1. Polar Wolf offspring for the past 15 years

The zoo's baby animal gallery in Eastern Styria is growing: four polar wolf pups were born on April 20.

Efforts to establish a breeding program for snow-white wolves have been underway for a very long time. The first step was taken in the fall of 2018 with the arrival of Bjelle from Petersberg Zoo and Herbert, who was born at Wilde Berg Zoo. “The socialization of the cubs at that time went smoothly right from the start,” said Doris Wolkner-Steinberger, managing director of Landestiergarten.

Arctic wolves are born with dark fur, which turns white as they age. The animals have not yet had any close contact with the zookeepers; for now, the wolf pack is keeping to itself. “The veterinary examination will take place in three to four weeks. The pups spend most of their time in a den, but they are already venturing out of their familiar surroundings during the day,” explains veterinary specialist Dr. Reinhard Pichler, the zoological director of the scientifically managed zoo.

As the name suggests, Arctic wolves are native to the Canadian Arctic Islands and also inhabit areas in Greenland.

There’s another white-coated resident at the petting zoo: a White Baroque donkey was born on April 28, 2022. There are still about 300 animals of this breed worldwide, known for their bright blue eyes and long ears. During the monarchy, they were kept as popular pets, but later these animals disappeared from the scene. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the breed was rediscovered in Eastern Styria.

Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; visitors may remain in the park until 6:30 p.m.