Photo: © Daniel Zupanc
A new home for tropical sea animals A piece of the ocean can be found right in the heart of Vienna. The aqua terra zoo Haus des Meeres is home to over 10,000 animals over 11 floors. From sharks and rays to crocodiles and little monkeys, there is plenty to explore. Since the beginning of the year, the brand-new department for tropical sea animals has taken visitors into the world of coral reefs – including baby reef shark ‘Jacek’. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
It took eight months to complete building on the new section of the Haus des Meeres and one can say it was truly worth it. A beautiful coral reef captivates visitors and shows them a completely different world. The new department includes 14 connected aquariums, which hold between 200 and 25,000 litres and are dedicated to different habitats and subjects. The largest aquarium allows a panoramic view of an artificial coral reef that is almost three metres deep. Reef fish such as the humphead wrasse, the blue spot stingray, the clownfish and the palette surgeonfish all live here. But the undis108 | Issue 74 | May 2019
puted star is the baby reef shark ‘Jacek’. It’s the first offspring of the black tip reef sharks and the Haus des Meeres can most certainly be more than a little proud of this very rare breeding success. One of the main purposes of the new department on the third floor is to not only show the stunning beauty of the tropical sea, but also to highlight the need for the protection of this vulnerable part of our world. Coral reefs are indeed some of our planet’s most endangered habitats and it’s important to raise awareness of that. And how better to do that than to let people enjoy the vibrant colours
of the tropical reef fish with their very own eyes. Of course, there are many more highlights at the Haus des Meeres, such as the two-storey shark tank, the reef with impressive sea surge or the crocodile park, Krokipark. Quite a unique attraction also, is what is possibly the longest ants trail in the world, measuring approximately 70 metres and spreading over two floors. The tropical house promises a wonderful jungle adventure with cheeky marmoset monkeys jumping around and tropical birds chirping away. To unwind a little, visitors can have a break at the café and event location ocean’sky, and enjoy the view over Vienna from the terrace. A tropical sea adventure right in Vienna? What more could you need for a spectacular day out? www.haus-des-meeres.at