Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Tiergarten Schönbrunn (literally, "Schönbrunn Zoo"), or "Vienna Zoo", could be a menagerie set on the grounds of the celebrated Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Founded as associate degree imperial menagerie in 1752, it's the oldest incessantly operative zoological garden within the world.

Today, Tiergarten Schönbrunn is taken into account and regards itself as a scientifically administered menagerie that sees its main purpose as a centre for species conservation and general nature conservation also as in the fulfillment of the education mandate given to it by the legislation. The still preserved buildings of the baroque era, that are complemented within the last years by parts of recent menagerie design, still convey a decent impression of the 18th century menagerie-buildings after the Versailles model.

History

The zoo was constructed in 1752 next to Schloss Schönbrunn by Adrian van Stekhoven at the order of the then Holy Roman Emperor, Francis I, husband of Maria Theresia, to serve as associate degree imperial menagerie and is that the oldest endlessly in operation menagerie within the world.[2] it had been focused around a tent meant for imperial breakfasts. Therefore, 13 animal enclosures within the sort of cut cake items were established around this central tent.

The central pavilions and also the menagerie building were engineered by Jean Nicolas Jadot Delaware Ville-Issey. A small menagerie had already existed on the premises since 1540, however the complicated was opened to the general public solely in 1779. Initially, there were no entrance fees.

Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II organized expeditions to Africa and also the Americas to acquire specimens for the menagerie. The arrival of the primary camelopard in 1828 influenced Viennese fashion and town life. Clothes', accessories', and alternative items' styles were influenced, and Adolf Bäuerle performed his play titled Giraffes in Vienna (German: Giraffen in Wien).

At the onset of war I, the menagerie was home to 712 species and three,500 specimens. Due to diminishing food supplies during the war, the number of specimens rapidly sank to 900. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire once the war, the zoo became the responsibility of the Austrian Republic.

Bombing raids on February nineteen and February twenty one, 1945, during World War II, had an even greater impact on the zoo. Many buildings were destroyed and specimens killed, reducing the stock of specimens to 400. The new zoo director, Dr. Julius Brachetka, eventually managed to restore the zoo.

The menagerie experienced  a monetary crisis within the Nineteen Eighties, however closure of the facility was prevented by privatization in 1992. Dr. Helmut Pechlaner was assigned  as manager of the menagerie. After his retirement on 1 January 2007, his deputy, Dr. Dagmar Schratter, took over his post.

Pechlaner was able to renovate and extend several of the enclosures due to variety of sponsors and considerably increased  entrance fees. During his time as manager, the menagerie was extended by variety of latest buildings, including the rainforest house, the desert house, and the "Tyrolean farmhouse". A number of rare and exotic specimens, such as giant pandas and koalas, were attracted to the zoo and contributed to its upswing in popularity.

In the media

A number of tragic accidents have plagued the zoo. In 2002, a panther attacked a caretaker throughout feeding, killing her ahead of menagerie guests. The director tried to assist and sustained significant arm injuries. In February 2005, a young elephant, Abu, lethally crushed his caretaker. In the following press storm, director Pechlaner offered to resign over the issue.

The menagerie may be a photography location for the ORF series, Tom Turbo, which is based on a series of children's books by Thomas Brezina. Tom Turbo has its garage at the facility since 2006, and is, together with its creator, sponsor of a tiger at the zoo. Former facility director Pechlaner makes anaglyph appearances during a variety of episodes.[citation needed]

The 250 Years Vienna Zoo Silver Coin

On its 250th day, the zoo was the topic of one of the most famous silver collectors' coins: the 5 euro 250 Years of Vienna Zoo commemorative coin minted on 8 May 2002.

The reverse shows the Emperor's marquee encircled by a range of animals from the menagerie. The dates 1752-2002 visit the day and, of course, date the coin itself.