Mimiminuls at Korkeasaari Zoo
We had long planned to visit the Helsinki Zoo again. The zoo itself is very popular, and there are lots of videos of walks through it, so I won’t describe it in detail. I can only sincerely recommend visiting it; it’s really great. The only drawback I can think of is the price: 29 for adults / 20 for children.
In the past, the zoo was on an island all by itself; the only way to it was a bridge from another island, and from there another bridge led into the city. From the central market there used to be a cute ferry, which added an extra sense of adventure to the island visit. But now they’ve built a large bridge directly to the shore across the island, and the regular ferry has been removed. We were very worried that the road would be noisy and disturb the animals, but it turned out that the bridge has only tram tracks and bike/pedestrian paths. And there will be a tram stop right opposite the zoo entrance.
The manul enclosure used to be on the opposite side from the ferry dock, and it seems that on our previous visits we had never been to that part. Now the manuls are right by the new entrance, practically the first animals on the way. You just have to climb up the winding path.
It should be said that we had planned the visit back in winter and were worried that if Mimi had kittens shortly before our trip, we definitely wouldn’t see her. We followed all the latest videos and photos closely, and there wasn’t the slightest hint of any surprise.
We arrived at opening time, and what a surprise it was when, as we approached the enclosure, we saw two manuls. The first thought was: Arkas has been let out. But no, the face is still a kitten’s:
A couple of minutes later, two more kitties emerged from under the rock
So they played for about 10 minutes and hid in the cave under the rocks. There was another manul fan near the enclosure, and she told us that Mimi is active in the morning and would now only come out around 3 p.m. At 3:30 the keeper came and hung up three rats. About 30 minutes later Mimi appeared and bit off half. Another 30 minutes later Mimi came out for the remaining half. Around 6 p.m. Mimi started appearing in view, and one of the kittens with her. Apparently he is the bravest/most active, since he even tried to take part in his mother’s hunt for the remaining rats.
And separately, for connoisseurs, a tiger-minul cub.
A separate manul-merch section. The shop is near the entrance, but before the turnstiles. Those who wish can visit the shop without buying a ticket. We went through almost the whole shop and found nothing. We were disappointed. The child found magnets, and that made it less upsetting. We approach the checkout, and next to it there’s a separate shelf with only manuls!! Not a huge selection, but we took everything
P.S. At the checkout, noticing a certain sameness in our purchases, we were asked whether we were manul fans. That led to a conversation, and they confirmed that Mimi really does have three kittens and that the names haven’t been chosen yet.
P.P.S. Unfortunately, for technical reasons, I’ll only be able to upload the photos to the site in two weeks.
Comments 16
Thanks for the super news. I can’t believe it — we were heading to Mimi, and at most to Arcas, and then look what’s going on here — a little oneeeee
Princess, Kolli-Olli, and Katti-Matti have got siblings! Congratulations to the Finnish mamanul and wishing her and the little ones good health 🩷
Thank you! This is such an unexpected and wonderful piece of news! Today, thanks to you, everyone’s cuteness meters have broken and their cheeks hurt from smiling! 🤗. And the appearance of the tiger-striped manul is a true miracle and joy!
Omg! There is a little one that looks like Princessa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe the striped one is a she.
What a nice surprise! I did not know Mimi and Arkas had planned for more children. Welcome, Miminuls! Grow strong and healthy!
Yegor, thank you for the wonderful photos of Mimi and the manul kittens! The new Tigromanul (if I understood the sex correctly) is simply adorable😍😍
Oh, what a striped, hairy one 🤗🥰
Yegor, thank you so much for the news and the miracle!!! Health to the minuls and to mom!!! (Health to dad too!))) And special joy for the new bumblebee butt!))
Oh, more Mimi babies! With that special look and striped backs! What genes they got from Arcas, huh?
Amazing news, and such a great story, thank you for it — it felt like I was there myself! And the merch is a whole separate love!
Omg what exciting and unexpected news, new Mimilings!!!! I'm just in awe at the bounty of this minul season... we may need to open new zoos to house them all! (I volunteer my local areas!! 😂)
Thanks for the report, very interesting! Wishing good health to the whole fluffy-cheeked family!
mnamosyna (rachael), (takes notes on the word "mimilingi")
They cloned Prinsessa!
I visited few zoos in Japan. I think they have the cutest manul souvenirs :D everything is cute!!
Yegor, thank you for the report and the photos! I can only imagine how thrilled you were to see not only Her Majesty Mimi, but also... kittens!🤩
Now I want to visit Korkeasaari even more! The striped little girl with that signature "Budapest" touch of sadness is devastatingly adorable!
By the way, who are Mimi’s neighbors?
And also, Yegor, do you have a photo of Mimi’s enclosure from the side? Is there glass there?
P.S. Cool souvenirs! I like that Mimi is depicted on all the items, but on the banknote — Arkas (for some reason that reminded me of the phrase "dad works, and mom is beautiful :)))
We’ll be waiting for your photos on the site! thanks in advance❤️