Vienna Zoo Receives International Animal Welfare Award

(eap) Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo) has become the first zoo in Austria to receive an award from the Global Humane Society, recognizing its high standards in animal welfare, wellbeing, and husbandry. The Global Humane Society is the international branch of the U.S.-based animal welfare organization American Humane Society. According to its own information, through its certification program the organization evaluates the wellbeing of animals in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers worldwide, with the aim of continuously improving living conditions and making animal welfare transparently measurable.

“We are very pleased that Tiergarten Schönbrunn has met the requirements for Global Humane certification,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of the Global Humane Society. “As the oldest zoo in the world, Schönbrunn welcomes around two million visitors each year and is home to about 500 animal species. Here, centuries-old imperial tradition meets the latest conservation technologies. With this certification, we recognize the far-reaching importance of animal welfare in zoos, aquariums, and conservation projects around the world.”

To receive the award, Tiergarten Schönbrunn underwent a comprehensive, independent evaluation process based on the latest scientific findings and international best practices. During a multi-day audit, independent veterinarians, zoologists, and ethics experts examined various aspects of animal care. Among the criteria assessed were housing, food quality, animal training, activity levels, as well as the education and competence of the animal care staff.

For Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, the certification marks a special milestone: “This award is a wonderful recognition of our daily work and our responsibility toward the animals entrusted to us. It demonstrates that tradition and innovation go hand in hand at Tiergarten Schönbrunn – from its imperial heritage to modern, science-based animal husbandry. For over 270 years, the zoo has stood for continuous improvement. My gratitude goes to our entire team, who care for the wellbeing of our animals every day with great commitment and expertise.”

Austria’s Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, Dr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer – representative of the Schönbrunner Tiergarten-Gesellschaft m.b.H. – also emphasized the importance of this recognition: “Tiergarten Schönbrunn is not only a cultural landmark, but also an important economic factor and an international flagship for Austria. As the oldest zoo in the world and the first in Austria to receive this award, it combines tradition with innovation and demonstrates that the highest standards of animal welfare and economic performance are not contradictory. The Global Humane certification stands for the exceptional quality of the work carried out here every day. I warmly congratulate Director Hering-Hagenbeck and his entire team – they embody what distinguishes Austria worldwide: dedication, quality, and innovation.”

👉🏼 Reading Tip for Zoo Professionals: “Zoo Marketing – Between Animal Welfare, Sustainability and Entertainment,” published in EAP issue 6/2024. ■