Finnish wildlife rescue centres face collapse due to lack of funding
A wildlife protection association in Kokemäki, western Finland, will stop accepting injured wild animals at the end of the month due to financial strain, highlighting a nationwide crisis in wildlife rehabilitation funding, reports Yle.
The volunteer-run Eläinsuojeluyhdistys Kuura in Kokemäki, which primarily serves the Satakunta region, announced it can no longer afford to care for wild animals in need. The association’s chair, Inge Krone, stated that demand has overwhelmed their resources, forcing them to consider redirecting calls to voicemail.
“The number of animals has grown so large that our resources are no longer sufficient,” Krone said. “It’s difficult to refuse help, but we have no choice.”
The organisation currently operates a small animal shelter housing cats, guinea pigs, horses, and chickens—animals guaranteed lifelong care—but will scale back operations significantly. Krone estimated that hiring two staff members for six months could temporarily resolve the issue, as most cases occur between April and September.
Kokemäki’s mayor, Teemu Nieminen, has contacted the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry seeking a long-term solution, stressing that municipal aid would only be a “short-term fix.” He noted that the problem extends nationwide and requires a coordinated response.
Calls for a state-funded rehabilitation network
Finnish law mandates assistance for injured or distressed wild animals, but rehabilitation relies almost entirely on volunteers and donations. The Finnish Society for Animal Welfare (SEY) has long pushed for systemic change, proposing a state-funded network of wildlife care centres staffed by experts.
“Animal welfare should be the state’s responsibility,” said SEY communications chief Maria Eiskop. “A national network would ensure professional assessments—whether an animal can be rehabilitated or euthanasia is necessary.”
Without accessible care, Eiskop warned, well-meaning individuals may unintentionally prolong animal suffering. SEY currently offers phone advice and online resources as stopgap measures.
Turku association stabilises but remains vulnerable
The Turku Animal Welfare Association (TESY) has seen slight financial improvement after years of deficits, though director Sari Pesonen described operations as still “on a knife’s edge.” Three years ago, the association faced a €200,000 shortfall; this year, it expects to break even.
TESY employs both volunteers and paid staff, relying on private donations and bequests. Unlike Kuura, it receives no municipal funding despite serving Turku and surrounding areas, including the archipelago.
Krone and Eiskop emphasised that without structural support, Finland’s wildlife rescue system—already fragmented—risks total collapse, leaving injured animals without care.