Ähtäri Zoo in Finland has closed its gates to visitors. The park will continue animal care operations behind closed scenes for now.
CEO Arja Väliaho confirmed the closure in a statement. She expressed hope that visitors would come say farewell to the animals before the gates close.
"We hope customers will visit and say goodbye to the animals for now," Väliaho said. "We hope operations can continue later."
The zoo filed for bankruptcy this autumn. Officials have searched for potential new operators to take over the facility.
Väliaho reported no new developments in finding a successor organization as of Saturday. The zoo faces substantial financial challenges that make continuation difficult.
Bankruptcy filings show Ähtäri Zoo owes approximately 17.1 million euros. The institution holds assets valued at just over 700,000 euros.
The park gained international attention in 2018 when it acquired two giant pandas from China. Lumi and Pyry arrived under a 15-year loan agreement.
Financial troubles forced the zoo to return the pandas to China early this September. The premature return highlighted the park's deepening economic crisis.
Animal care will transition to the Visit and Care association next. This organization will take responsibility for the zoo's remaining animals.
A connected nature conservation association lacks funds for long-term animal care. The group continues seeking donations to support the animals.
Väliaho expressed gratitude for received donations but couldn't provide exact figures. "We've received support wonderfully, and we're extremely thankful for all amounts," she said.
If no new operator emerges, zoo officials will negotiate animal transfers with other Finnish and European wildlife parks. This would effectively end Ähtäri Zoo's operations after decades as a regional attraction.
The closure represents another blow to Finland's cultural and tourism infrastructure. Regional attractions continue facing economic pressures despite their importance to local communities.