In 2023–2024, WildArk — with the support of Classic Ice Cream — partnered with WWF Finland to help conserve the critically endangered Fennoscandian Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus).
Adapted to the extreme conditions of the Arctic tundra, the Arctic fox is a small but resilient species. In the early 2000s, their population in Fennoscandia had plummeted to just 100 adult individuals. Thanks to conservation action, numbers have slowly increased to around 450 adults, but the species remains at risk.
One of the Arctic fox’s main threats is the spread of the larger, more dominant Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which has expanded northward into Arctic fox territory due to climate change.
While most of the population is found in Sweden and Norway, Arctic foxes often travel long distances across borders. In Finland, only a handful roam the mountain tundra. Despite being protected since the 1940s, the species almost vanished from Finland after heavy hunting for its fur in the early 20th century.
Signs of hope emerged in 2022, when Finland recorded the first successful Arctic fox breeding in over 25 years.
The Arctic Fox Project delivered concrete conservation actions to help the species re-establish in Finland and strengthen cross-border collaboration between Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Key actions include:
The ultimate aim is to help the Fennoscandian Arctic fox population in Finland reach a level where it can survive and thrive independently, securing its place in one of the planet’s most fragile and beautiful ecosystems.
Classic is a premium ice cream line produced by Froneri Finland under the well-known Pingviini brand. Relaunched in 2022, Classic is all about delivering rich, creamy ice cream sticks made with high-quality ingredients and vibrant flavors sourced from around the world, all wrapped in a touch of adventure. The cream is authentically Finnish, the cocoa responsibly procured, and even the packaging reflects sustainability—packaging materials are recyclable and the wooden sticks come from well-managed forests. Classic also supports biodiversity, having committed €50,000 to protecting Finland’s endangered Marten (naali) via a partnership with conservation organisation WildArk.
