Tiergarten Schönbrunn
Founded 1752 · Austria
Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna)
Founded 1752 · Austria
Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the oldest zoo in the world, founded on 31 July 1752 as the Imperial Menagerie within the UNESCO World Heritage Schönbrunn Palace grounds in Vienna. Named Best Zoo in Europe six times between 2008 and 2021, it houses 6,239 animals from 502 species across 17 hectares of baroque gardens.
From polar bears diving underwater to giant pandas in imperial gardens, Schönbrunn turns a Vienna city break into an unforgettable wildlife journey. Live feedings, the Panoramabahn railway and habitats spanning Arctic ice to African savanna make every visit a reason to return.
Highlights
- World's oldest zoo — founded 31 July 1752
- UNESCO World Heritage Schönbrunn Palace grounds
- Best Zoo in Europe six times (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021)
- 6,239 animals and 502 species
- 2 million annual visitors
- Polarium with seals and penguins; Eisbärenwelt polar bear world
- Giant pandas — among the most celebrated residents
- Panoramabahn — historic railway through the zoo
- Tirolerhof — endangered Austrian heritage farm breeds
- Open 365 days a year from 9:00
Animals you'll meet
- Giant pandas
- Polar bears
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Orangutans
- Tigers
- Koalas
- Rhinoceros
- Sea lions
- Penguins
- Giant tortoises
- Arctic foxes
About the zoo
Signature Habitats
From Arctic ice to African savanna, tropical rainforest and Austrian farmland — Schönbrunn's enclosures take visitors through the world's most diverse habitats.
- Eisbärenwelt — underwater viewing of polar bears
- Polarium — seals and penguins in Arctic and Antarctic settings
- Giant Panda Garden — among Europe's most celebrated panda habitats
- South America Park — capybaras, anteaters and vicuñas
- Bird House — African savanna and South American tropical species
- Tirolerhof — endangered Austrian heritage farm breeds
Must-See Experience
Witness live feedings, ride the nostalgic Panoramabahn railway and explore baroque pavilions within imperial palace gardens. Guided backstage tours, themed walks and night experiences add depth to a full day in Vienna's most beloved attraction.
Conservation Impact
Schönbrunn combines recreation, education, research and species conservation. Animals serve as ambassadors for their wild relatives — inspiring visitors of all ages to protect biodiversity across Europe and beyond through breeding programmes and international partnerships.
Plan Your Visit
Allow a full day to explore all habitats. The zoo opens daily at 9:00 within easy reach of central Vienna. Combine your visit with Schönbrunn Palace and the Gloriette viewpoint for a complete imperial day out. Online tickets save time at the gate.
History
- 1752
Emperor Francis I founds the Imperial Menagerie at Schönbrunn on 31 July
- 1779
The zoo opens to the public — among the first in the world to do so
- 1906
First elephant birth in captivity worldwide — a scientific milestone
- 1996
Giant pandas arrive, beginning a celebrated chapter
- 2010
Polarium opens — state-of-the-art Arctic and Antarctic habitat
- 2014
Eisbärenwelt opens with underwater viewing of polar bears
- 2021
Sixth Best Zoo in Europe award; 6,239 animals and 502 species in inventory
Conservation
Four core missions guide Tiergarten Schönbrunn: recreation, education, research and conservation. Animals serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, inspiring protection of both exotic and native species.
- Species conservation and breeding programmes
- Research and veterinary science
- Education and public awareness
- Partnerships with international conservation projects
- Native Austrian species protection
Awards
- Best Zoo in Europe 2008
- Best Zoo in Europe 2010
- Best Zoo in Europe 2012
- Best Zoo in Europe 2014
- Best Zoo in Europe 2018
- Best Zoo in Europe 2021