The year of celebration begins today with the polar bear day, which includes a feeding show and polar bear-themed lectures.
Ranua Animal Park turns 40 this year. The forty kilometers can already be seen, so last fall extensive renovation work started in the park.
The purpose of establishing the animal park was to boost Ranua’s development through tourism. The zoo was completed in record time and the opening ceremony was held on June 17, 1983.
– At first, the park focused only on domestic summer tourists. When the business started to grow, more visitors came, Koivunen states.
The polar bear accelerated growth
The first polar bear acquired in 1989 has been the park’s attraction and growth booster.
– Nowadays, the park is also visited by winter tourists, and there could be more growth from that side, says the CEO.
International guests have also discovered the Ranua zoo.
Ranuan Seudun Matkailu oy is a company 100% owned by the municipality. In addition to the animal park, it has other activities. Among other things, it offers restaurant and accommodation services.
In some municipalities, it may be felt that the tourism company owned by the municipality is distorting the market if it has accommodation and restaurant operations.
CEO Johanna Koivunen formulates her comments on the topic precisely.
– We focus on our own doing. However, the zoo and our company benefit the entire region, he reminds.
25 people work at Ranua Zoo all year round. During high season, the number of employees can reach up to eighty.
There will be animal-themed theme days
In the 40th anniversary year, a special program is organized in Ranua Zoo. Today, Saturday, the park is celebrating polar bear day, which includes a polar bear feeding show and two lectures.
Later in the spring, the park has, for example, owl, bug, otter, elk, and bear themed days. The park’s birthday celebration event is on June 17.