Ranua Resort Joins Polar Bears International’s Arctic Ambassador Center Network

Ranua Resort has strengthened its collaboration with Polar Bears International by joining the international Arctic Ambassador Center network. The partnership reinforces Ranua Resort’s work in polar bear communication, conservation education, and Arctic conservation. The collaboration was officially announced during the Arctic Sea Ice Day event at Ranua Wildlife Park on July 15, when a new sea ice installation was also unveiled in the new polar bear viewing shelter.

The Arctic Ambassador Center network, coordinated by Polar Bears International, brings together zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks committed to protecting polar bears and the Arctic, promoting science-based communication, and increasing climate awareness. The network includes members across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The partnership was announced during the Arctic Sea Ice Day event at Ranua Wildlife Park on July 15. During the same event, a new sea ice installation was officially opened in the viewing shelter of the recently renovated polar bear habitat. The installation explains the importance of Arctic sea ice for polar bears and the entire Arctic food web.

Ranua Wildlife Park is home to three female polar bears: Venus, Kara, and Inuvik. Polar bears are among the park’s best-known animals, providing a meaningful and tangible way to help visitors understand the changes taking place in the Arctic.

“Polar bears are a particularly important species for Ranua Wildlife Park. Becoming an Arctic Ambassador Center gives us even stronger tools to tell the story of polar bears, explain the importance of sea ice, and show why the future of the Arctic matters to all of us. We want to offer visitors memorable experiences, but also knowledge that stays with them and inspires action for nature,” says Johanna Koivunen, CEO of Ranua Resort.

Arctic Ambassador Centers Bring Science Closer to the Public

Polar Bears International is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to the conservation of polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. Members of the Arctic Ambassador Center network commit to engaging the public about polar bears, using science-based climate communication, strengthening expertise in animal welfare, and organizing annual awareness events.

“The zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks that join our Arctic Ambassador Center network amplify the call for climate action,” said Amy Cutting, Vice President of Conservation at Polar Bears International.” They share their creativity, passion, and talent to help conserve wild polar bears not only through exhibit signage and educational programs, but also by taking part in special events and campaigns. What’s more, they lead sustainability efforts in their communities, engage with civic leaders, and leverage their unprecedented access to polar bears to advance conservation science, helping with studies that would be impossible to conduct with polar bears in the wild.”

At Ranua Resort, the partnership will be reflected in the continued development of polar bear exhibitions and educational content, participation in international awareness days, strengthening staff expertise, and the use of Polar Bears International’s educational resources in visitor communication.

Sea ice installation opens in the new viewing shelter

The new sea ice installation, unveiled during Arctic Sea Ice Day, brings the topic to life in the new polar bear viewing shelter. Large windows offer visitors a ground-level view of the polar bear habitat, while the interactive installation enhances the experience by explaining why sea ice is essential for polar bears.

“Sea ice forms the foundation of the entire Arctic ecosystem. Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt seals, travel, and survive. As sea ice declines, the impacts extend far beyond individual animals and affect the entire Arctic environment,” says Heidi Kouvo, Conservation Educator at Ranua Wildlife Park.

The Arctic Ambassador Center partnership supports Ranua Resort’s long-term commitment to animal welfare, nature conservation, conservation education, and sustainable tourism. Ranua Wildlife Park has already invested in improving polar bear welfare by renovating the polar bear habitat and creating new opportunities for visitors to learn about the species in a responsible and engaging way.

Learn more about Polar Bears International on the organization’s website.

Watch the video to learn how Arctic Ambassador Centers support Polar Bears International and polar bear conservation: