The bankruptcy estate of Ähtäri Wildlife Park has sold the entire facility for just one euro. The buyer is the 'Visit and Care' association, which consists of current and former park employees.
The sale includes all animals, properties, and land areas previously owned by the wildlife park. The association can now continue animal care operations in the park's facilities.
Ähtäri City Council approved the transaction last Friday. The city stated it continues seeking long-term solutions for the park's future.
The purchase price of one euro comes with additional 25.5% value-added tax. The association has already begun requesting public donations to cover ongoing animal care costs.
What does the sale include? The transaction transfers all wildlife park and petting farm animals to the association. It also includes movable property and rental rights to land areas and buildings previously managed by the park.
The deal covers animal foods, utility connections for electricity, water and wastewater, plus machinery, equipment and vehicles located within the park areas.
The association previously purchased the park's former Panda House property. This suggests the employee group had been preparing for potential ownership transition.
Bankruptcy proceedings began last October when both Ähtäri Wildlife Park and the connected Hotel Mesikämmen were declared bankrupt. The park's continued operation through employee ownership provides temporary stability while permanent solutions are explored.
This arrangement keeps the animals in their familiar environment. It also maintains local employment while preventing immediate closure of the popular attraction.
The city's approval indicates official support for keeping the park operational, even in this unconventional ownership structure. The one-euro price tag reflects both the park's financial struggles and the community's commitment to its survival.
Local authorities appear to view this as a stopgap measure rather than a permanent solution. The city's statement emphasizes continued work toward long-term arrangements for the wildlife park.
Animal welfare remains the immediate priority. The employee association's existing familiarity with the animals and operations provides continuity of care during this transitional period.