Vienna Schonbrunn Zoo

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

9am–4:30pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

2000000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1996

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The oldest zoo in operation in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo, was the brainchild of Emperor Franz I, Maria Theresa’s husband. What started as a menagerie adjacent to the summer residence of the Habsburgs, flourished into a full-fledged zoo with royal patronage. The zoo’s royal origins are evident from the grand architecture that flawlessly blends with its modern amenities.

While almost 700 animal species call the zoo their home, the Giant Pandas are extremely popular. The zoo is distinguished as one of the 27 zoos in the world to be entrusted with the endangered Giant Pandas and it continues to be vital in their conservation.

World War I and II adversely affected the zoo. Only 400 animals survived World War I. A polar bear was shot dead by a soldier, who stated the reason upon arrest that “he (bear) gets 10 kilograms of meat every day while I have to go hungry.” Aerial bombing during World War II left thousands of animals dead.

Conservation projects at the Schonbrunn Zoo

The Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna is one of the pioneers of advancing research on animal behavior. They collaborate with various researchers around the world and actively advocate for healthy breeding practices. As the oldest zoo in the world, this facility has documented the lives of several animals. The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) collates all the data received from fur, hair, and tissue samples and aids scientists in bettering the well-being of animals.

History of the Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo

1752: Emperor Franz I Stephan, the Holy Roman Emperor and Duke of Lorraine, establishes an imperial menagerie, with 13 animal enclosures placed around the central Imperial pavilion.

1759: The menagerie opens to the public, marking a significant shift towards a public zoo concept.

1854: The zoo welcomes its first giraffe, marking a shift towards diversifying its species.

1924: The Vienna Zoo begins to install modern facilities and take care of the well-being of the animals. Under Julius Brachetka, animals are no longer viewed as mere objects but are more focused on enhancing their living conditions.

1945: Due to the World War II bombings, the zoo suffers significant damage. A majority of its buildings and premises are destroyed.

1953: The zoo begins extensive renovation efforts to restore the glory of the Vienna Zoo park.

1980s: An ambitious project commences. The zoo authorities design stimulating enclosures to mimic the natural environment of its residents.

1992: The Rainforest House opens and immediately attracts the attention of several tourists across the world.

1996: The Vienna Zoo is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2002: The Panda House opens, featuring a pair of pandas from China.

2004: The Aquarium and Terrarium House open in Schonbrunn Zoo, with state-of-the-art facilities.

2009: The Polarium opens, featuring a specialized habitat for Arctic and Antarctic animals, and special viewing areas for visitors.

2018: The ORANG. erie opens to the public, showcasing the playful orangutans and their vibrant rainforest habitat.

Who built the Vienna Zoo?

During the 18th century, it was a common practice among European monarchs to establish menageries within their palaces to showcase their wealth and power. Emperor Frank I Stephan, the Holy Roman Emperor and Duke of Lorraine built the Schonbrunn Zoo in 1752.

It was originally an imperial menagerie meant to entertain only the Habsburg royals. There were only about 13 enclosures arranged around the Imperial Pavillion. A few years later, in 1759, it was opened to the public, and since then has undergone several renovations to emerge as a pioneer in animal conservation.

Lesser-known facts about the Schonbrunn Zoo

Houses celebrity animals: The Vienna Zoo boasts its own panda royalty- Yang Yang, a giant panda who has become a beloved celebrity within the zoo and beyond. She has successfully given birth and raised several cubs within the zoo premises, a giant leap for the zoo’s panda breeding program.

Hosted historical figures like Napoleon: Although there is no historical proof of his visit, it is rumored that Napoleon visited the Schonbrunn Zoo in 1805. His stay at the nearby Schonbrunn Palace is said to have been the talk of the town back in those days.

First birth of an elephant in captivity: In 1906, the Vienna Schonbrunn Zoo recorded the birth of an elephant for the first time within its enclosures. This successful delivery showed how the zoo’s natural environments stimulated animals to procreate as they would in the wild.

Displays 18th-century historical design: The zoo retains some of its 18th-century ironwork and domed pavilions, now used as cafes and restaurants. The Kaiserpavillion, also known as the Imperial Pavillion, is one example, where visitors can admire the historical architecture and grab a snack during their tour.

Pioneering conservation efforts: The zoo is deeply involved in international conservation efforts, like the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The keepers and researchers also collaborate with facilities around the world to promote healthy breeding programs for endangered species such as the Siberian tiger and the European bison.

Frequently asked questions about the Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna

How many animals are there in the zoo?

The Schonbrunn Zoo has over 700 animal species, kept in meticulously designed enclosures similar to their habitat in the wild. From Siberian tigers, Amur leopards, and African Bush elephants, to Pygmy mice, toucans, rock-hopper penguins, and polar bears, the zoo is home to a wide selection of animals.

Is Vienna Zoo worth visiting?

Established in 1752 as an imperial menagerie, the Schonbrunn Wildlife Park is the oldest zoo in the world. With over 700 species housed in well-designed habitats, the zoo offers opportunities to see a wide variety of animals from around the world. The Vienna Zoo also offers family-friendly petting zoos, interactive animal feeding shows, and rare animal encounters to make your visit a memorable experience.

How big is the Vienna Zoo?

The Schonbrunn Zoo is spread across 17 hectares within the Schonbrunn Palace grounds. Despite the compact space, the zoo has managed to build naturalistic habitats for over 700 animal species within its area.

Do I need to pay separately to enter particular zones?

No, you do not need to pay extra to enter any specific zone. All Schonbrunn Zoo tickets include access to all enclosures within the zoo, including the Big Cat House, Polarium, Panda House, Rainforest House, and more.

How can I avoid crowds at the zoo?

We recommend booking Schonbrunn Zoo skip-the-line tickets online in advance to avoid crowds at the entrance. You can directly enter the premises without waiting in long lines. Consider reaching early in the morning or around late afternoon to escape the group rush around 10am. June to August are the busiest months of the year, so try planning a visit around spring or fall to enjoy a quieter visit with fewer visitors.

What are the zoo’s opening hours?

The Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo is open from 9am throughout the year. Its closing hours may vary from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, depending on season and public holidays. The last admission to the animal enclosures is around 30 minutes before closing time.

Which is the best time to visit the Vienna Zoo?

The spring and fall months, March to May, and September to October are the best months to explore the Vienna Zoo. The weather is pleasant and the crowds are slightly more manageable than the peak summer months.

Is the Schonbrunn Zoo inside the palace?

Yes, the Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo is situated within the Schonbrunn Palace complex, around a kilometer away from the main Royal Apartments. The zoo premises are located near the Gloriette and Neptune Fountain section of the Palace Park. If you are inside the castle, you can follow the signs, and walk to the zoo.