Vienna, Austria - August 27, 2024

Vienna Zoo is gearing up for its 18th Species Conservation Days on August 31st and September 1st, transforming into a vibrant hub for environmental education and action. This event, which has become a cornerstone for raising awareness about endangered species and conservation efforts, will feature 29 organizations dedicated to wildlife and nature preservation.

The zoo's director, Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, highlighted the educational value of the event, stating, "For two days, we provide a platform where visitors can delve into fascinating insights about endangered species and the conservation initiatives protecting them." Activities will include interactive workshops, such as animal track analysis, and engaging quizzes that challenge participants' knowledge on wildlife.

This year's event includes familiar participants like "der Bienenfreund," showcasing a live beehive, and the "City of Vienna - Environmental Protection," which will again offer free postcards featuring endangered animals for visitors to paint and send. A new addition is the "AmphiBIOM" project from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, where visitors can participate in an animal memory game and learn about species like the green toad.

On Saturday, August 31st, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the Austrian Customs Service Dog Squad will demonstrate how detection dogs contribute to species conservation.

Hering-Hagenbeck emphasized the urgency of these conservation days, noting, "We are witnessing an unprecedented loss of biodiversity. However, each individual can make a difference in protecting species and their habitats. Our event aims to inspire action." Visitors engaging with various stations can collect stamps on their passes, leading to a small surprise at the puzzle rally tent near the Hietzing entrance.

All proceeds from this year's event will support Vienna Zoo's conservation project for the critically endangered Batagur river turtle in Bangladesh. This species, one of the world's rarest turtles, has been decimated by fishing, poaching for the black market, and egg collection. Under Vienna Zoo's management, efforts are underway to breed and reintroduce these turtles into their natural habitat.