Vieraile ja Välität ry – Donate and Support the Conservation of Endangered Animals
Vieraile ja Välität ry supports the care of the animals at Ähtäri Zoo, but the association is in urgent need of financial help. Since its founding in 2019, the association’s mission has been to support the conservation of rare and endangered animal species, along with education and awareness efforts related to nature and environmental conservation.
After the bankruptcy of Ähtäri Zoo in October 2025, ensuring the animals’ welfare required a quick and responsible solution. Vieraile ja Välität ry took on the responsibility for their care, despite not being prepared for such large and sudden financial expenses. Fundraising was immediately launched to ensure the continuation of animal care, and it is still ongoing.
By January 2026, the association had raised around €180,000 to maintain its operations. All donated funds go directly to the animals’ care and maintenance. We are incredibly grateful to all the donors. Thanks to you, the zoo animals have received excellent care, and no major relocation efforts have been necessary so far. And finally in February 2026 we made a deal with a responsible new business called MesiZoo Oy which will deal with the business side of the Zoo from now on and Vieraile ja Välität ry can continue focusing on what it does best.
In the past, the funds raised by the association have supported endangered species conservation programs and wildlife reintroduction projects. The funds have also been used for animal welfare research, including the purchase of tools to assist in research and expert help. Additionally, the money has supported educational and guidance work, environmental education, school partnerships, and other awareness efforts.
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Money Collection Permit
RA/2021/1225
Where are the raised funds used in the association?
The zoo is located on a 60-hectare wooded area and is currently home to over 130 animals. The costs are significant. We want to be transparent, so below we break down our monthly expenses from November to April, covering the off-season operations. We have based these calculations on previous costs we know from the zoo and have adjusted them to the absolute minimum.
We’ve lowered food costs since we currently have some feed, hay, and food in our stock, and we are also receiving more donations—thank you to all the food donors! The brown bears have gone into hibernation, so for a while, there are fewer mouths to feed (and big ones at that).
Thanks to nearly three months of fundraising, the association has received around €180,000 in donations! This is an incredible sum, and we are extremely grateful. The total consists of countless small donations—citizens have truly shown what we can achieve together.
However, the fundraising continues, as we still need to cover animal care costs until May 2026. Currently, maintaining the zoo and its animals costs about €69,000 per month, so the funds will be used up fairly quickly.