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—who were rescued from a production sheep farm that had ceased operations.

Today, the sanctuary is home to over 20 animals, including donkeys, goats, rabbits, sheep, chickens, and roosters. In a short time, Aurora has become a place where locals, volunteers, and occasional travelers can learn about the vegan lifestyle and meet animals who will never again be used for human benefit. Here, it is enough for them simply to exist as themselves and to live for as long as life allows.

In addition to running the sanctuary, the organization aims to serve as an expert on animal rights issues in Northern Finland. We organize open house events, group visits, and on-site tours, as well as participate in events beyond Rovaniemi. Aurora’s founder, Riina, is also part of Finland’s network of animal rights organization leaders. In the future, we hope to conduct even more educational visits to schools, events, and various organizations.

We are open to various collaboration opportunities! You can join us as a volunteer or schedule a visit in advance. 

Contact information:
Riina Mattila,
Founder of Animal Sanctuary Aurora
info (at) auroran.fi
+358 40 5481 883