Photo: Nordens Ark
Nordens Ark in western Sweden is dedicated to protecting and preserving endangered species.
Two of my grandchildren had a happy time this summer at a Swedish park that is dedicated to protecting and preserving endangered species. The children’s Swedish grandmother told me that the pony rides and other attractions draw families in to Nordens Ark and then get them interested in supporting the sustainability mission.
From the paark’s website: “Nordens Ark is a private non-profit foundation that works to ensure endangered animals have a future. We are engaged in conservation, rearing, research and training, as well as doing what we can to increase public awareness of biological diversity. Much of our work is done in the field, both in Sweden and overseas.
“We strive to strengthen populations of at-risk species by releasing individuals into the wild, and by improving the habitats in which they live. In Sweden, Nordens Ark has national responsibility for breeding and releasing, among others, the peregrine falcon, white-backed woodpecker, lesser white-fronted goose, green toad and several beetle species.
“Since the turn of the millennium hundreds of mammals and birds born at Nordens Ark have been released into nature, among them otters in Holland, European wildcats in Germany and lynxes in Poland. We have reinforced the Swedish peregrine falcon population with more than 175 individuals, and Sweden’s amphibian population with some 10,000 animals.”
More at the website, here. Sweden Tips lists the park in its survey of Sweden’s best zoos. If you want to visit Nordens Park, you can also find lots of enthusiastic comments at Trip Advisor, including “a fantastic place for a photographer” and a recommendation to come at feeding time.
Someone I know, 3-1/2, took a pony ride at Nordens Ark in Bohuslän, Sweden, this summer. The park encompasses more than [900 acres] and includes pastureland, woodland and animal facilities.
What a cutie on that pony! Sounds like a wonderful place to visit!
She is usually intrepid, but she looks a little anxious about the pony.
Lovely post and am sure she will enjoy more pony rides when she gets the hang of it. Sounds a lovely sanctuary for wildlife too.
The west coast is a fascinating part of Sweden, not what people usually think of when they think “Sweden.”
That’s a long way above the ground for a little one! Did she love it, though? I know I always wanted a pony . . . Norden’s Ark sounds like a wonderful initiative.
She said she liked it, but I am not sure if she’s in a hurry to get back on a pony.