Vienna Schönbrunn Zoo Tickets and Tours

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Schönbrunn Zoo: A Historic Legacy

Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest operating zoo, was founded by Emperor Franz I, the husband of Maria Theresa. Originally a royal menagerie next to the Habsburgs' summer residence, it evolved into a fully-fledged zoo under royal patronage. The zoo's regal origins are reflected in its magnificent architecture, which seamlessly integrates with modern facilities.

Home to Iconic Giant Pandas

Home to nearly 700 animal species, Schönbrunn Zoo is particularly famous for its Giant Pandas. It is one of only 27 zoos globally entrusted with the care of these endangered creatures and plays a crucial role in their conservation.

A History of Resilience

The zoo's history has been marked by adversity. During World War I, only 400 animals survived, and a polar bear was tragically shot by a soldier, who claimed the bear received 10 kilograms of meat daily, while he faced hunger. In World War II, aerial bombings caused significant loss, claiming the lives of thousands of animals.

Who Built the Vienna Zoo?

In the 18th century, European monarchs often established menageries within their palaces to display their wealth and influence. Emperor Franz I Stephan, Holy Roman Emperor and Duke of Lorraine, founded the Schönbrunn Zoo in 1752.

Initially conceived as an imperial menagerie for the entertainment of the Habsburg royals, the zoo featured only 13 enclosures arranged around the grand Imperial Pavilion. However, in 1759, it opened its gates to the public, marking a significant step toward inclusivity. Over the centuries, the zoo has undergone numerous renovations, evolving into a global leader in animal conservation and welfare.

Habitat Zones: Explore Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna

Panda Enclosure

Houses: Giant Pandas

Origins: Eastern China

The Panda Enclosure at Schönbrunn Zoo offers a glimpse into the bamboo forests of China. Designed with climbing frames and shaded areas, it provides an ideal home for the zoo's beloved pandas. Notably, it is the only zoo worldwide where Yang Yang, a mother panda, raised her cubs independently without keeper intervention.

Koala House

Houses: Queensland Koalas

Origins: Australia

The sleepy koalas of the Koala House are a crowd favorite. Their enclosure, filled with eucalyptus trees—koalas' favorite treat—mimics the Australian woodlands. These marsupials sleep nearly 20 hours a day, so catching them during feeding times offers the best chance to see them in action.

Elephant Park

Houses: African Bush Elephants and Asian Elephants

Origins: Africa and Southern Asia

Elephant Park offers mud wallows, bathing pits, and expansive open areas for its gentle giants. Visitors can observe elephants indulging in mud baths, dust showers, and foraging. Their playful antics guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Rainforest House

Houses: Sloths, Monkeys, Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians

Origins: South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa

The Rainforest House replicates a dense jungle with multi-tiered canopies and hanging vines. Visitors can spot two-toed sloths napping for up to 18 hours, mischievous monkeys swinging through branches, and pint-sized African pygmy mice exploring their surroundings.

Big Cat House

Houses: Siberian Tigers, Amur Leopards, Asian Lions, Cheetahs, Jaguars

Origins: Africa and Asia

This enclosure, designed with tall grasses and rocky terrains, mirrors the habitats of majestic predators. Visitors may spot lions socializing, tigers prowling, or cheetahs hiding among tall vegetation. Each species displays its unique behavior in this naturalistic setting.

Polarium

Houses: Penguins, Walruses, Seals

Origins: Arctic and Antarctic Regions

Polarium offers icy landscapes with underwater viewing areas to watch penguins dart through the water and seals and walruses lounging on rocks. No heavy winter gear is needed, as visitors comfortably explore this frosty habitat.

South America Park

Houses: Capybaras, Tapirs, Marmosets, Rheas

Origins: South America

South America Park recreates the continent’s diverse landscapes with marshes, grassy plains, and shaded pools. Visitors can see capybaras, the world’s largest and cutest rodents, and rheas, a remarkable flightless bird species.

Flamingo Pond

Houses: Flamingos, Spoonbills, Ducks

Origins: South America, Africa, the Middle East

The shallow Flamingo Pond is alive with vibrant flamingos preening and searching for food. Their vivid colors and synchronized movements create a stunning spectacle.

Orangutan Park

Houses: Orangutans

Origins: Rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra

Orangutan Park features climbing frames, swings, and trees designed for these intelligent apes to swing effortlessly. Visitors will marvel at their agility and enjoy watching them interact in their lush jungle-like environment.

Penguin World

Houses: Emperor Penguins, Rockhopper Penguins, and others

Origins: Antarctica

Penguin World offers a chilly paradise with icy pools and rugged rocks. Emperor penguins captivate with their classic black-and-white tuxedo look, while rockhopper penguins stand out with their spiky yellow crests. Watch them torpedo through the water in a blur of motion.

Crocodile Pavilion

Houses: Nile Crocodiles, American Alligators, and more

Origins: Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia

This pavilion mimics marshy wetlands with shallow pools and rocky nesting areas. Visitors can observe these ancient reptiles basking motionlessly or cooling off in the water.

Children’s Farm Zoo

Houses: Sheep, Goats, Cows, Rabbits, and other domesticated animals

Origins: Various Regions

The Children’s Farm Zoo offers an interactive experience for kids to pet and learn about friendly farm animals. This hands-on activity fosters a love for wildlife and helps young visitors connect with nature.

History of the Schönbrunn Zoo: Milestones of Vienna’s Iconic Wildlife Haven

  • 1752: The Imperial Menagerie is Established Emperor Franz I Stephan, Holy Roman Emperor and Duke of Lorraine, lays the foundation for the Schönbrunn Zoo by creating an imperial menagerie. The site features 13 animal enclosures arranged around the central Imperial Pavilion.
  • 1759: A Zoo for the Public The menagerie opens its doors to the public, setting a precedent as one of the earliest public zoos in history. This marks a transformative step toward accessible wildlife education.
  • 1854: Arrival of the First Giraffe The zoo welcomes its first giraffe, broadening its collection and signaling a commitment to introducing diverse species to its visitors.
  • 1924: A Shift Toward Animal Welfare Under Julius Brachetka’s leadership, the zoo begins modernizing its facilities. The focus shifts from viewing animals as exhibits to improving their living conditions, emphasizing welfare and care.
  • 1945: Devastation During World War II World War II bombings cause significant destruction to the zoo. Many structures are damaged, and efforts to rebuild are delayed in the post-war years.
  • 1953: Restoration Begins The zoo embarks on an extensive renovation project to restore its former grandeur, ensuring that both animals and visitors can enjoy the space.
  • 1980s: Naturalistic Enclosures Introduced A new era begins with the creation of enclosures designed to replicate animals' natural habitats. These stimulating environments provide better care and a more engaging experience for visitors.
  • 1992: The Rainforest House Opens The Rainforest House debuts, showcasing a lush indoor jungle that becomes an instant hit among international tourists.
  • 1996: UNESCO World Heritage Recognition Schönbrunn Zoo gains global recognition when it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
  • 2002: The Panda House Opens The zoo introduces the Panda House, home to a pair of giant pandas from China, enhancing its conservation efforts and attracting visitors worldwide.
  • 2004: State-of-the-Art Aquarium and Terrarium With advanced facilities, the Aquarium and Terrarium House opens, offering visitors an immersive experience with aquatic and reptilian species.
  • 2009: Polarium Adds Polar Charm The Polarium is unveiled, featuring specialized habitats for Arctic and Antarctic animals, complete with underwater viewing areas for an up-close look at penguins, seals, and walruses.
  • 2018: Orangutan Habitat Opens The ORANG.erie opens to showcase orangutans in a vibrant rainforest setting, emphasizing the zoo's dedication to providing enriched environments for its animals.

The Schönbrunn Zoo continues to evolve, blending its rich history with modern advancements to remain a leader in wildlife conservation and visitor engagement.

Tips for Visiting the Vienna Zoo

Plan Your Route

The Schönbrunn Zoo spans over 17 hectares and is home to more than 700 animal species. To make the most of your visit, plan your route in advance and prioritize the zones you wish to see first, minimizing unnecessary backtracking.

Get a Map

Grab a physical map from one of the visitor information centers near the entrances or download the Zoo app for a detailed layout of the enclosures. This ensures you won’t miss any must-see exhibits.

Bring Sun Protection

Many outdoor exhibits have limited shade. To stay comfortable, bring a hat and sunscreen, and remember to reapply it regularly during your visit.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Exploring the extensive grounds of the Vienna Zoo requires plenty of walking. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to keep your feet happy throughout the day.

Visit the Nearby Palace

Make time to explore the nearby Schönbrunn Palace, located within the same palace grounds as the zoo. This offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur and history of the Habsburg dynasty.

The Schönbrunn Zoo houses over 700 animal species, each cared for in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. From majestic Siberian tigers and Amur leopards to playful toucans, rockhopper penguins, and polar bears, the zoo offers a fascinating diversity of wildlife.

Absolutely! Opened in 1752 as an imperial menagerie, the Schönbrunn Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 700 species and engaging features such as interactive feeding sessions, petting zones, and encounters with rare animals, it promises a memorable day for visitors of all ages.

Located within the Schönbrunn Palace grounds, the zoo spans 17 hectares. Despite its size, it efficiently accommodates naturalistic habitats for its wide array of animal species, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

No, your Schönbrunn Zoo ticket grants access to all zones and exhibits, including the Panda House, Rainforest House, Polarium, Big Cat House, and more.

To bypass crowds, purchase skip-the-line tickets online and visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Peak times typically occur around 10 AM, especially during the summer months of June to August. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for a quieter experience.

The zoo opens daily at 9 AM year-round, with closing times varying between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM depending on the season and public holidays. The final entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are the best months to visit. These periods offer mild weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months.

Yes, the zoo is nestled within the Schönbrunn Palace complex, about a kilometer from the main palace apartments. It's located near the Gloriette and Neptune Fountain area of the Palace Park, with clear signage to guide you.

Yes, the zoo is a leader in conservation efforts, housing endangered species such as giant pandas, Northern bald ibis, orangutans, and polar bears. Its ethical breeding programs and naturalistic enclosures help support wildlife preservation.

The Schönbrunn Zoo is celebrated for its dedication to animal welfare and conservation. Its enclosures replicate natural habitats, encouraging animals to exhibit their natural behaviors. The zoo also leads breeding programs for critically endangered species and conducts vital research on lesser-known traits of various animals.

Yes, the giant pandas reside in the Panda House near the Hietzing entrance. Their habitat is thoughtfully designed with bamboo groves, climbing structures, and shaded indoor spaces to replicate their natural environment in the mountainous regions of China.

No, visitors are prohibited from feeding the animals. While your snacks may seem harmless, they can be harmful or even fatal to zoo residents. Feeding also disrupts natural behaviors and fosters unhealthy dependence on humans.