Find your wild soul in Ranua!

22.1.2025 – Source: Ranua Wildlife Park

There is an amazing power in our nature. It is wild and free. Here in nature you can feel the movement – in your bones and in your core, deep down inside. Whether you walk a path less travelled or one already trodden. With us, you hear with your heart.

Here you can experience the wonders of arctic nature, every day. We have Finland’s only polar bear and 49 other arctic animal species, many of which are no longer provided with a safe habitat by nature.

Venus1

Come on holiday with us, find your wild soul and bring it into your everyday life!

471811185_1013400757500856_8785490538212051246_n

During the harshest cold spells, white-tailed deer can survive in an energy-saving mode, avoiding movement and sometimes fasting for up to a couple of weeks. However, a thick snow cover limits their life in the north, as about half a meter of snow is considered the threshold for survival; white-tailed deer cannot dig through deeper snow to reach shrubs beneath.

deer

Did you know that a wolverine is also a skilled climber? Although climbing isn’t its primary way of moving, the wolverine knows how to put its sharp claws and powerful body to good use when the situation calls for it!

A wolverine might climb a tree to:

🌳 Seek safety – leaving a bear or wolf waiting below.
🌳 Search for food – a carcass or bird nests might be found in the branches.
🌳Observe its surroundings – a tall tree offers a great view.

Have you ever witnessed nature paint the world in shades of blue? 💫

472571466_1019369240237341_2758890174046596804_n

In Lapland, the “Blue Moment”—a breathtaking phenomenon—occurs during the arctic Winter twilight. As the sun barely rises above the horizon, the sky, snow, and landscapes are bathed in a dreamy, icy-blue glow.

It’s a time of peace, mystery, and pure magic—a perfect setting for snowy adventures or quiet reflection under the endless arctic skies. ❄️

472956223_1019369383570660_9176220958755684183_n

Freezing temperatures don’t stop the otter from diving into icy waters.

Its diet consists mainly of fish, making flowing, ice-free water essential for its survival. The otter’s waterproof, oil-coated fur is among the densest in the animal kingdom – with around 50,000 hairs per square centimeter, it keeps the cold at bay and the skin dry, enabling fishing trips even in the harshest winter conditions.

🐾🐾
Despite its small size, Amur leopard cat is a wild predator. It lives in light pine forests of East Asia mainly preying on small mammals, especially rodents. It moves on the ground at night, hunting with the help of a precise sense of sight and smell. Although the Amur leopard cats climb skillfully, they thrive on the ground in the shelter of vegetation and fallen trees. Being the northernmost subspecies of the Asian leopard cat, it has adapted to cold environment.

Amur cat

The red fox has become the most common predator in urban areas in Finland. Living near human settlements comes with its risks—traffic claims the lives of thousands of foxes each year. However, the risk is worth taking, as living close to humans reduces competition for food and offers protection from predators. Nevertheless, coexistence is not without challenges. A fox that does not fear humans may dig a den under a terrace or spread mange.

Foxes should not be fed—this helps maintain their hunting skills and protects the species for the long term.

The urbanization of wildlife is a natural phenomenon, and at its best, observing animals can strengthen humans’ connection with nature. Wildlife should be observed from a distance, and safe nesting spots for many species can be provided farther away from residential areas.

red fox

Last year, there was good news when at least three successful arctic foxl nestings were observed in Lapland area in Finland during the summer, resulting in a total of at least nine cubs.

“The return of the critically endangered arctic fox to Finnish nature is the result of long-term conservation work, including additional feeding, annual inspections of nesting sites and hunting of foxes competing for the same habitats in the northern fells,” says WWF.

In the north, the arctic fox population has strengthened in areas where conservation efforts have been made, and they are doing better than they have for a long time.

arctic fox

❤️ Taking care of each other is important ❤️

dholes

A Friendly Reminder for the Visitors of the Wildlife Park

You are warmly welcome to our Wildlife Park, home to some of the most majestic Arctic animals! 🐻‍❄️🦊🐺

We’re thrilled to have you here to experience the beauty of these incredible creatures up close. But remember—you are visiting their home 🌿🏡

To ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being, we kindly ask you to:

🔹 Stay Calm – Walk and talk quietly near enclosures. Loud noises disturbs the animals.
🔹 Respect Boundaries – Never throw food, objects, or attempt to touch the animals.
🔹 Keep it Clean – Dispose of trash properly to help keep their home pristine.

By following these simple guidelines, you’re helping us create a peaceful and safe environment for our arctic friends 💙

Thank you for showing kindness and respect during your visit! 🐾✨

Venus embraces the snow

Venus2

7 Comments

  1. Dear Mervi,

    Thank you for the detailed report from Ranua, the Finnish snow paradise for the animals of the north.
    The Blue Moment is fantastic to see and the increased polar population of Arctic wolves is a great stroke of luck.

    The park administration’s requests to visitors should be a matter of course for all animal parks and zoos. The noise that can be heard in some videos at the enclosures is unbearable.

    I wish Ranua Park continued good luck and well-behaved visitors!

    Kind regards
    Britta-Gudrun

  2. Dear Mervi

    Thank you for sharing this story from Ranua The park is such a wonderful place. Venus looks lovely.

  3. Ich schaue mir die Winterbilder gerne an und bin immer wieder erstaunt, wie Tier und Mensch dort oben überleben: die große Kälte im Winter, die vielen Mücken im Sommer. So verharre ich doch lieber in milderen Gefilden… 😉

  4. Die Umarmung der schönen Venus drückt sehr gut aus, was ich beim Anschauen der Fotos und Videos in diesem Bericht empfinde: DANKBARKEIT für die Schönheit der nordischen Natur…💝👌

  5. Dear Mervi!
    Once again, these are marvellous photos and videos of beautiful animals that love winter and where winter still deserves its name. I can well understand your homesickness…, even if I shiver slightly at the sight of them.
    The rules of behaviour in Ranua should apply to all zoos. Actually, they should be a matter of course…
    The photo of Venus is very touching!

    Hugs
    Anke

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*