Ähtäri zoo secures future with 158 local owners after share issue

The newly established company behind Ähtäri Zoo, Mesi Zoo, has raised €563,500 through a share issue, with 158 shareholders—most of them local residents or people with roots in the town—now owning the struggling animal park, Yle reports.

Six major investors contributed over €50,000 each, collectively holding 90% of the company’s voting power. The share issue, which closed in late February, attracted 77 A-share subscriptions and 357 B-share subscriptions from 152 investors.

Risto Sivonen, chair of Mesi Zoo’s board, described the result as a “true grassroots movement by the people of Ähtäri,” exceeding expectations. “I hope they take pride in what they’ve achieved,” he said.

The largest shareholders include long-time Ähtäri entrepreneurs Tapio and Kristiina Peltomäki, boat industry figure Eero Johde, and retail professional Pasi Poukka. Poukka, who invested to support the town’s vitality, stated: “Ähtäri needs its zoo.”

Another significant investor, farmer Tuomo Kinnunen from Reisjärvi—who has no direct ties to Ähtäri—said his €70,000 contribution was partly nostalgic. “I remember joking to my son last autumn, during the park’s final days before bankruptcy, ‘What if Dad bought the zoo?’” he recalled. Despite the sentiment, Kinnunen stressed he expects a financial return.

Funds raised will primarily cover operations through the summer, with €45,000 of each €50,000 investment allocated as capital loans. Sivonen noted that securing traditional bank financing would have been difficult given the zoo’s history, making owner-funded support critical.

The new ownership base spans all ages and professions, including local tourism operators. While most bought single B-shares, one company acquired 50. Motives vary—some back the zoo’s revival, others the regional economy, and many cite nostalgia or a passion for animals.

Perks for shareholders, such as free entry or invitations to volunteer events, remain under discussion. Kristiina Peltomäki hopes owners will embrace their role: “Ideally, they’ll carry cards saying, ‘I’m a co-owner.’”

The zoo, temporarily open during winter school holidays, will reopen fully at Easter. Its future now rests on this community-driven rescue effort after 52 years of operation.