DESERT HOUSE (WUSTENHAUS)

Venture into the world's oldest zoo with a skip-the-line entry. Spread across a sprawling 17-hectare site, you'll find yourself amidst 700 species, from zebras to anteaters, many of which are critically endangered. Experience the thrill of spotting Siberian tigers lounging on platforms, orangutans skillfully swinging through ropes, and giraffes graciously greeting visitors. However, the most popular residents of the Schönbrunn Zoo are the giant pandas, a rare privilege as it is one of a few zoos worldwide to be entrusted with a pair of these endangered species. If you'd like to explore desert landscapes, and the lives of the animals in the region, then opt for skip-the-line entry to Desert House, located close by. Discover diverse animal houses Traverse through the rainforest house, home to a rich variety of tropical flora and fauna, or visit the aquarium terrarium and be mesmerized by the sight of colorful fish and intriguing reptiles. The Polarium, Polardom, and Tirolerhof areas offer unique views of seals, penguins, polar bears, and rare breeds of farm animals.

Skip the lines at the Desert House for a smooth, queue-free journey into this desert oasis. Begin your journey with a refreshing interaction with the nibble fish, which gently nibble on your fingers. A captivating trail then guides you through authentic desert landscapes, taking you from Central America to Madagascar. Along the way, you'll marvel at the Kaiser's spotted newts and the black-tailed rattlesnakes, native to parts of the USA. An eye-catching attraction is the 70-meter-long maze of glass tubes which houses a bustling colony of naked mole rats. Discover rare flora and fauna Continue on the trail, lined with lush cacti and succulents, under the soothing sounds of chirping red fodies. Spot rare desert inhabitants like the radiated tortoises and venomous Gila monsters. Take time to appreciate the unusual plant life, including cuttings from the world’s oldest pot plant and living fossils like the bearded lizards and Welwitschia mirabilis. Learn about their amazing adaptation skills to survive in extreme desert conditions.