Ähtärin eläintarhan karhut heräävät talviuniltaan
Ähtäri Zoo is abuzz with excitement as the resident brown bears have emerged from their winter hibernation, signaling the imminent arrival of spring. The bears at the zoo typically awaken around late February or early March, and this year was no exception, despite the unusually mild winter weather.
Marko Haapakoski, the zoo’s curator, expressed delight at the bears’ awakening, noting that it is always a clear indication that spring is on its way. Observing the bears stretching and refreshing themselves after a long period of rest is a heartwarming sight for both visitors and staff alike.
Matriarch and four cubs
Since its establishment in 1973, Ähtäri Zoo has been home to a group of brown bears, including the matriarch Mimmi and her four cubs. Mimmi, born in 1991, is accompanied by her sons Jaki (born in 2011) and the triplets Kasper, Jesper, and Joonatan (born in 2016). These bears have become beloved fixtures at the zoo, captivating audiences with their playful antics and natural behaviors.
To celebrate the bears’ awakening, Ähtäri Zoo has planned a special bear spring feast for visitors on Saturday. This event will allow guests to witness the bears as they explore their outdoor enclosure, bask in the spring air, and reacquaint themselves with their surroundings after the long winter months.
Giant pandas and hibernation
In addition to the brown bears, Ähtäri Zoo was also home to two giant pandas from China as part of a conservation agreement. However, due to financial challenges, the pandas were returned last autumn, leaving the brown bears as the main attraction at the zoo.
Meanwhile, at Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo, the resident brown bears, Julia and Sofia, entered hibernation in mid-November. Despite briefly stirring during a warm spell in early January, the bears returned to their den and fully awoke from hibernation on February 20. The sight of Julia and Sofia exploring their snow-covered surroundings is a testament to the beauty of nature and the resilience of these magnificent animals.
With an estimated 2,000 bears in the wild in Finland, the awakening of the bears at both Ähtäri Zoo and Korkeasaari Zoo serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these iconic species.
As the bears embrace the changing seasons and greet visitors with their playful demeanor, the magic of spring unfolds at the zoos, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. The bond between humans and animals is strengthened through these shared experiences, creating lasting memories for all who witness the beauty of these magnificent creatures.
