New annotated feeds

During the guided feeding sessions, visitors learn interesting facts about each animal species, while zookeepers chat about their fascinating daily routines with their charges, share insights into the habits of the animal residents, and reveal a few secrets along the way.

High Five for the big cats! Both the lion family and the cheetah enclosure are celebrating a first. The five Barbary lions and the five cheetah siblings are making their first public appearance during the guided feeding sessions. The cheetah litter has been living in Herberstein for half a year and has been familiar with the prey simulator from the very beginning—though, due to COVID-19, this has taken place behind the scenes. These exciting feedings are eagerly anticipated—including by Grawelino. His sponsor, Klaus Scheitegel, M.A., CEO of GRAWE, says: “We’re delighted that Grawelino and his siblings can now demonstrate their hunting skills in front of an audience, and that visitors to the Styrian Zoo will be treated to an action-packed show featuring GRAWE’s protégé.”

The Herberstein Wildlife Park is known far beyond the country’s borders for its innovative cheetah enclosure. “The integrated prey simulator allows the animals to act on their hunting instincts just as they would in the wild. The big cats accelerate from 0 to 80 in three seconds. With a top speed of up to 115 km/h, they are considered the fastest land mammals,” explains the zoo’s director, veterinarian Dr. Reinhard Pichler.

“Every day at 11 a.m., there are two feedings at two different enclosures. We decided on this approach to keep any crowds manageable,” explains Tierwelt Director Doris Wolkner-Steinberger, adding, “In line with our prevention plan, we hope to be able to expand this service for our guests in the near future.”

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; visitors may remain in the park until 6:30 p.m. No registration is required to participate in the guided feedings. The detailed schedule is available online at www.tierwelt-herberstein.at/tierwelt/fuetterungszeiten/