Vienna, Austria - January 10, 2025 The festive spirit of the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market lives on as the iconic, nearly 100-year-old Christmas tree is reimagined for a new purpose at Schönbrunn Zoo. The majestic 18-meter-high fir tree, which illuminated the palace courtyard during the holiday season, has now become a “needle-filled breakfast” for the zoo’s animals. In a sustainable tradition, the tree was handed over to the zoo today, where it will provide a treat and enrichment for the Himalayan tahr herd. After its removal from the palace courtyard, the tree was transported directly to the newly designed facility for Asian mountain animals at Schönbrunn Zoo, where it serves as both a food source and a source of curiosity for the animals. “These herbivores love climbing and nibbling on branches, bark, and shoots,” said zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. “The tree offers them a playful change and an exciting experience as they interact with it.” The festive tradition also marks the beginning of an exciting year for the Himalayan tahr. The 25-strong herd, which moved into a new 1,400-square-meter mountain landscape at the end of 2024, was treated to their first “needle-filled breakfast” this morning. In the spring, the tahr will be joined by golden takins, completing their new facility for Asian mountain animals. “This sustainable tradition allows the Christmas tree to continue bringing joy to both visitors and animals alike,” said Katrin Edtmeier, Managing Director of the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market. The festive tree, once the centerpiece of the holiday market, has now completed its journey from a symbol of holiday joy to a cherished treat for the zoo's residents.