A new "mega aquarium" for Vienna?

ZOO SCHÖNBRUNN SHOCKS WITH PLANS

The announcement of Schönbrunn Zoo’s plans to build a new “aqua research station”, officially named “Artenschutz Aquarium Schönbrunn”, caused quite a stir. This will also include a tank for sharks and rays. New shark species that are not yet represented at Schönbrunn Zoo are also to be exhibited.
Even if the figure “2.35 million liters of water” seems large at first glance: The tank can only boast a water depth of 8.35m. Divers know that: This is not the water depth at which sharks live naturally and permanently.

OPEN LETTER AS A FIRST MEASURE

That is why we have drafted the following public letter together with Sea Sheperd, Verein gegen Tierfabriken and StopFinningEU:
Vienna, September 24, 2024

OPEN LETTER ON THE PLANS FOR THE NEW AQUARIUM

Dear Mr. Hering-Hagenbeck,
Schönbrunn Zoo enjoys an international reputation as the oldest zoo in the world, both among visitors and in the scientific community. Above all, your efforts in the areas of research and species conservation distinguish the zoo internationally. It was therefore all the more disconcerting to read the articles published yesterday on the plans for the construction project surrounding the “largest aquarium in Austria”, which is scheduled to start next year. Individuals of various shark species are also to find a new home in this aquarium, which will contain three million liters of water.
In 2024, this news is highly worrying for several reasons:
Species conservation in captivity: it is concerning that endangered species are being kept in captivity instead of protecting and preserving their natural habitats. The construction of a giant aquarium sends the wrong message at a time when natural ecosystems are collapsing worldwide. Instead of investing millions in artificial habitats, it would make more sense to use these funds to protect oceans and endangered species in the wild.
Behavioral disorders, mortality rates and release into the wild: sharks and other marine animals need vast oceans to move around in a species-appropriate manner. In captivity, they often suffer from stress, develop behavioral disorders and have health problems. Their complex ecological needs cannot be met in artificial environments, which leads to an increased mortality rate. Sharks in particular are at risk in captivity. In addition, captive breeding leads to massive problems that make reintroduction into the wild almost impossible.
Animal welfare vs. education: While it is often argued that zoos and aquariums contribute to education and awareness about species conservation, they actually reinforce the image of captive animals for entertainment purposes, while the natural habitat of these animals continues to be destroyed. In addition, the artificial living conditions contribute significantly to altered animal behavior, which in any case contradicts accurate education and information.
We, the undersigned organizations, Mr. Hering-Hagenbeck, are completely convinced of the absolute necessity of species protection in the marine ecosystem and are fully committed to it. What divides us, however, is how we can best achieve this species protection. Instead of spending almost 37 million euros on the construction of a new animal prison, we appeal to you to invest this sum where it will really help to protect species, namely in the natural habitats of the animals. If you want to protect animals sustainably, do so in their natural habitat, not behind glass or bars.
We hope and count on you!
Sincerely
Markus Trebuch – Director Sea Shepherd Austria
Tina Reiterer – Board Member SHARKPROJECT
Sandy P. Peng – Animal rights activist / Verein Gegen Tierfabriken
Katharina Loupal – Core Team Member StopFinningEU

THIS WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF OUR FIGHT!

Further measures are in preparation and we hope for your support. We four associations are only a few – but you are many and we need you! So talk about it, like, comment and share our posts on social media. Together we can stop this shark aquarium!
A final note: We have deliberately not linked to Schönbrunn Zoo so as not to drive up the number of clicks there. Instead, take your clicks to our partners! The letter can also be found on the Sea Sheperd website.