Giant African snails abandoned in Turku forest, now in animal shelter

A woman in Turku discovered two giant African land snails abandoned in a forest on Friday, likely left there intentionally.

The snails, identified as Achatina fulica, are a non-native species commonly kept as pets in Finland. Releasing them into the wild is an animal welfare offense under Finnish law.

Emmi Eesmaa, who found the snails while walking her dog in the Impivaara area, recognized the species from her childhood. The snails, currently about the size of a hand, are not yet fully grown and could double in size, according to animal care staff at Turku’s municipal animal shelter.

Eläintenhoitaja Taru Mäkelä said the snails were in good condition upon arrival, with intact shells and no injuries. Eesmaa had already provided first aid by moistening them. The shelter has since separated the snails to prevent breeding.

Sanna Raunila, acting environmental health chief for Turku, noted that the species cannot survive Finnish winters. The shelter receives hundreds of abandoned animals annually, mostly cats and dogs, but giant African snails are rare—this is only the second such case in recent years.

Police are responsible for investigating potential animal welfare violations. The snails will remain in the shelter for 15 days, after which the city may rehome or, if necessary, euthanize them. One inquiry about adopting the snails has already been received.