NESTLED within the sprawling grounds of an opulent palace lies a living piece of history: Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world’s oldest continuously operating zoo.
But the 272-year-old zoo in Vienna has a dark past where its visitors saw a jaguar fatally maul its keeper, and an elephant crush a handler to death.
Established in 1752, the origins of Tiergarten Schönbrunn are steeped in the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria.
In the mid-18th century, Emperor Francis I, sought to create a menagerie that would rival those of other European courts.
He commissioned the construction of the zoo within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, which was then the summer residence of the imperial family.
What started as an exclusive collection of exotic animals soon became a symbol of power and prestige, showcasing creatures from across the globe in an era when such sights were a rare privilege.
The layout of the zoo, designed by the court architect Jean Nicolas Jadot de Ville-Issey, was revolutionary for its time.
At its heart stood a central octagonal pavilion, from which 13 pathways radiated outward like the spokes of a wheel, leading visitors to various enclosures.
This design allowed for a panoramic view of the animals, and remarkably, much of this original structure remains intact today.
Strolling through the zoo is like stepping back in time, with baroque architectural features providing a backdrop to the diverse array of wildlife.
While Vienna’s Tiergarten Schönbrunn is celebrated as the world’s oldest zoo and a leader in conservation, it also has a darker history, particularly during the 20th century.
This dark chapter is closely tied to the events of World War II and the rise of the Nazi regime.
During the Nazi era, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, like many institutions across Europe, was co-opted into the regime’s ideology and war efforts.
The zoo became entangled in the propaganda machine of the Third Reich, which sought to use it as a tool for promoting their views on racial purity and superiority.
The Nazis viewed zoos as more than just places to display animals; they were also seen as instruments to promote their ideology.
At Schönbrunn Zoo, this manifested in disturbing ways.
The regime used the zoo to further its racial theories, drawing parallels between animal breeding and human eugenics.
This approach justified their beliefs in racial hierarchy and the necessity of “purifying” the human race.
While the zoo itself was not directly involved in human experimentation, the general atmosphere of the time blurred the lines between animal husbandry and eugenics.
Tragedy also enveloped the zoo’s history in recent times after two staff members were killed by animals in the last fifteen years, Culture Trip reports.
In 2002, a female zookeeper was mauled while feeding the jaguars, and the tragedy was observed by thousands of terrified visitors.
Three years later, horror struck the zoo once more when a keeper named Gerd Kohl was giving an elephant a bath in its enclosure when the animal attacked and killed him in front of onlookers.
Animal activists who doubt the zoo’s claims to be involved in conservation efforts have also regularly attacked the Tiergarten.
Captive animal keeping is a contentious issue that has long generated intense debate, with millions of tourists visiting the zoo each year from all over the world in spite of these worries.
Today, Tiergarten Schönbrunn is home to over 700 species, ranging from majestic African elephants to snow leopards.
The zoo is divided into thematic zones that guide visitors through different ecosystems, from the icy realms of the Arctic to the dense jungles of Southeast Asia.
The recently renovated Polarium, for instance, offers an immersive experience into the world of polar bears and penguins, complete with interactive displays that educate visitors on the effects of climate change.
One of the zoo’s most popular attractions is the Aquarium and Terrarium House, where visitors can marvel at the diversity of aquatic life, from colourful coral reefs to eerie deep-sea creatures.
The combination of educational exhibits and live demonstrations helps to demystify the complexities of marine ecosystems.
In recent years, the zoo has expanded its offerings to include interactive experiences such as feeding sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and even the opportunity to spend a night at the zoo.
These programmes are designed to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the animals, emphasising the importance of conservation.
