Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the world's oldest continuously operating zoo, founded in 1752 as an imperial menagerie for the Habsburg dynasty. Located in the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the zoo uniquely combines baroque architecture with modern zoological facilities. The historic baroque buildings including the octagonal Kaiserpavillon (Emperor's Pavilion) restaurant at the center create a distinctive atmosphere. The zoo houses over 700 species with particular strengths in unique animals. The Giant Panda House is home to pandas Yang Yang, Yuan Yuan, and their offspring - Schönbrunn was the first European zoo to successfully breed pandas through natural mating. The Koala House features one of Europe's few koala populations. The Rainforest House is an enormous greenhouse recreating tropical rainforests with free-flying birds, sloths, and various rainforest species walking among visitors. The ORANG.erie showcases orangutans in modern facilities with climbing structures and enrichment. The Aquarium-Terrarium features extensive collections of fish, reptiles, and amphibians including Amazonian species. The historic elephant house, recently modernized, provides spacious facilities for African elephants. South American animals including giant anteaters, capybaras, and maras inhabit naturalistic enclosures. The Polarium features penguins and seals with underwater viewing. Daily feeding times and keeper talks provide education. The zoo's location within Schönbrunn Palace grounds allows combining zoo visit with palace tours and beautiful baroque gardens. The zoo operates conservation breeding programs and research, maintaining its scientific tradition from 1752. This unique combination of historical architecture, world-class animal collection, and palace setting creates an extraordinary experience.