Schönbrunn: The World’s Oldest Zoo

Founded in the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, the oldest zoo in the world is a must-see for anyone visiting Vienna. A former imperial menagerie designed at the behest of Emperor Francis Stephen of Lorraine, the animal enclosures were created in the shape of cake slices. Circling a central pavilion that was used for imperial breakfasts, these 18th century buildings remain as a beautiful example of baroque architecture.

But the zoo isn’t simply an architectural marvel; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schönbrunn is also a conservation centre and an educational facility. Famous for being the first to see a baby elephant born in captivity and one of the few zoos in the world to house giant pandas, it is home to over 700 species of animals, including many rare and exotic specimens.

Offering an unrivalled opportunity for visitors to experience nature’s wonders for themselves, attractions include an Amazonian rainforest simulation, an Arctic polarium, the Aquarium-Terrarium House, the Vogelhaus aviary, as well as popularly attended animal care and feeding tutorials that are entertaining as well as educational.

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