Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Unmissable Swedish Summer Experiences
For the future of our animals Nordens Ark attracts heaps of curious visitors who want to learn more about our endangered species. Located in one of the most beautiful areas in Scandinavia, all is set for mighty meetings with some of the world’s wild creatures. By Malin Norman | Photos: Tom Svensson/Nordens Ark
Foundation Nordens Ark is a non-profit organisation working for the future of endangered species. The foundation runs a wildlife park, which has around 80 animal species, mostly from climates similar to Scandinavia, as well as old native farm breeds. Here, visitors can get up close with wild animals such as the world’s largest feline, the Amur tiger, and many other creatures including snow leopards, Pallas’ cats, wolverines, wolves, reindeer, birds, reptiles and amphibians. “We can see a growing trend with more visitors coming every year,” says CEO Mats Höggren. “This is not a standard zoo. We also have a huge eco-park with a fantastic range of wild species and habitats, and lots of exciting activities, and we’re located in one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful environments by the Bohuslän coastline.”
Popular wildlife park Höggren estimates that around 150,000 visitors will come this year, peaking in 62 | Issue 100 | May 2017
July. In addition to the many new animals born during the summer months, there is plenty happening in the wildlife park, including opportunities to feed the farm animals as well as hikes and guided tours, and of course the popular Midsummer festivities in June. In addition to running the park, the foundation is engaged in conservation projects, research and training for schools and universities, to increase public awareness of biological diversity. Since 2000, around 300 mammals and birds bred at Nordens Ark have been released into nature, for instance European wild cats in Germany, lynx in Poland and otters in the Netherlands. In Sweden, Nordens Ark has reinforced the peregrine falcon population with around 175 individuals and increased endangered amphibian populations in southern Sweden. Nordens Ark is located at Åby säteri, one of the oldest estates in Bohuslän. The nearly 400-hectare estate owned by
Foundation Nordens Ark also hosts a high-quality conference facility, restaurant and shop. Höggren recommends visitors to arrive by boat to experience the stunning coastline and, if they want, stay the night at the hotel, in a caravan or perhaps in one of the small cabins on-site.
Photo: Erik Edvardsson/Nordens Ark
Photo: Erik Edvardsson/Nordens Ark
Nordens Ark is open all year round, every day of the week from 10am to 5pm.
For more information, please visit: www.nordensark.se