From the Christmas market to the animal shelter: Himalaya Tahre are happy about fir!

From the Christmas market to the animal shelter: Himalaya Tahre are happy about fir!

An exciting event in the Schönbrunn zoo! On Friday, the 25 Himalayas were surprised with a "needy breakfast", which was particularly festive. The once proud Christmas tree of the castle market, a 100 -year -old fir from the Salzkammergut, was handed over by the Austrian Federal Forest. This fir had embellished the Christmas market from November 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025 and now serves as a delicious source of feed for the animals. "The large Christmas tree is not only feed for our tahr, but also an extraordinary and welcome event," explained zoo director Stephan Hating-Hagenbeck in a message.

The 18 -meter -high fir was felled at the Christmas market in the Ehrenhof after its time and transported directly from the truck to the zoo. The official handover took place there at 10 a.m., in which Andreas Gruber from the Austrian Federal Forests emphasized the importance of this tradition: "I am pleased that our fir is used as an animal delicacies after Christmas." The tree transfer is praised by those responsible as a sustainable tradition that underlines the commitment to the circular economy. Katrin Edtmeier, managing director of the Christmas market Schloss Schönbrunn, added that it was fun to support the animals with varied feeding

a new home for the fir

The Himalaya Tahre, which only moved into their redesigned facility in September 2024, were therefore able to look forward to a late Christmas present. "Himalaya tahren are pure herbivores," continued Hering-Hagenbeck. "The large Christmas tree also ensures playful variety; curiously climbing around on the tree." Another surprise awaits the animals in spring when they get gold takes, another animal species, as new roommates.

This moment marks the end of the festive time and motivates to appreciate natural resources. The impressive fir, which previously captivated thousands of festival visitors, is now part of the ecosystem in the zoo, which demonstrates sustainable use of the Christmas tree symbol, as bundesforste.at reported. Also vienna.at emphasizes how important this tradition is for the zoo.