SEA LIFE Helsinki: Fin-tastic encounters at the deep end

Have you ever seen a shark up close, or stared a piranha straight in the eye? At SEA LIFE Helsinki, visitors get to experience the magic of the underwater world and learn about marine life and ways to protect it.

Located in the heart of Helsinki, SEA LIFE offers visitors a chance to experience the magic of the deep blue sea and encounter fascinating sea creatures. SEA LIFE Helsinki takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the rainforest, where they can learn about poisonous frogs, turtles, electric eels – and a favourite among most visitors: piranhas.

Fluffy, the pufferfish.

The tropical area boasts beautiful corals and a pufferfish called Fluffy who is quite the showman. One of the newest additions to the crew at SEA LIFE Helsinki is Turo, a giant Pacific octopus, whose tentacle span can reach up to a whopping four metres.

Small steps, big impact

This year, the Conservation Cove – located at the end of the exhibit – has been renovated. At the cove, among other species, visitors can see the critically endangered San Ignacio pupfish, which is only found in one small freshwater spring in the wild. SEA LIFE Helsinki is participating in the conservation and breeding efforts of the unique little fish to ensure they do not disappear from the world entirely.

“Marine conservation is a central part of our mission, and Conservation Cove is entirely dedicated to this important cause. We want to show visitors how small actions can have a big impact on the future of our oceans, and how each of us can play a part in helping the world’s seas and their inhabitants,” says Emmi Hallikainen, SEA LIFE Helsinki’s marketing manager.

Turo, the giant Pacific octopus.

In addition, Conservation Cove is home to rescued and rehomed fish from domestic aquariums. “We have provided a new home for enormous Ripsaw catfish that had grown too large for their owners’ tanks and plenty of others too,” says Hallikainen.

At the interactive Sea Lab ocean laboratory, visitors can gain new perspectives and take a closer look at different sea creatures through a microscope, and learn about issues such as climate change and microplastics in our nature. “We hope to inspire visitors to gain new ideas on what steps they can take to protect the environment. There’s something here for all ages to see, learn and explore,” the manager concludes.

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