Description
Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn), or Vienna Zoo, is located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. It is the oldest continously operating zoo in the world and has been voted Europe’s Best Zoo four times in a row. Each year, more than two million visitors come to see the zoo’s panda twins, elephants, polar bears and numerous other animals. The zoo is part of the Schönbrunn UNESCO world heritage site.
The Zoo's Attractions
The zoo in Vienna is considered one of the most modern zoos in the world. More than 700 animal species live here. It is also one of the world’s few zoos to house giant pandas. Other attractions include a rainforest house, the large South American area and the ORANG.erie, which is home to its orangutans. Besides, visitors get to watch polar bears diving and swimming in the zoo’s “Franz Josef Land“. In May 2017, a new giraffe park was opened, enabling visitors to meet the giraffes on eye level.
Historical Information
Schönbrunn Zoo was founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752 by the Holy Roman Emperor Francis I., husband of Maria Theresia. The preserved buildings of the 18th century still convey a neat impression of the former menagerie and its historic charm.
In 1828, the first giraffe arrived from Africa, and in 1906, the zoo saw the birth of the first African elephant conceived in human care. The next sensational event followed in 2007, when a panda baby, that was naturally conceived at the zoo, was born in Schönbrunn.
Interesting facts
- Schönbrunn Zoo Vienna is among the 5 best rated Tourist Attractions in Vienna.
How to get there
Schönbrunn Zoo is located next to Schönbrunn Palace. In order to reach the main entrance, use the park entrance gate Hietzinger Tor.
On public transport
U4 (underground): Station Hietzing
Tramway: 10, 58, 60
Bus: 10A, 51A, 56A, 56B, 58A
By car
If you travel by car there are two park & ride spaces only a couple of underground stations away from the zoo. There is also a parking lot in the vicinity.
