Why the Rock Parakeets Had to Leave the Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn

A herpes virus has been detected in the rock parakeets at Schönbrunn Zoo. The entire population shows no symptoms. To avoid endangering the health of other animals in the zoo and to eliminate any risk of transmission to other parrot species, Tierschutz Austria took over the entire group of rock parakeets yesterday at the "Tierschutzhaus Vösendorf" location, the zoo announced on Wednesday.

Rock Parakeets in Schönbrunn for Years

The large group of animals has been living in Schönbrunn for years. Over time, birds of this olive-green parakeet species, native to central Chile, have been regularly transferred to other scientifically managed zoological gardens. Comprehensive veterinary examinations are required before such a transfer. During these examinations, the Psittacine Herpesvirus was detected in some animals for the first time, which is why they are moving to Vösendorf to protect other parrot species.

"We are the right point of contact here because we have a dedicated area for such situations where we can keep and care for animals spatially separated from the rest of the animal population to avoid endangering other, even highly endangered species," explains animal shelter manager Stephan Scheidl. Schönbrunn Zoo and the Vienna Animal Shelter of Tierschutz Austria have been working together for some time.

Seven parrots are now housed in this part of the Vienna Animal Shelter. A freestanding aviary, which has the same area as the one in the zoo and features both an indoor and outdoor area, is now available to the 28 rock parakeets. The animals will subsequently be placed in good locations where no other parrots are kept. "By handing over our rock parakeets to the Vienna Animal Shelter, it is ensured that the birds can continue to live appropriately and at the same time all other parrot species in Schönbrunn Zoo are protected," explains the responsible curator Eveline Dungl.

What’s Next for Schönbrunn?

The former aviary of the rock parakeets at the Hietzing exit is to be newly occupied. The decision on which animal species will move into the vacated aviary is currently being reviewed.

(APA/Red)

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