experience the atmosphere of a darkening autumn evening and festive lighting — at the regular admission price! By purchasing conservation products during the autumn evenings, you can also support the conservation of wild Pallas’s cats.

Experience the atmosphere of a darkening autumn evening at Korkeasaari

In September, from 14–18 September, the island of animals is open for extended hours from 10 am to 10 pm. As dusk falls, the zoo’s spectacular festive lighting comes into its own.

Follow the zoo’s residents as they enjoy their autumn activities, indulge in delicious treats at our restaurants, or join a guided evening walk through the Cat Valley. As darkness falls, the island comes alive with impressive festive lights, allowing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the island of animals long after the usual autumn closing time.

Head over for an after-work outing or enjoy an evening adventure with the whole family, and take your time experiencing the festive atmosphere and spectacular lighting of the island of animals. Admission is included with regular zoo tickets and annual passes!

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Cat Valley’s Guided Evening Walks

Come and learn more about the residents of Korkeasaari’s Cat Valley with a guide! During the Autumn Evenings, 14–18 September, a free guided tour departs daily from the entrance to Cat Valley, in front of the tiger enclosures.

Cat Valley Evening Walk, at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm
Duration approx. 30 min

Festive Lighting

As dusk falls on an autumn evening, the zoo comes alive with spectacular event lighting. Colorful lights and light installations create a magical atmosphere in the dark autumn evening – come and experience the island of animals in a whole new light.

Guided Animal Feedings

The programme for the guided feeding sessions during Korkeasaari’s Autumn Evenings will be published later.

Restaurant Services

Korkeasaari Zoo’s Pukki Restaurant serves visitors throughout the evening during the Autumn Evenings. The menu features delicious à la carte dishes as well as quicker bites. A cup of hot coffee is always a treat, and our restaurants also have licences to serve alcoholic beverages.

As an after-work special at Pukki Restaurant, a nacho plate (meat or vegetarian) is €6.50 for one and €10 for two, while a hot dog with toppings (meat or vegetarian) is €6.50.

Pallas’s Cat Conservation

During the Autumn Evenings, Korkeasaari’s shop will be selling conservation products familiar from the Night of the Cats event. A portion of the sales price of these products will be donated to the conservation of wild Pallas’s cats.

Conservation work

Conservation work

Pallas's Cat

The small, thick-coated resident of the Asian steppes, the Pallas’s cat, faces threats including habitat loss and poaching for its fur. It is difficult to accurately estimate the wild population of this elusive species, but it is known to be declining.

During the Autumn Evenings, you can purchase products that support the conservation of wild Pallas’s cats. You can also use this link to make a donation of your choice or start your own fundraising campaign to support Pallas’s cat conservation!

Information for the Evening

Admission

The Autumn Evenings can be enjoyed with regular zoo admission tickets or an annual pass. The zoo is open from 10 am to 10 pm. We recommend arriving well before dusk.

Evening Hours

After dusk, only the atmospheric illuminated route is open. Some species retreat to rest early and may therefore not be visible later in the evening. Please remember that nocturnal animals have excellent vision in the dark, so please do not disturb their eyes with flash photography!

Bringing Your Own Food

Korkeasaari’s grills can be used for grilling your own food, and the outdoor picnic areas are available for use. Please sort your waste at the recycling points – let’s keep the island clean!

The island’s restaurants have designated licensed areas, and bringing your own alcoholic beverages is not permitted.

Problems and Lost Property

You can find the first aid station on the event map. Korkeasaari’s control room can be reached at 050 352 5989, which serves as the zoo’s own emergency number. Lost property is listed on the eOmistaja Löytö service, where you can check directly whether your lost item has been found.

Bringing pets onto the island, feeding the animals and otherwise disturbing them is not permitted, just as at Korkeasaari at other times.

We reserve the right to make changes to the schedule, prices and programme.

Night of the Cats Events

Korkeasaari’s Autumn Evenings take place during the week between the Night of the Cats events. On Saturday, 12 September, Korkeasaari K18: Night of the Cats is an adults-only event, while Saturday, 19 September, brings the traditional Night of the Cats event for the whole family.

These event-filled evenings raise funds for the conservation of wild Pallas’s cats, and admission is only available with separate event tickets.

Korkeasaari K18: Night of the Cats, 12 September
Night of the Cats, 19 September