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17. 03. 10. - 11:00

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17. 03. 10. - 11:00

Tigers lions and zebra at night

By Tova Marr

A month ago I was trying to come up with ideas to surprise my husband for his birthday in March.

My problem was what to give the person who has too many video games, too many books, too many socks as well as a perfect wife (author’s bias); the answer according to my web research - a night vision tour of the local zoo of course!

The website offers a variety of guided tours but the opportunity to see Schönbrunn Zoo at night and with night vision is what can only be described as amazing.

I contacted the zoo and booked a tour for 12 people, the maximum being 20 per group. The price is 19 Euros per person if the tour is conducted in German.

The price is 24 Euros with a limit of 15 if one chooses to partake in the English tour.

The tour is paid in advance and you need to bring the reservation confirmation as well as proof of payment on the night of the tour. The contact person is extremely helpful and is fluent in English.

The night of the tour arrived and the 12 of us bundled up in warm clothes and arrived at the back entrance of the zoo just before 20:00. The gates opened and two guides walked out leading one in our group to quip "Just like Jurassic Park!" which brought a round of nervous laughter.

We entered the park and were handed Swarovski night vision goggles to share between two. The tour lasted one and a half hours and the experience was unforgettable. The zoo at night is dark and foreboding but the opportunity to see seals, zebras, tigers, jaguars, polar bears, hippos, and pandas at night was surreal.

I highly recommend the tour to anyone with an interest in animals, or even night vision for that matter.

The Schönbrunn Zoo prides itself on up to date technology as well as a base for the conservation of endangered species.

Founded in 1752, the zoo was originally opened as an emperor’s menagerie with the idea of showcasing exotic animals. Set against the backdrop of the Schönbrunn palace, a visit there is not only educational but memorable as well.

The tour can be found under: http://www.zoovienna.at/e/index.html

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