The bankrupt Ähtäri Zoo in Finland has been sold for just one euro. The sale includes all zoo properties, land areas, and resident animals.
The Visit and Care association purchased the facility last Friday. This animal welfare group consists of current and former zoo employees.
The deal covers the zoo buildings, land, animals, equipment, and food supplies. It allows the association to continue animal care operations at the site.
Association members confirmed they will maintain zoo operations and animal welfare for now. The group lacks long-term funding for sustained operations.
They have requested public donations to support their ongoing work. This arrangement provides immediate stability for the animals while seeking financial solutions.
The one-euro sale price reflects the zoo's bankruptcy status and the buyer's nonprofit nature. Such symbolic sales sometimes occur when the primary goal is preserving essential services rather than profit.
Located in central Finland's Ähtäri municipality, the zoo has been a regional attraction for decades. Its closure would have created animal welfare challenges without this intervention.