Vienna, Austria - July 13, 2024

A Siberian tiger at the Vienna Zoo recently made headlines by playfully tearing up a sign in its enclosure that mistakenly indicated the presence of both male and female tigers. This incident coincides with the zoo's annual animal inventory, a meticulous process undertaken to monitor and manage its diverse animal population.

Each year, zookeepers armed with clipboards meticulously count every resident, from lively ring-tailed lemurs to majestic Siberian tigers. While the counting process is symbolic, detailed lists of the zoo's 6,860 animals across 615 species and breeds are maintained year-round and compiled for the annual inventory.

Zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck underscores the significance of these efforts, stating, "Our zoo's species management is meticulously planned, considering factors such as conservation statuses assessed by the IUCN. Collaboration with other zoos and conservation organizations is crucial as we strive to preserve global biodiversity."

Recent additions to Vienna Zoo include Mexican four-eyed octopuses, Sulawesi cardinal shrimps, and Namib noisy geckos, rescued from a wildlife confiscation at Schwechat Airport. The zoo also celebrated breeding successes last year, including northern rockhopper penguins, Kalong fruit bats, and the world-first breeding of crocodile-tailed tegus.

"To maintain robust reserve populations, we actively participate in conservation breeding programs," explains Hering-Hagenbeck. "Genetic diversity is vital, so animals are carefully exchanged with other institutions to facilitate successful breeding."

Beyond its conservation efforts, Vienna Zoo continues to educate the public about wildlife preservation and biodiversity through interactive exhibits and educational programs.