Animal Stories Across The World… Animal Sanctuary Aurora in Tapionkylä, Rovaniemi, Lapland
Exclusive Interview with Founder Riina Mattila
By Karen Beishuizen
Animal Sanctuary Aurora is the northernmost animal sanctuary in both Finland and the world. It is located in Tapionkylä, Rovaniemi, Lapland, 30 km from the Rovaniemi city center. Aurora was founded in the summer of 2023. The sanctuary’s first official residents were three sheep—Aurora, Poppeli, and Ilo. The shelter is located on a 10-hectare former farm. At the moment, there are around 30 animals living at the sanctuary: 3 donkeys, 6 goats, 3 sheep (plus 4 additional sheep that are not owned by the organization), 8 roosters, 5 hens, 4 rabbits, and 2 heifers (not owned by the organization). The sanctuary organizes open days a few times a year, as well as separate events like lectures and volunteer work days. Volunteers are very welcome.
KB: When and by who was Aurora founded?
Aurora was founded in 2023 by me, on the farm where the sanctuary now operates. Two other Finnish animal rights activists also joined as founding members.
KB: How big is the shelter?
The shelter is located on a 10-hectare former farm. It used to be a commercial dairy farm and sheep farm, so there were already multiple buildings and plenty of space, which made it possible to establish the sanctuary.
KB: How many animals are there and what kind of animals?
At the moment, there are around 30 animals living at the sanctuary: 3 donkeys, 6 goats, 3 sheep (plus 4 additional sheep that are not owned by the organization), 8 roosters, 5 hens, 4 rabbits, and 2 heifers (not owned by the organization).
KB: Where are the animals coming from?
The animals come through various routes: from private individuals whose life situations have changed or who are no longer able to keep animals, through authorities, and from other animal protection organizations.
KB: What does a typical day at the shelter look like?
At the moment, I do occasional work in the city, so I spend a lot of time at the sanctuary. The animals are fed three times a day. In addition to that, daily work includes cleaning their living spaces, spending time with the animals, and taking care of administrative tasks, bureaucracy, and social media.
KB: You are in Lapland, close to the North Pole: what is it like living there with the animals? You have 6 months light and 6 months darkness?
We’re not exactly near the North Pole, but rather above the Arctic Circle. That said, there is a strong seasonal contrast: roughly half the year is very bright, and during the winter months it gets dark early, sometimes already around noon.
Living here with the animals works well overall. The biggest challenge is the very cold periods in mid-winter, which can be stressful at times. On the positive side, we don’t really have muddy seasons, there isn’t excessive rainfall, and winters don’t feel as bleak as in southern Finland because there is usually consistent snow.
KB: Are there emergencies where you have to rescue animals in need?
Sometimes, but in Finland urgent cases are usually handled by authorities first. After that, animal protection organizations like ours may be contacted to provide a permanent home.
KB: Are the animals happy at the shelter and how can you tell?
Overall, I believe the animals are happy. They are at their happiest during summer and autumn, when they can spend almost unlimited time outdoors, have more space, and plenty to explore and eat.
In winter, more attention needs to be given to enrichment and stimulation, since outdoor access is more limited and, for example, chickens and roosters cannot go outside at all.
You can tell animals are doing well when they express natural, species-specific behaviors, are active, and show no signs of stress or apathy.
KB: Is the shelter open for visitors and can they volunteer?
We organize open days a few times a year, as well as separate events like lectures and volunteer work days. Volunteers are very welcome, and we have several people who regularly come to help with the daily work.
KB: How can people help to keep the shelter going?
People can support us by following us on Instagram at @auroranturvakoti or by making a donation.
For more information and how you can help, please visit Aurora’s website: HERE
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