Among Korkeasaari Zoo’s many historical landmarks, the bear castles are among the oldest. Built during the early 1900s, these three cages were once a central attraction at the zoo, showcasing polar bears and Finland’s native brown bears. Their design now offers a glimpse into the past’s standards for animal welfare. The bear castles were constructed with sturdy stone walls and iron bars. The enclosures were small and lacked the naturalistic elements we now recognize as essential for animal well-being. As attitudes toward animal care evolved, so did the standards at the…
