Approval has been granted!

Certain weapons now permitted at Schönbrunn Zoo

(Bild: Rossi / Tomschi, Krone KREATIV)

Back in March 2021, Tiergarten Director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck applied for a firearms pass and an exceptional permit for pump guns to ensure the safety of Tiergarten employees. The application for certain weapons has now been legally approved.

The application by Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, Director of Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo, for an exemption permit for certain weapons in the zoo has now been approved with legal effect.

"Maximum protection" guaranteed
In a statement issued by the zoo on Monday, it said: "The issue is now closed following a legally binding decision by the competent authority for Schönbrunn Zoo." This ensures "maximum protection for our guests, our employees and our animals".

Details of the safety concept would not be communicated. Hering-Hagenbeck confirmed in an interview with the "Kurier" newspaper at the weekend: "Our needs have been met by the authorities and the administrative court." Currently, "our safety concept is being updated and adapted accordingly", said the zoo director.

In March 2021, Hering-Hagenbeck applied to the authorities for a firearms pass and an exemption permit to carry a large-caliber shotgun - a so-called pump shotgun - and a 44 Magnum handgun. The authorities refused, so the administrative court was called in. When asked by the "Kurier" what this security concept now looks like, the director of the zoo said: "That we have firearms on the premises. In the event of a worst-case scenario for a zoo keeper and you have to decide between the life of a person and that of an animal."

This ensures maximum protection for our guests, our employees and our animals.

Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, Direktor Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Three weapons already in the zoo
According to Hering-Hagenbeck, there were previously three large-caliber weapons in the zoo, which are safely stored and may only be used by those employees who have the appropriate expertise. Although the zoo is "basically well equipped" with these weapons, there are certain scenarios where a large-caliber shotgun could be used universally and more safely.

The zoo director emphasized that the pump shotgun could be loaded with different ammunition, but also with rubber bullets to scare off an animal. This is why he made the application for the Vienna Zoo.