Tallinn’s zoo is one of estonian’s favourite weekend day trip, especially for families. It’s perfect on a sunny day. Ours was pouring with rain. The reason why we absolutely wanted to go was that we had promised to one of our estonian friends which we had met during our archeological work.

She was helping in a protection program trying to preserve the european mink from the spread of the american specie which is larger and more ferocious. It is hard to believe when you see these small creatures but Mari, our friend, describe them as “evil” though she still liked them a lot. These minks are now only found on the island of Hiumaa, on the west part of Estonia. The project had originally been supported by the European Union, but after some time, the subsidies ended and they are now trying to continue this program with much less financial support.

Though it was our first time in the zoo, we ended up helping our friend taking care of the minks, filling the tanks with water. We hoped some of them would come and play with the water hose as Mari told us they might, but it was too cold for them outside I guess. We only saw one playing in its water tank and it was incredible how much it seemed at ease in this element.

We spent a nice time with Mari talking, and she showed us around the zoo.