2_0_DiscoverGermany_Issue35_February2016:Scan Magazine 1
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moset monkeys and tropical birds, that can all be watched without barriers. On their way to the tenth floor, visitors can view the home of the hammerhead sharks from the safety of the elevator. Observing the sharks and cow-nosed rays from the big auditorium is a great way to relax a little and get a real feel for these stunning creatures. “Also worth a mention is the AmazonJungle passage. Surrounded by trees, waterfalls and beautiful plants, our guests can truly immerse themselves in the world of the Amazon,”Heinzl adds. The café and event venue, Ocean Sky, with its open-air terrace offers a 360-degree view ofVienna and is a fabulous location to take a break. It can also be booked for events. All in all, the Haus des Meeres promises to be a wonderful experience for everyone. www.haus-des-meeres.at
A piece of the ocean in the heart of Vienna The aqua terra zoo Haus des Meeres is home to over 10,000 animals including sharks, rays and crocodiles, as well as monkeys and various reptiles. With its beautiful reef and tropical house, Haus des Meeres offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: HAUS DES MEERES
At first sight, the aqua terra zoo is almost disguised by its distinctive building: an old flak tower from the Second World War. With its impressive height of 50 metres, the tower is an eye-catching structure, which has found a new, much brighter purpose. Here, visitors can explore a lively and colourful world in over 11 floors. Marketing manager Philipp Heinzl enthuses:“One of our highlights is certainly our reef with the sea surge. Countless richly coloured tropical fish hurry around the precious coral reef. Thanks to our half-tunnel created through the use of a bent glass pane, guests can stand right at the centre of the action.”
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The regular feeding times are particularly exciting to watch, especially at the crocodile park Krokipark, which is located in a newly built glass addition. Visitors can get a first glimpse of the crocodiles through a glass pane above them right at the entrance. Quite a unique attraction is possibly the longest ants trail in the world, measuring approximately 70 metres over two floors. A wealth of birds, Sunda Gaviale (a freshwater crocodile) and the sometimes quite naughty cotton-top tamarins also await guests at the Krokipark.
Main image: The Flak tower. Photo: Hans Koeppen From top: Feeding time. Photo: Guenther Hulla
The tropical house promises a wonderful jungle adventure. It is home to cheeky mar-
Hammerhead shark. Photo: Jutta Kirchner Cotton-top tamarin. Photo: Jutta Kirchner