Schönbrunn Zoo – the oldest zoo in the world at 270 years old
When was Schönbrunn Zoo built and who was its founder? How many animal species can you see there? When and how did the first giraffe come to Vienna?
Through the baroque palace gardens you reach Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world at almost 270 years old ! On the way there is also the maze, a reminder of a popular baroque leisure activity.
Schönbrunn Zoo was built next to Schönbrunn Palace in 1752 at the suggestion of Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, Maria Theresa’s husband. The centerpiece of the park was a pavilion where the imperial couple could dine. Around it, 13 animal enclosures were created in the form of cake corners . The Kaiserpavillon is a popular place for a break.
Over 700 animal species live in beautifully designed enclosures. Highlights include: the rainforest house, the polar bear enclosure, the koala house, the panda house, the lion enclosure, the aquarium and terrarium house with coral reef.
The oldest existing zoo in the world has been voted the best zoo in Europe several times. It is constantly being renovated and improved while retaining its historical charm and has developed into a showcase zoo.
In 1828, the Viceroy of Egypt presented the Habsburg Emperor Franz I of Austria (grandfather of Emperor Franz Joseph) with a giraffe. The “high guest” was accommodated in the giraffe house . A conservatory was added to the historic giraffe house in May 2017.
This allows visitors to look directly into the eyes of the animals in a gallery. In addition, the animals are not only offered a constant 18 °C in the cold season, but also 440 m², i.e. three times as much freedom of movement as before.
The breeding successes with giant pandas are particularly significant. They were the first in Europe to be conceived naturally. 2013 saw a major success in the field of artificial insemination. The world’s first elephant calf was born using frozen sperm and artificial insemination .
The Palm House in Schönbrunn, just outside the zoo, is an impressive iron construction dating back to 1882. 111m long, 28m wide, 25m high and consisting of around 40,000 glass panels, it was the largest glass house in Europe when it opened. In three rooms with different temperatures, it takes you into the imperial plant collection of the Habsburgs.
Another attraction is the Desert House, opposite the Palm House. Here you can visit a desert habitat and enjoy the warmth. A small Japanese garden is freely accessible and can also be found here.
Time Travel Tip: For Schönbrunn Palace, the Gloriette, the gardens and the zoo
we recommend that you take a whole day. After all, the entire site has
- the size of the Principality of Monaco. A visit to the zoo is a highlight, especially with children, and the program with changing animal feedings is very exciting.
The zoo also regularly organizes night tours, where you can “sneak” through the zoo with night vision cameras and see nocturnal animals in particular. If you only want to visit the zoo , take the green subway line U4 to Hietzing. In Hietzing – at Hietzinger Platzl – there is also a selection of restaurants and cafés.
More info: www.zoovienna.at
Image source:
https://pixabay.com/de/photos/sch%C3%B6nbrunn-schlosspark-wien-schloss-443809/
