Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo will be tackling the largest construction project in its history next year: the new species conservation aquarium is scheduled to open in 2028 after a construction phase of around two and a half years. It will be the largest aquarium in Austria, with tanks that hold a total water volume of three million liters. Construction will take place at the site of the old aquarium directly at the Hietzing entrance.
The costs stated were 36.7 million euros plus valorization. The project is currently in the planning phase. It is said that a renovation of the existing building was not possible for operational and economic reasons, so a new building was decided.
The current residents will move to the already completed aqua research station at Maxingstrasse 13c until the opening. Here the zoo invested 4.2 million euros to breed rare aquatic animals. The first fish have already moved, said Anton Weissenbacher, the responsible curator.
Europe’s largest jellyfish top
In addition to the aquatic residents, the stock of rare and endangered reptile species from the old building will also find a new home in the zoo. In the future they will be on display in the desert house, the newly designed rainforest house and the new species protection house. A few species are given to other zoos.
The aim of the species conservation aquarium is to “create a place that shows fascinating and threatened habitats and at the same time raises awareness of their protection,” says zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. In addition to the animal “stars,” those responsible are talking about technical superlatives, such as the largest jellyfish top in Europe. After all, Schönbrunn is considered a leader in the keeping and breeding of jellyfish; more than 80 different species are kept here.
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Image: DANIEL ZUPANC
Source: Nachrichten
