Description of the attraction
The zoo in Innsbruck offers its guests not only a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding mountains, but also acquaintance with 150 animal species that are typical representatives of the Alps. This is the only zoo in the world that has dedicated itself specifically to mountain fauna. All animals are housed in modern buildings and enclosures, terrariums have access to the open air.
The main source of income for the zoo is the money that visitors pay to enter. Also, the zoo receives additional financial support from the city of Innsbruck and the government of Tyrol. The zoo receives around 300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the largest and most important socio-cultural institutions in Tyrol.
In 2012, the zoo celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Today the territory of the zoo is 4.1 hectares, which is home to about 3000 animals in general, mainly vertebrates: 20 out of 80 alpine mammalian species, 60 birds, 11 reptiles and 6 amphibian species, as well as almost all alpine fish species.
The Alpine Zoo has 4 main objectives: education and information, research, conservation and adventure. Education is essential for the conservation of alpine fauna. Education can also be fun, which is why the zoo offers its visitors a wide range of awareness-raising activities in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Guests can get to know the animals just by watching them. If there is a desire to learn more, visitors can take part in informal educational programs at the open “zoo school”.
The zoo has its own registered association - "Forschungs und Lehrinstitut". This association not only manages diploma projects, but also conducts research on various topics, including biological behavior of animals, environmental enrichment and animal health, thus making a significant contribution to the zoo's mission of conservation animals and their breeding.
