In the middle of the Sumerian forest, there is a farmhouse, with a relaxed horse and pony trotting in the yard. In the background you can hear, for example, the sounds of a peacock, a donkey, a guinea fowl or a duck.

In one enclosure there are two woolly pigs, in the other a herd of reindeer. Yes, there are reindeer even in Southern Finland.

In total, more than a hundred animals live in the courtyard of the house named Rajala Ranch. The petting zoo is also open to the public. Why Niko Rajala and Tiia Kaivola run a place like this?

– Out of madness, shakes Kaivola and laughs heartily.

Two years ago, the animal-loving couple only had to go and get a few bunnies for their three daughters, namely Marta, Merin and Weightfor pleasure.

– Then everything kind of exploded in my hands. Now we have 120 animals.

It was opened to the public last year

The livestock yard was opened to the public last year. During the summer there were a couple of thousand visitors, the winter was quieter.

– We should come up with some solution to get people to come here even in winter, Rajala thinks.

Kaivola is happy that local kindergartens and school classes are excited to visit the farm. For example, disabled groups have also visited there. The opportunity to see and touch animals is a rare treat for many.

– All our animals are calm and tolerate people well. There is no need to be afraid of them, says Kaivola.

This has been useful. The farm has had guests who have gotten rid of their fear of animals by making a closer acquaintance with, for example, a gentle guinea fowl or a cat in need of affection.

Source of expenditure

Visitor entrance fees would help with the Ranch’s maintenance costs. After all, a petting zoo is not a money pit or a source of income.

– This is more of a means of spending for us, says Rajala.

The couple works elsewhere. Rajala is a plumber by profession, Kaivola is a dental hygienist.

However, their love for animals is such that they are happy to devote all their free time to caring for their herd. And their money, because money goes into feeding, building enclosures and shelters, and veterinary expenses.

Have you encountered any other surprises in the animal hobby?

– How binding this is. We can no longer go anywhere even for one night, says Kaivola.

Reindeer park half by accident

On the other hand, why leave when there are so many interesting things to do at home? Like now, for example, a herd of seven reindeer, two males and five females.

According to the host couple, they ended up in Ranchi half by accident.

– Through a relative, we heard about reindeer in need of a home, whose owner was in hospice care, says Kaivola.

– I started to worry about where those reindeer will end up. We went to see them, and the very next day they were also picked up here.

This is how the first three reindeer arrived in Somero. The rest have been bought in Central Finland. Other animals in need of a home have been adopted to the farm. Residents of, for example, a livestock yard that has stopped operating have been taken into Rajala’s shelters.

However, the two do not want to compromise on one thing, and that is the welfare of the animals. They do everything for that.

In July, Rajala Ranch is open every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other times by agreement.

(Ranch residents can also be followed on social media. If the embed is not visible, you can view the image here).