Vienna is a stunningly beautiful and interesting city with many attractions. If you want to see it, then Schönbrunn Palace can be added to the list of must-see places to visit. It is about him that will be discussed in our article, or rather, about the zoo located on its territory.
Vienna Zoo
The famous zoo in Vienna is located in the Schönbrunn complex, which is considered the oldest palace and park ensemble in Europe. Almost every major European city boasts its own zoo. And Vienna in this case is no exception. By the way, according to the ratings of 2010, the zoo in Vienna was recognized as the best in Europe. In addition, it is worth remembering that the institution is the oldest in the world, since even before the appearance of the zoo itself in 1752, an animal shelter has been located here since 1570. And now the zoo is one of the most favorite places visited by tourists from all over the world. It's hard to imagine, but every year more than 2 million people visit the institution. Agree that the figure is very impressive. Zoois of interest not only to children's audiences, but also to adult visitors.
Founding History
The zoo in Vienna was founded by Emperor Franz I, husband of Empress Maria Theresa. Initially, only a limited circle of people had access to the menagerie. After all, he was on the territory of Schönbrunn Palace. But twenty-five years after its foundation, in 1779, the zoo was open to everyone, and the entrance to it was completely free for guests. The emperor financed the further development of the menagerie, constantly improving and refurbishing it.
Franz I tried to regularly replenish the collection of animals, organizing long-distance expeditions to different remote corners of the world for this. At the end of the eighteenth century, the zoo in Vienna was inhabited by approximately 3,500 different species of animals. Many of them belonged to completely outlandish representatives, which not all the Viennese knew about. For that time, such a number of inhabitants is a huge rarity.
An interesting fact is that when the giraffe first appeared in the oldest zoo in Vienna, local ladies brought into fashion wearing clothes with a characteristic pattern and color, they were so enthusiastic about such an unusual creature.
Further development of the zoo
In the nineteenth century, the Schönbrunn zoo was seriously reconstructed, after which it acquired a modern look. Stone fences were destroyed between the enclosures and metal bars were installed. Difficult times in the menagerie began during the Second World War.
The point isthat part of the zoo was badly damaged, or rather, destroyed by bombing. But local residents donated funds to save this unique institution. Over the long years of its existence, the zoo has endured more than one war and many hardships. But, in spite of everything, its enclosures were still replenished with new inhabitants to the delight of the guests.
Zoo these days
To be fair, the Vienna Zoo is currently one of the most modern and best establishments of its kind. Now there are about 500 species of different animals living on its territory. The inhabitants of the zoo are in conditions that are as close to their natural habitat as possible. And in 2007, the first panda in Europe was even born here, and the event happened without any intervention of scientists.
Diversity of inhabitants
As we have already mentioned, the zoo is located on the territory of the palace ensemble. Its territory occupies about seventeen hectares. In total, the zoo is home to 8,500 individuals. And who is not here. In the menagerie you can see cute koalas and pandas, which are a huge rarity for Europe, elephants (the photo is given in the article), admire a large flock of flamingos, proud pelicans and peacocks. And it's not all animals. There are also hippos, giraffes, bears, monkeys in the zoo. In addition, everyone can go to the polarium, terrarium, aquarium or tropical pavilion, which provides a unique opportunity to be in a real jungle with a lake anda waterfall, exotic birds, thickets of unseen plants and a collection of stunning tropical butterflies contained in a glass house. The tropical pavilion is literally built into a real rock, and you can climb from the first to the second tier on a completely modern elevator.
Modern enclosures
In general, it is worth saying that almost all zoo enclosures are multi-level. And this means that you can look at pets from the side of the street, and if they hid, then look at them from the side of the covered pavilion.
Perhaps the most popular place among guests is the pavilion called Franz Josef Land. A two-level house for real polar bears was built on its territory. Due to the presence of the first tier, tourists can admire the bears under water. But the behavior of animals on land can be seen from the second tier. Fur seals and penguins are located in an enclosure with a pond not far from the bears. Well, for the lions, in general, truly royal conditions have been created: we will set aside a large house for them, in which they are free to move around calmly or rest.
Vienna zoo for children is a real miracle. Experienced tourists definitely recommend visiting this beautiful place. The house of hippos is very popular, which is a very spacious pool with an equipped pool. Guests have a great opportunity to admire how hippos dive and swim, as well as how they behave on land.
A separate enclosure is dedicated to reindeer. Animals, as if they came out of a fairy tale aboutSnow queen. Children will surely be impressed by the huge horns of pets. A separate pavilion is dedicated to orangutans. Toys, blocks, chairs and other items are scattered here for animals to have fun.
A favorite place for children is a petting zoo, next to which there is a playground. In the pavilion, children are allowed to stroke various harmless animals. In addition, there are excursions in the menagerie, during which those pets that are not dangerous to approach are visited. Still, not all animals should be approached.
Pandas
Pandas deserve close attention, because it is a rarity when such animals live in captivity. Enclosures with pandas. Located right at the entrance - this is the pride of the Vienna Zoo. Many townspeople and guests come to the menagerie solely for the sake of these cute creatures. A panda was born at the zoo for the first time in Europe. What is noteworthy is that the animal was born quite naturally, and not through artificial insemination. Fu Long was born in 2007. A year later, another bear cub appeared, and then a third one.
By the way, the birth of two babies at once became a real holiday for the institution, because this is a huge rarity not only for the zoo, but also for wildlife. Under natural conditions, when twins appear, one of the pets will certainly die. However, babies Fu and Fu Feng not only both survived, but also grow and develop beautifully.
Baby living conditions
In the cool season, pets go to live in a closed pavilion, where they are safeprotected from bad weather and frost. For them, a recreation area and a territory for receiving water procedures were arranged in the aviary. The winter enclosure for bears has a door that leads outside if the animal still wants to take a walk in the fresh air in winter.
Pandas are big dormice, they love to sleep incredibly. Good sleep is very important for babies. Therefore, only their mother often walks in the aviary, delighting visitors while the bears are resting. A special wooden lair is equipped for them.
An interesting fact is that, under the terms of the agreement with animal suppliers, panda cubs born in the menagerie must be sent to their homeland, to China. Therefore, soon cute creatures will go to the Middle Kingdom. If you want to see baby pandas, then you should hurry.
Red pandas
Vienna zoo for children is a real miracle. It is also famous for its little red pandas. Very often visitors confuse them with foxes or raccoons. Such bears are more aggressive in nature, so you should not get close to them. But in appearance they are very sweet and charming. They have their own aviary, where they rest and play. Most of the time these pandas spend on tree branches.
Service for visitors
The park complex has a rather impressive size, so for the convenience of tourists, a special excursion train travels through its territory. On it you can easily get to any part of the zoo or park. In addition, you can rent trolleys for babies. Near the mainAt the entrance to the zoo for tourists there is a free luggage room, the services of which can be used by everyone.
For children in the park there are figures of animals that can be touched. Throughout the year, the staff organizes themed excursions and all kinds of interactive activities for kids. You will be surprised, but there are even night visits.
In general, everything in the zoo is thought out for the maximum convenience of guests. There are many benches on the territory where you can rest. The park also has catering establishments - a restaurant and snack bars. Near each enclosure, you can see an interactive map, video or manual that helps you learn a lot about pets. The zoo also has souvenir shops and two pet stores. Everyone can buy memorabilia, toys, books and even clothes.
For the past 240 years, the stop of the zoo and its closure has been announced by the imperial bell, the ringing of which is heard far beyond the park. A long time ago, people were notified in exactly the same way about the arrival of the dukes and the emperor himself. If you are planning a trip to Vienna and want to visit the zoo, then note that the Schönbrun Palace itself, which was once the summer residence of the Austrian imperial court, is also worth a visit. By the way, there is a children's museum on its territory, which is of interest to the youngest visitors.
Recommendations on the rules of conduct
When going to the zoo, it is worth remembering the basic rules of behavior. Besidescount on the fact that you will need a lot of time to explore it, because its territory is huge. Ideally, you should allocate a whole day for visiting. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed into the territory of the menagerie. It is strictly forbidden to feed animals at the Vienna Zoo. Staff warns visitors not to bring beach balls or balloons.
Skateboards, roller skates, scooters are also not allowed in the park. Significant queues sometimes form at the box office of the institution, so sometimes it is easier to purchase an electronic version of the ticket on the website. For the convenience of moving around the complex, it is worth taking a plan of the zoo at the entrance.
Reviews of tourists
What to see in Vienna on your own? Of course, the zoo. According to tourists, this is one of the best places in the city. The menagerie is interesting for people of any age, even if you are not a child for a long time, believe me, it will also be incredibly interesting for you to look at such beautiful inhabitants.
According to visitors, the zoo is fundamentally different from what we are used to seeing in our similar establishments. Here the animals are incredibly well-groomed and always fed. And there is no need to talk about the conditions of their detention.
The menagerie is incredibly beautiful. It has modern facilities. And baroque elements add even more charm to the institution. Tourists note that the zoo is incredibly crowded with visitors in summer and on weekends. Therefore, it is worth choosing to visit weekdays. It is very convenient that information is provided in the parkin several languages.
The complex has excellent infrastructure. It has everything you need for a good holiday. By the way, playgrounds for kids are equipped on the territory. They are very necessary, especially when the kids are a little tired, they need rest.
The number of animals in the zoo is amazing. There are a lot of them here. And who is not there. Elephants (photo is given in the article), pandas and penguins are the favorites of the public. There are always a lot of visitors near their pavilions.
Instead of afterword
Tourists are interested not only in the zoo itself, but also in the palace. It is definitely worth visiting. But to inspect the entire complex, one day will obviously not be enough. It is more logical to visit the palace and the zoo on different days.
