Heinola Bird Sanctuary
Päijät-Häme
Located in Heinola, Finland, the Heinola Bird Sanctuary is a unique facility dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of wild birds injured by traffic, power lines, and glass surfaces. Established in 1963 with an initial donation of about 300 tropical birds, the sanctuary has expanded over decades to include specialized facilities such as shelters for waterfowl, raptors, and exotic parrots. It serves both as a rehabilitation center and a tourist attraction, housing over 50 permanent wild and tropical bird species, including hawks, geese, peacocks, and various parrots. Annually, approximately 129 injured wild birds receive care here, with 30-40% successfully released back into nature. The sanctuary also features exhibition spaces educating visitors on the history of bird sanctuaries and bird care. Managed by the city of Heinola and supported by a dedicated association, it attracts around 100,000 to 120,000 visitors yearly, offering a rare opportunity to observe species that are otherwise difficult to spot in the wild. The facility was renamed from Heinola Bird Park to Heinola Bird Sanctuary in 2020, coinciding with the opening of a new waterfowl house. The current head of the sanctuary, Nina Bruun, brings expertise from other notable Finnish animal care institutions.
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Tip: The best time to visit Heinola Bird Sanctuary is during the summer months when tropical birds are also on display. Visitors are encouraged to check opening hours and consider group visits for educational purposes. Advance ticket purchase is recommended during peak season to avoid queues. Discounts may be available for school groups and seniors. The sanctuary is accessible and offers informative exhibits, making it suitable for families and bird enthusiasts alike.
Interesting facts
- •Heinola Bird Sanctuary receives about 100,000 to 120,000 visitors annually, making it a significant local attraction.
- •Approximately 129 injured wild birds are treated each year, with 30-40% released back into the wild.
- •The sanctuary permanently houses over 50 wild and tropical bird species, including hawks, geese, peacocks, and various parrots.
- •It is one of only two bird sanctuaries in Finland dedicated to wild bird rehabilitation, the other being in Pyhtää.
- •The sanctuary was renamed in 2020 coinciding with the opening of a new waterfowl house.
History
The Heinola Bird Sanctuary began in 1963 when Anthony Bosley, the city's park supervisor, donated approximately 300 tropical birds to the city of Heinola.
The facility expanded in 1967 with accommodations for waterfowl wintering, and in 1977, raptor care facilities were established, marking the start of wild bird rehabilitation.
A raptor aviary was built in 1983, followed by a parrot house for exotic birds in 1984.
Exhibition spaces were added in 1997, with the first exhibition on bird sanctuary history and care held in 1998.
In 2020, a new waterfowl house opened, and the facility was renamed from Heinola Bird Park to Heinola Bird Sanctuary.
As of 2024, Nina Bruun serves as the sanctuary's head, continuing the legacy of animal care expertise.
Place Guide
Waterfowl House2020
Opened in 2020, this modern facility provides wintering accommodations for waterfowl and is a highlight for visitors interested in aquatic bird species.
Raptor Aviary1983
Built in 1983, this aviary is dedicated to birds of prey and serves as a rehabilitation and exhibition space for species such as hawks.
Parrot House1984
Established in 1984, this facility houses exotic tropical birds including various parrots and macaws, which are also visible to visitors during the summer.
Exhibition Spaces1998
Renovated in 1997 and opened in 1998, these spaces offer educational exhibitions on the history of bird sanctuaries and bird care practices.
Contact
Phone: 050 5951415
