First Litter Of Blue Viennese Rabbits Born At Historic Zoo Farmhouse In Vienna

A new rabbit breed has produced offspring for the first time at the Tirolerhof inside Tiergarten Schönbrunn, marking a milestone for the Blue Viennese breed.

Six young rabbits with the characteristic dark blue fur are now moving through their enclosure. They explore their surroundings with curiosity, nibbling on leaves and branches, eating fruit and vegetable portions, and frequently huddling together with their siblings to rest.

Zoo officials highlighted the importance of the development, noting the role of the Tirolerhof in maintaining endangered domestic animal breeds and preserving knowledge about their history and significance.

The birth is described as a contribution to the preservation of traditional Austrian breeds, with staff expressing satisfaction that successful breeding efforts are now visible in the population of Blue Viennese rabbits.

The Tirolerhof itself is a historic structure with a history of more than 300 years. In recent weeks, its wooden shingle roof was inspected and partially renewed as part of regular maintenance.

More than 35,000 handmade larch shingles were handled by experienced roofers, with pieces being turned, adjusted, or replaced as needed to maintain the structure’s protective function against weather conditions.

The maintenance work is carried out every six to eight years to preserve both the roof’s durability and the traditional character of the historic farmhouse.

A selection of replaced shingles will now be used in a fundraising initiative. Donors contributing at least 50 euros will receive an original branded shingle as a keepsake, available for collection from August at the Tirolerhof entrance.