Vienna, Austria - August 18, 2025 The historic bear cage in the baroque center of the Tiergarten, long standing unused, has been transformed into a vibrant home for two critically endangered native species: the industrious European hamster and the colorful European roller. Tiergarten Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck explained, “With this facility, we connect history and the present, while simultaneously setting a strong example for native species conservation.” An information panel commemorates bear-keeping practices from around 150 years ago. Today, visitors can observe the European hamster in its underground sleeping boxes and tunnel systems, and the European roller perched in the branches of old apple trees. “Perhaps some people have already seen the European hamster in the wild. But when they see the European roller, with its striking turquoise plumage, many initially think of an exotic bird, even though it is a native species,” Dr. Hering-Hagenbeck said. The enclosure has been redesigned on the basis of an abandoned orchard. Shrubs, tall grasses, and a pile of deadwood provide additional shelter. A heated indoor area allows the roller pair to stay safe during winter months, as the migratory birds spend the season in Africa. Habitat loss from land sealing and intensive agriculture has sharply reduced the populations of both species in Austria. Curator Rupert Kainradl, MSc, stated, “The last remaining breeding area of the roller in Austria is in southeastern Styria. The aim of our efforts is to stabilize the population there in the long term and thus ensure its continued existence.” Experts are developing precise conditions for a potential reintroduction of the critically endangered roller in accordance with the Biodiversity Directive and the IUCN One Plan Approach, which combines in-care and natural habitat conservation strategies.