Yesterday

The keeping of wild animals in Herberstein follows a long tradition and can be traced back to the 17th century, when the animal park found its origin with the first keeping of fallow deer in Austria. Over the next years (centuries) mostly native and huntable animals were established in the private park.

Towards the end of the 1960ies Herberstein was transformed into a wild animal park, where one could find exotic animals as well. This was also the first time that Herberstein was opened up to the public.

Since 1994 the animal park has been tirelessly reconstructed and renovated, according to the latest findings in zoological biology, both for our animals and for you, dear guests. It ist particularly important for us to not put individual animals "on display", but to reflect scenes from the wilderness.

Today

In the extensive habitats in Herberstein, which are designed close to nature, the animals live together with conspecifics and other animals, get a well balanced diet according to their individual needs, are taken care of by specialists and vets, and can pursue a variety of acitivties.

As our guests you are offered the opportunity to observe and experience undisturbed animals, almost like in the wild. The use of as little fences as possible should improve the relation between visitors and animals and should give you a better insight into the life of the animals.
You can learn more about the animals´ way of life, occurence, food, and distinctive features from reading the information signs on the enclosures and from our zoological department.