I visited on. Friday at the end of June 2023. Yes, you really should buy your tickets before you get to the ferry terminal, or, get on the bus. Yes, there is a massive civil engineering project going on right now that is effecting what animals are available to be seen. Please, between now and the beginning of 2027, try to check with the zoo for a full listing of what animals are available to be seen and what aren't. The civil engineering project in question is the construction of huge bridge linking the small island the zoo is on to one part of Helsinki so that the tram network can be extended to the island.

The zoo itself is fantastic. Taking the 15 minute ferry ride to the island, as I did takes you passed the docking area of the ice breaker fleet and then as the ferry manoeuvres itself into the dock at the zoo it is possible to get a good look at the beared vulture enclosure and part of the mountain goat enclosure.

There are hills everywhere. The tarmac is smooth and easy to walk on and roll over. The paths are wide and the signposts excellent. The signs, for the animals, are in Finnish, Swedish and English. Yes there is the option to listen to information for some of the bigger animal areas, again in Finnish and English, via the zoo's website and/or the zoo's SoundCloud account.

There are plenty of places to sit, stop, have a sandwich, watch the animals, take a break, whatever you want to.

As both a teaching experience and a conservation experience I rate this zoo very highly indeed. The whole place is, in my opinion, a wonderful experience and I look forward to many more visits over the years.

Thank you Helsinki Zoo, thank you.