Viennas Schönbrunn zoo is the best in Europe
Schönbrunn zoo declared best zoo in Europe by the British zoology-expert
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Photo: Zoo Schönbrunn |
Vienna (pte022/13.06.2013/15:37) Vienna's Schönbrunn zoo has been declared best zoo in Europe by the British zoology-expert Anthony Sheridan.
The zoo expert Anthony Sheridan investigated 93 scientifically-lead zoos in 23 European zoos with questionnaires, business reports, interviews with the zoo directors and comprehensive zoo visits.
The quality of the zoos is marked following 97 criteria ranging from the keeping of animals to the protection of species and marketing.
Sheridan said: "The Schönbrunn zoo is the only one to achieve high marks in all categories. Moreover, it has a special feel to it which is appreciated by millions of visitors each year and noticed internationally."
The zoos in Leipzig (Germany) and Zurich (Switzerland) are just below Schönbrunn on the ranking list. The zoo expert said: "Good zoos are important to society because they allow people to see the variety of animals; they communicate the importance of the protection of endangered species and moreover represent an exciting leisure activity."
Schönbrunn zoo director Dagmar Schratter said: "Not only the two million visitors each year, but also more importantly the repeated distinctions as "best zoo in Europe" confirm that the zoo is on the right track.
"We want to get our visitors enthusiastic about the world of animals and to encourage their awareness for the protection of nature and animals. If the visitors see that the animals are happy here, we can win their support for our cause."
However, Anthony Sheridan stressed that considerable investment was going to be needed for the leading zoos. Since the opening of the zoo, the Austrian government has invested 83 million Euros in public works and believe that investment transformed a zoo that threatened to close down into the best zoo in Europe.
Today, the zoo in Vienna is a key attraction in the capital and a motor in Austrian tourism. The economy and family minister Reinhold Mitterlehner said: "Tourists from abroad are an important factor in earnings. Last year, the number of tourists was higher than ever with 32 percent of day-visitors at the zoo."
Mitterlehner also underlined the importance of children getting the opportunity to experience animals "live" from a young age by making the most of the family zoo pass - a cheap offer which has been taken up by 102,000 families so far.
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