Austria is a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for wildlife and scenic landscapes. The country's zoos offer a unique blend of historical charm, modern exhibits, and breathtaking backdrops, making them perfect for capturing stunning photos. Whether you're a professional photographer or love snapping pictures on your travels, these zoos provide endless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature and wildlife.
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Best zoos for animal photos
Vienna Zoo (Schönbrunn Zoo)
Vienna Zoo, also known as Schönbrunn Zoo, is the oldest zoo in the world. Located within the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, it combines historical architecture with modern animal husbandry. The zoo is home to various animals, including giant pandas, koalas, and Indian rhinos.
Photographic Highlights
- Animals: Giant pandas, koalas, Indian rhinos, Japanese serows, Kalongs.
- Exhibits: The Desert House, the Rainforest House.
Best Spots for Photos
- Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
- The panda enclosure
- The koala house
Photography Tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting.
- Use a zoom lens to capture detailed shots of the animals.
- Take advantage of the natural backgrounds provided by the palace gardens.
Salzburg Zoo
Salzburg Zoo is uniquely situated at the foot of the Hellbrunn Mountain, offering a picturesque setting for photography. The zoo features a variety of animals, including white rhinos, Grevy zebras, and free-roaming Griffon Vultures.
Photographic Highlights
- Animals: White rhinos, Grevy zebras, white-naped mangabey, Golden-Headed Lion tamarins, and Sitatungas.
- Exhibits: The African Savannah, the South American House.
Best Spots for Photos
- The African Savannah with the Alps in the background.
- The vulture aviary.
Photography Tips
- Capture the animals with the mountainous backdrop for dramatic shots.
- Use a wide-angle lens to include the scenic surroundings.
Innsbruck Alpenzoo
Photo: Pixabay.com
Innsbruck Alpenzoo is Europe's highest-situated zoo, specializing in alpine animals. Located on the slopes of Nordkette Mountain, it offers stunning views and a unique collection of species.
Photographic Highlights
- Animals: Brown bears, golden eagles, wolves.
- Exhibits: The bear enclosure of the eagle aviary.
Best Spots for Photos
- The bear enclosure with the mountain backdrop.
- The eagle aviary during feeding times.
Photography Tips
- Be prepared for high-altitude conditions; bring extra batteries as they can drain faster in cold weather.
- Use a telephoto lens to capture the animals in their naturalistic enclosures.
Tierpark Schloss Herberstein
Tierpark Schloss Herberstein is set within the grounds of a historic castle, offering a blend of history and wildlife. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including the world's first cheetah-hunting simulator and an interesting wolf cave.
Photographic Highlights
- Animals: Cheetahs, wolves, European wild animals.
- Exhibits: The cheetah hunting simulator, the wolf cave.
Best Spots for Photos
- The cheetah enclosure during the hunting simulation.
- The wolf cave.
Photography Tips
- Capture action shots of the cheetahs using a fast shutter speed.
- Use natural light to highlight the animals' features.
Adlerarena Burg Landskron
Photo:https://adlerarena.com
Adlerarena Burg Landskron combines a historic castle with raptor flight shows, offering a unique photographic experience. The arena is known for its impressive birds of prey, including Griffon Vultures and golden eagles.
Photographic Highlights
- Animals: Griffon Vultures, golden eagles.
- Exhibits: The flight show area.
Best Spots for Photos
- The castle views.
- The flight show area during performances.
Photography Tips
- Use a fast shutter speed to capture the birds in flight.
- Position yourself at the edge of the arena for unobstructed views.
Photography Tips for Zoo Visits
General Tips
- Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
- Be patient and wait for the perfect moment to capture the animals.
Equipment Recommendations
- Camera: DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast autofocus system.
- Lenses: Telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer), wide-angle lens for landscapes.
- Accessories: Tripod, extra batteries, memory cards.
Ethical Considerations
- Respect the animals and their habitats.
- Avoid using flash as it can disturb the animals.
Our Recap
Photo: Pixabay.com
Austria's zoos offer unparalleled opportunities for photography with their unique blend of historical settings, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're capturing the majestic Griffon Vultures at Adlerarena Burg Landskron or the serene pandas at Vienna Zoo, these zoos provide the perfect backdrop for your photographic adventures. So pack your camera and get ready to explore the best zoos in Austria for photography!
| Zoo Name | Key Animals | Best Photo Spots |
| Vienna Zoo | Giant pandas, koalas, Indian rhinos | Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Panda house |
| Vienna Zoo | White rhinos, Grevy zebras | vultures African Savannah, vulture aviary |
| Innsbruck Alpenzoo | Brown bears, golden eagles | Wolves Bear enclosure, eagle aviary |
| Tierpark Schloss Herberstein | Cheetahs, wolves, European wild animals | Cheetah enclosure, wolf cave |
| Adlerarena Burg Landskron | Griffon Vultures | Golden Eagles Castle views, flight show area |
