Will Ähtari Zoo close? Sad words from the City Council President

In 2018, giant pandas arrived in Ähtäri. Call Leadman

Chairman of the Ahtari Municipal Council Lina Mampa (kok) found the situation at Ähtari Zoo worrying.

– Yes, it’s a pity that it failed. Of course, that’s obvious. But, thank God, they have improved the results so it’s not as bad as last year. But it’s not enough, says Mäenpää.

ähtärin Eläinpuisto Oy lost around 840,000 euros last year. The result for 2022 is a loss of just under 1.6 million euros.

In fact, the zoo’s operations were even more unprofitable, as both years’ results were embellished by €1.4 million in other financial income, which was related to changes in the company’s financing and debt arrangements.

The municipality of Ähtari owns 99 percent of the zoo company.

Can it be terminated?

The city council president said this fall, the city’s decision-makers will meet and consider options for the zoo’s future.

When asked about this, Mäenpää did not even rule out closing the zoo.

– Everything is possible in this world. Who knows what the future will hold? Of course, I hope that it will continue and that Ahtari will remain vibrant.

Mäenpää said he still trusts the zoo’s management.

– I believe that everyone will do their best there. “As an entrepreneur, I know that the world situation is such that even if you stand on your head, you may not be able to close a deal,” says Mäenpää.

– But yes, we have to find a cure.

Limited ability to pay

In early June, the Ähtäri Municipality decided Write down The city had more than 7.5 million euros in accounts receivable on its balance sheet, including receivables from the city’s zoo and its subsidiaries. The write-downs took a nearly 7 million euro hit to an otherwise profitable performance.

In light of the recent news of animal park losses, analysts at Alma Businessmedia Elka Felt evaluate Iltalehti said the city of Ähtari would have to provide the zoo with up to 1 million euros per year if the company’s profitability did not improve.

Mäenpää said the city has little capacity to do that.

– I’m concerned that this is not the case.