Many animal species
Every animal lover will get their money's worth at the Vienna Zoo. With over 8,000 animals from around 700 species, the zoo is enormously broadly positioned. In addition to particularly popular zoo animals such as pandas, elephants or lions and penguins, there are also dedicated rooms for different habitats (e.g. rainforest house, aquarium), bird species, marine animals and even insects. The zoo also discovered new species, such as special snails and shrimp. A zoo with history
It would be wrong to dismiss Tiergarten Schönbrunn as just a big zoo. After all, as Europe's oldest zoo, it is located on historic grounds; and even today, the imperial heritage of the facility is palpable. In 1745, Franz I, husband of Empress Maria Theresia, commissioned the construction of a menagerie - the predecessor of modern zoos. The baroque pavilion located in the center was once intended for breakfasts of the nobility. By the end of the 18th century, the grounds at Schönbrunn were filled with animals; during the transition to the 20th century, they were slowly transformed into an animal-friendly zoo fit for visitors. On site, the Historical Path offers insight into its entire history. Species protection
But the Schönbrunn Zoo doesn't just want to be a spectacle. Behind all its glitz are many serious efforts at long-term species protection. For example, the Vienna Zoo not only participates in the protection of the popular giant panda, but also promotes the survival of many endangered species, such as polar bears or Barbary macaques. Even animals that were thought to be extinct, such as the bearded vulture, have been successfully saved by Tiergarten Schönbrunn. Awarded zoo
Quality makes itself felt. Many times, Schönbrunn Zoo has been awarded the Best European Zoo Award, which has been presented since 2008. British zoo expert Anthony Sheridan has since chosen zoos based on criteria such as animal husbandry, species conservation and visitor numbers. The zoo has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schönbrunn since 1996.Zoo in transition
Although the Tiergarten Schönbrunn is historic, there is no standstill. The facilities and enclosures are constantly being expanded and modernized. In 2022, for example, the new lion enclosure opened, allowing the majestic big cats even more play space in rocky landscapes modeled after their African habitat. To mark the 270th anniversary, the petting zoo was also enlarged in the same year.