Top 15 Magnificent Animals in Schönbrunn Zoo & Their Conservation

Top Schönbrunn Zoo Animals

Over 700 animal species find Schönbrunn Zoo as their home. While it is impossible to name every prairie dog in the zoo, at least I can give the list of star animals in Schönbrunn Zoo, you certainly don’t want to miss out. That doesn’t mean the others are not worth your attention. I’m pretty sure that some of the best moments in the zoo will be spent with the smaller animals. Seriously, go see prairie dogs!

If you want to learn more about the history of Schönbrunn Zoo, animal feeding times, and other expert tips, make sure to read my comprehensive guide to Schönbrunn Zoo.

1. Polar Bears

Status: Vulnerable

Polar bears are probably one of the most iconic animals in the world. Unfortunately, they are becoming the symbol of the damage done to the polar ice caps – the natural habitat of many animal species – because of climate change.

Neverminded their frequent appearance in popular culture, these creatures are dangerous to humans. Due to their harsh natural habitat and size, polar bears wouldn’t have a second thought before attacking people. They are apex predators and as matter of a fact – the largest land carnivore species. Male polar bears weigh about half a ton and can grow up to 3m (10ft) tall. Despite all the impressive features of these majestic animals, their habitat is very vulnerable to human activities and so is the well-being of polar bears.

While the zoo no longer focuses on individuals but rather on species as a whole, just recently, in 2019, at the age of 7 years, a local polar bear female, Nora, has mated with Ranzo, an older superstar from Finland (He was the first offspring polar bear in his country). On 9th November 2019, the polar bears got their firstborn, Finja(F) and she was the star of Schönbrunn Zoo for quite some time until 2023, when she was moved to Nuremberg Zoo as a full adult. For the first three months, the baby polar bear was only with her mother in a small room, resembling ice caves, where polar bears raise their young for the first seven months.

While Finja can no longer be observed playing in the Polar Bear World by the visitors of Schönbrunn Zoo, other members of her species still live here. Polar Bear World is a 1,700 m2 facility with 630,000l of water for the polar bears to enjoy. It opened only in 2014 and like all modern buildings in Schönbrunn Zoo, it is very self-sufficient. The water within needs to be changed only once a year. For the educational sections of Polar Bear World and the important work done for the species by Schönbrunn Zoo, PBI (Polar Bear International) has appointed it as the Arctic ambassador center.

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2. African Elephants

Status: Endangered

African bush elephants are the biggest land mammals in the world. The biggest of them all are the male bulls. Without a doubt, it is difficult to keep them in zoos, and for the very same reason, it is rare to see one held captive. Most of them are the individuals taken from circuses of poorly maintained zoos. One such elephant bull – Pambo – used to live in Schönbrunn Zoo a decade ago, but until late 2020 all of the elephants living in Schönbrunn Zoo were female, including Pambo’s daughter.

Tonga is the leading female and she has two very special daughters: Mongu and Iqhwa. The latter was the first elephant born after insemination with the frozen sperm from a wild bull and the other is the child of the only male, who used to live in Schönbrunn Zoo in recent days. Drumbo is the oldest elephant living in Schönbrunn Zoo, as a matter of fact she is so old that she was born in 1974 in a country that no longer exists – Rhodesia. Numbi is a beautiful elephant and the mother of Kibali – the youngest elephant living in Schönbrunn Zoo.

Despite their size, these unique animals have been listed as vulnerable for at least two decades. Due to their nomadic lifestyle, it is hard to protect these species. Only 30% of elephants’ habitat is protected therefore encounters with local humans and poachers is inevitable. Because of the continuous effort of various conservation projects the tolerance of local people towards these animals has increased. Also, the researchers have shown that playing a recorded sound of wild bees keeps the elephants from the human settlements. Thanks to all the endeavors, the populations seem to bounce back by 4% every year since 2004.

The recent year has brought many changes to the elephants in Schönbrunn Zoo. First, the oldcomer Drumbo has left to the Czech Republic due to increasing tensions with Matriarch Tonga. Soon, Schönbrunn Zoo got a newcomer from Dresden Zoo – a four-and-a-half ton bull Tembo. This looked like a promising change for everybody, but in July of 2021 the whole of Vienna was shocked by the sudden death of 2-year-old elephant girl Kibali. She was a local hero during the CoVID-19 times. Throughout the pandemic, people were asked to keep a distance between each other equal to the length of a baby elephant, obviously, inspired by Kibali. This was a tragedy not only for Schönbrunn Zoo but for the whole city. She was widely mourned and will be remembered as a positive spark during very dark times.

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3. Giant Pandas

Status: Vulnerable

Giant Pandas have an important but unfortunate role of being the international symbol for animal conservation. During the last survey, conducted by local authorities of giant pandas’ natural habitat, it was reported that there are only 1,864 individuals left living out in the wild. To protect these majestic animals Schönbrunn Zoo work together with CWCA(China Wildlife Conservation Association) since 2003. Schönbrunn Zoo has already played its part by being able to naturally breed giant pandas several times now including the famous twins Fu Fang (Happy Phoenix) and Fu Ban (Happy Companion).

The mother of all baby pandas born in Schönbrunn Zoo is 20-year-old Yang Yang (Sunshine). But their father Long Hui (Dragon Sign) passed away at the age of 16. Though all five babies were moved to China, their mother is still living in Schönbrunn Zoo with her potential new mate Yuan Yuan.

Besides the zoo’s huge success in a giant panda conservation program, Schönbrunn Zoo also supports the cause financially and scientifically. The firstborn Fu Long (Happy Dragon) was the first naturally bred giant panda baby boy in Europe.

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4. Orangutans

Status: Critically Endangered

In Schönbrunn Zoo, Orangutans have their own separate building, which was probably bought off nearby Hietzing in order to give all the required space for these magnificent great apes. The focus of the whole facility is oriented towards the education of its visitors.

Currently, five adult orangutans are living in Schönbrunn Zoo: Vladimir(M), Mota(F), Sol(F), Sari(F), and Surya(F). The last two are much younger than the other orangutans and they came just last year during the lockdown of the pandemic. Just as the zookeeper had hoped: the newcomers changed the momentum and we finally saw an orangutan offspring in Schönbrunn Zoo! And not even one, but two baby orangutans were Kendari(F) and Nilah(Nilah), in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The natural habitat of Orangutans is rapidly decreasing due to the plantation of infamous palm oil. If somebody was living all this time under a rock, there is more than enough information in Schönbrunn Zoo about this disaster, caused by us, humans, to the natural habitat of many species, including Orangutans. Unwillingly, these great apes became the face of the campaign against the deforestation and plantation of palm oil.

Visiting these majestic creatures in Schönbrunn Zoo will leave absolutely nobody apathetic to the cause. It is a great place to know Orangutans better. The individuals living here will make you cry from both joy and sadness. These orangutans are like ambassadors of the entire species and they have a lot to say. It is our responsibility to answer their calls. Orangutans, after all, are our third-closest living relative in the world.

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5. Indian Rhinoceros

Status: Vulnerable

The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) are often referred to as the greater one-horned rhinos. As the name suggests these species have only one horn but this unique appearance is both a gift and a curse. Throughout the centuries these magnificent animals have been plagued by human hunting and poaching. About a hundred years Indian rhinos were driven close to extinction. Though the hunting has stopped ever since and many initiated projects to preserve these species, due to the popularity of their horn in traditional Chinese medicine and among trophy collectors, the poachers remain a huge threat to Indian rhinoceros.

Sundari(F) and Jange(M), or Beauty and Strong, are the two rhinoceros currently living in Schönbrunn Zoo. Both moved here from Nepal under the blessing of Royal Chitwan National Park, which took care of them ever since they were rescued from poachers. The rhinoceros share a similar unfortunate story of their early life. Both became orphans at a young age after poachers killed their mothers.

This is so common that entire populations in some areas sometimes get killed within a year. Luckily, Sundari and Jange were rescued by the local rangers but even after they had healed their wounds, the rhinoceros had no success finding friends among their kind. Both turned to humans to tackle loneliness but despite the tolerance of the local people it was decided to find a new home for Sundari and Jange before something tragic happened.

Ever since, together with other Asian mammals, the two rhinoceros have been living in the 6,000m² area of Schönbrunn Zoo, known as the Rhino Park.

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6. Giraffes

Status: Endangered

Everyone knows these majestic animals. Giraffe natural habitat ranges throughout sub-Saharan Africa and although traditionally it is considered to be one species (Giraffa Camelopardalis), up to 8 species have been described so far. These gorgeous animals are highly social and communicate within a deep infrasonic range, which is highly useful for communicating in the long distances of the vast expanse of the African savanna. Seven other giraffe species are extinct and the extant ones are vulnerable to the change caused by humans to their natural habitat.

Currently, five giraffes live in the Giraffe Park of Schönbrunn Zoo. The usual residents of the zoo are Rita (F), Carla (F), Kimbar (M) – the oldest giraffe bull in Europe – and two young giraffes. In 2013, Lubango(M) the son of Kimbar and Rita moved to Naples Zoo after he reached his adolescence because he could start arguing with his father over who is the boss here.

The building where the giraffes live is a sight worth seeing by itself. The Giraffe Park is great proof that modern architecture could be mixed with baroque and despite its style – the building is energy and heat-self-sufficient. In 2016, Giraffe Park received the City of Vienna’s Environmental Award.

Fun fact: The closest relative of giraffes is Okapi, also known as a forest giraffe. Together they form the so-called giraffe-like group.

7. Asian Big Cats

There are 36 species of cats. It is not a surprise that the biggest content of them all shares a decent portion of these species. Some of the most iconic big wild cats from Asia could be found on the list of animals living in Schönbrunn Zoo.

Siberian Tigers

Status: Endangered

Siberian tigers are the biggest cat species in the world. In 2021 May a 2-year-old male at the time, Siberian tiger Pepe has been moved to Schönbrunn Zoo from Lisbon, and joined Ina(F) for a potential romance. You can distinguish them by size, male Siberian tigers can grow almost twice the weight of the female. Ina(F) was born here as a part of EPP in June 2008.

Siberian tigers are closely related to the now extinct Caspian tiger of whom the last individual died in 2003. This proves that even populations of such apex predators as Siberian tigers could be driven out to complete extinction. Illegal hunting and the loss of their natural habitat are the main reasons for the decline of the population of these majestic animals. The healthy genetics of the population in captivity is very important to the preservation of Siberian tigers. There are only about half a thousand individuals living in their natural habitat.

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Amur Leopards

Status: Vulnerable

Infamously known as the World’s rarest cat, in the past Amur Leopards were critically endangered, but now are on their way to bounce back the populations. In 2015, Leopard National Park announced that the numbers have doubled since 2007 but the situation is not as good as it sounds. Despite the change of direction, the total population of Amur leopards in the wild remains just under 60.

The good news is that currently, about 200 individuals are living in zoos under a conservation breeding program. That includes Ida(F) and Piotr(M), who just had two kitties born right here in Schönbrunn Zoo in 2018. Reintroductions of these rare cats to their natural habitat are already under the plan.

8. African Big Cats

Lions

Status: Vulnerable

Despite not being the largest cat, lions are best known as the Kings of all animals. Maybe it is due to their lazy lifestyle. Lions spend about 20 hours a day resting and hunting mostly at night and in groups. This behavior probably evolved as they tried to outcompete the relatives of hyenas – saber-tooth tigers, who hunted alone and during the day.

Even the Kings of all animals is not enough to be affected by human expansion and hunting. These species are now endangered as the territories, where they live have greatly shrunk.

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Cheetahs

Status: Vulnerable

It is no secret that cheetahs at 90km/h are the fastest four-legged animals in the world. The speed is surprising but what is even more fascinating is that no other cat uses this tactic for hunting. The unusual method of hunting proved to be so successful that before humans invented guns, cheetahs occupied vast territories including the whole of Africa and large parts from West Asia to India. When it comes to hunting grounds, cheetahs appear to be much less selective compared to other big cats, but they also cover much bigger territories. There are three times fewer cheetahs in the same area compared to lions or leopards.

Despite their evolutionary successes, cheetah populations are endangered. The main danger to the populations of these cats is the loss of their natural habitat due to the competition for the land with humans. Schönbrunn Zoo is one of the few places, which managed to successfully breed these magnificent animals. The main concern is their natural lifestyle requires vast areas, which virtually cannot be given by any zoo. Schönbrunn Zoo is surprisingly good at breeding cheetahs. The most recent quadruple just turned one year old on June 22nd. Their mother no longer needs to keep an eye on them.

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9. Queensland Koalas

Status: Vulnerable

Due to their external appearance, these lovely creatures are often referred to as “koala bears” but, like any other marsupial, they have nothing to do with the descriptions of placental mammals we are used to. In fact, biologically, simple mice are a closer relative of actual bears than koalas. The closest living relatives of these charming marsupials are wombats.

Currently, there are three koalas living in Schönbrunn Zoo: Wirri Wirri(M), Bunji(F), and their long-awaited baby koala Millaa Millaa(F). Koala Mama was brought to Schönbrunn Zoo from Lisbon in 2017 as a part of EPP as a suitable partner for the male living here. Though these solitary animals showed some interest in each other from the start, Schönbrunn Zoo had to wait for the first koala baby for 4 years.

Despite many efforts to reintroduce koalas to the Australian regions, where these marsupials used to live, the species remain vulnerable. Though koala hunting was stopped, their natural habitat – eucalypt woodlands – is shrinking and so are their numbers. Schönbrunn Zoo has started a eucalypt plantation right here in Vienna. Buying koala souvenirs from the zoo funds the project.

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10. Monkeys

Though most of the monkeys in Schönbrunn Zoo could be found in affenhaus (the monkey house), some other primate species like white-handed gibbons, Barbary macaques, and ring-tailed lemurs could be found outside of it. Originally the building was used for swimming and wading but in 1841 it was rebuilt as the monkey house. Ever since orangutans were moved to the much bigger facility – ORANG.erie in 2009, affenhaus was converted to house six monkey species and some other animals.

White-handed Gibbons

Status: Endangered

Like all of their relatives, white-handed gibbons are an endangered species. Inhabiting the evergreen lush forests of Southeast Asia, they are constantly being pushed in by human-caused deforestation of their natural habitat. Due to their appearance, these beautiful animals are experiencing a massive poaching problem as well. In 2019, Schönbrunn Zoo named white-handed gibbons the “Zoo Animals of the Year”. This campaign helped to raise funds and together with their partners, the Zoo was able to provide more than €115,000 to create protected areas in Laos and Vietnam and support rangers in the fight against poaching.

In 2019 a baby gibbon was born, to this day it is possible to see how his father is training the little one. The white gibbon area is probably my favourite place in Schönbrunn Zoo.

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11. Hippotamus

Status: Vulnerable

Hippos spend most of their time cooling off in the water. They can shut their ears, close their eyes and nose, and spend on average five minutes underwater. Hippotamus are actually the closest relative of whales, so it is no surprise they spend so much time in the water. They even give birth to baby hippos in the water but immediately heave them to the surface with their snouts for the first breath in their life. Baby hippos are no joke, at their birth, they already weigh about 50 kg!

The first hippos arrived at Schönbrunn Zoo in 1909, their living conditions have greatly increased ever since. Now they have a 200.000 l indoor pool and 400.000 l outdoor pool. Both pools have a modern and eco-friendly filtering system, which greatly reduces water and electricity consumption.

Currently, two Hippotamus live in Schönbrunn Zoo: Arca(F) and her son Kimbuku(M). His father Ali(M) peacefully passed away in 2019 after a long life in the zoo. He was rock-solid in character and in statue, he lived in the Schonbrunn Zoo since 1967 and is a big part of the zoo.

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Tickets to Schönbrunn Zoo

Schönbrunn is Austria’s most popular tourist destination, with Schönbrunn Zoo attracting a significant share of visitors. Due to its popularity, long lines often form at the ticket counters. Considering the vast number of attractions within the zoo, it’s unfortunate to waste time waiting. To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance. Skip-the-line tickets for Schönbrunn Zoo in 2024 start at €27 per person.

Map of Schönbrunn Zoo

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If you want to see more lists like this, check out my top 10 cutest animals in Schönbrunn Zoo, or the top 10 weirdest animals in Schönbrunn Zoo.

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