Drought leaves Finnish animal sanctuary without drinking water

A severe drought in eastern Finland has forced an animal sanctuary in Juuka to truck in drinking water after its well ran dry, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Pikkusiivi farm, home to 55 rescued animals, lost its water supply Tuesday night when the well—its sole source—went dry. Owner Emilia Erola now relies on delivered water, stored in two industrial tanks she purchased from a scrap dealer in Kuopio. A tanker truck will fill them Friday, though she admits she hasn’t yet dared ask the cost.

“My first thought was: How will I water the sheep?” Erola told Yle. Without the well, even basic tasks become difficult. “The biggest problem is that the animals have nothing to drink. Humans can wash anywhere.”

The sanctuary houses goats, sheep, pigeons, ducks, geese, chickens, dogs, and rabbits—species Erola specializes in because they’re often deemed too difficult to rehome. The 13 goats and sheep alone consume at least 60 liters daily; in summer heat, total water use could hit 300 liters. Without rain, tanker deliveries may be needed twice monthly.

Eastern Finland’s groundwater levels are exceptionally low after a snow-scarce winter, according to the Finnish Environment Institute. Small aquifers in the region sit 40–110 cm below average. Erola, who has lived on the property five years, called the drought unprecedented: “The well’s never run dry before, no matter the weather. But now it hit us.”

The local animal welfare association Arvokas has launched an emergency fundraiser to cover water costs. Without nearby lakes or rivers, the sanctuary has no alternative source.