In their new “ ” house, the tapir, coati, and other animals feel right at home: the climate, humidity, and food are just right—it’s like a vacation! The new home was necessary to meet the requirements of modern animal care and comply with the law. The new house is also a huge win for visitors: The 220 m² South America House is open to the public, and its “open-space architecture” offers a glimpse into the animal families’ living quarters. Construction costs totaled EUR 262,000, giving Tierwelt Herberstein yet another attraction.

Governor Mag. Franz Voves also emphasizes this: “Whether you’re going on a journey of discovery with family or friends or simply want to unwind from everyday life—Herberstein Zoo, with its more than 130 animal species and beautiful setting, is one of Styria’s top tourist destinations. The new South America exhibit has now created an additional attraction that brings the animal world closer to visitors of all ages.”

His deputy and tourism representative, Hermann Schützenhöfer, knows all the attractions inside and out: “Following the bear enclosure, the bird aviary, the renovated playgrounds, and the Simbawelt café-restaurant, Herberstein Wildlife Park can now present yet another new offering with the newly built South America House! I’m delighted that the tapirs, coatis, and wild guinea pigs, among others, now have a new, species-appropriate habitat that, together with the walk-through South American exhibit, is a special attraction for visitors.”

Animal park director Doris Wolkner-Steinberger then surprised the politicians with some encouraging news from last year’s visitor statistics: “Herberstein is the zoo of the people of Styria. 62% of our guests—that’s 108,500 people—come from our state. Compared to the record-breaking year of 2010, we were able to grow by another 5 percent!”