Excursion to the wildlife park in Ernstbrunn

Wildlife parks are an exciting destination not only for big animal lovers, but also for small ones. Animals can be observed in their natural habitat and nature can be explored. That is why we set off with our toddlers on a not-so-hot day this summer to the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park. This wildlife park is a member of the Top Tierparke Österreich (Top Wildlife Parks of Austria). Our two children love animals; that's why we were already all ears when we found out that the animals can be fed. Of course, we were also very curious about the playground. This article is intended to serve as a field report and reflect our experiences in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park.

Arrival at Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park

We drove there by car, which we were able to park directly in front of the wildlife park in the visitor parking lot. There are 3 parking lots here where the car can be parked. Not far from parking lot 1 is the entrance, where you can buy admission and so that the feed bags for the animals. The feed bag consists of dry corn kernels and does not cost much.

Here is also an opportunity to fortify yourself with cold and warm food and drinks before you start the tour. However, we went straight in, as our children could hardly wait to see the animals.

For Strollers have an extra entrance, which is also wide enough for our twin stroller. The paths are wide and easy to navigate. However, it often goes quite uphill, and sometimes the path is a bit uneven.

In the wildlife park, Dogs are also allowed on a leash.

Exploring the animals of the wildlife park

Goats, sheep, donkeys and pigs

The first enclosure of the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park houses lots of goats, sheep and donkeys. The goats are very easy to feed, as they are already eagerly standing at the fence.

The large pigs are also striking. Feeding them is a lot of fun because the animals come very close to the fence. If you still have food left, you can continue, otherwise you should go back and buy a new feed bag, just like we did.

Birds

Next to the goats, there is also a bird cage, which we also inspected. The children really liked the birds, of course, because they were able to admire them up close for once.

Racka sheep

Opposite the goats, sheep, and pigs are the Racka sheep. They also come to the fence very quickly and are very happy when they get something to eat.

Our children liked feeding the sheep because there are also many small sheep and it wasn't quite as wild as with the goats and donkeys.

 

 

Wild boars

Right next to the sheep is a huge enclosure for the wild boars.

Attention: you are not allowed to feed them!

The area is very large, where you can observe the animals beautifully. Right next to the wild boars is the large playground.

Pigeons

For pigeons, there is a small cage opposite the chamois, where they fly back and forth and are happy about the grains.

Chamois

You can find the chamois right next to the Racka sheep up the small hill. The great rock face on which the chamois can put their climbing skills to the test is impressive.

Ferrets

There is also a ferret to admire. That's quite funny because it even has its own hammock, as well as great exercise equipment. Unfortunately, it was in its little house taking a break when we were there.

Rabbits

We continue to the rabbits, which are of course also very lovely for our children to look at. However, you are not allowed to feed them because corn is not good for the animals. We gave the rabbits a few blades of grass and dandelions, and they were really happy and hopped towards us.

Pot-bellied pigs

Quite hidden with a small stable are pot-bellied pigs in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park. They like to lie cuddled together in the stable or in the sun. The little pot-bellied pigs were also very happy about the corn kernels.

The animals look funny to the children because they have a big belly that almost drags on the ground and you can almost not see their eyes.

 

Ibexes

Behind the wild boars and rabbits come the ibexes. With a stroller, you have to push a little here, as it also goes uphill a bit.

The ibexes also have a nice climbing wall and the food is deposited near the fence. During our visit, they were lying in the shady grove and taking a break.

Wolves

A bit further on come the wolves, the actual highlight of the wildlife park. There is a separate wolf center here, where the animals are raised by keepers and are therefore very accustomed to humans. For the children (and of course also for adults), there is a small climbing wall at the wolf enclosure where you can look over the fence. We even witnessed a feeding live. There are many different themed tours about the wolf project here:

Regular guided tours

In the wildlife park, there are regular guided tours where you can learn interesting facts about wolves in general. Furthermore, you will also learn personal details about the animals, as well as about the character and stories of the animals in the wildlife park.

Private tours by arrangement

By arrangement, it is also possible to get a private tour. This tour is then even possible when the park is closed.

Wolf walk

This is an experience: In the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park, there is the possibility to go for a walk with a wolf on a leash. This tour lasts about an hour and you have the exclusive opportunity to learn a lot about the animals here in the park, specifically to experience a wolf up close and perhaps even feed it.

These tours are for a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults. Caution: Children under 10 years are not allowed to participate. Children between 10 and 14 years can come along with wolf puppies if any are available.

Howl Nights

Anyone who has always wanted to hear a wolf howl at night is perfectly suited for this adventure. Twice a month, there is this event for the whole family. On this evening, there is a wolf presentation, a campfire, sausages are grilled, and stories are told.

Photo shoot without a fence

The wolves are used to being photographed, which is why it is also possible to do a photo shoot up close here. The photo shoots take place in the summer when there are puppies and the animals have their beautiful summer coat, as well as in the autumn and winter with their winter coat. The photo appointments tend to take place during the week, or when the park is closed, so that you have the animals almost all to yourself.

Seminars for companiesPrerequisite: no fear of the wolves and a minimum age of 18 years. Very useful: basic photographic knowledge. The appointment takes place in any weather. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and no shorts or skirts.

From 2012, there is the possibility for companies to book seminars here. Certainly interesting what managers can learn from wolves.

Dogs

In the Wolf Science Center, there have recently also been dogs. Here, a small pack has been found with only one female. These dogs participate in research, which is intended to contribute to the increase of secured knowledge about the relationship with humans. This is intended to promote growing understanding and a coexistence with as little conflict as possible. One of the goals here is to offer courses for dog trainers, or management coaching.

Currently, 13 mixed-breed dogs from Hungarian animal shelters have found a home in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park. So that the dogs can be compared with the wolves, these dogs also live in packs in the enclosure. The enclosure is nice and large, the dog house is heated in winter, and besides training, the dogs get to play around a lot.

 

Mouflons and Sika deer

This enclosure is a great experience because you can go into the enclosure. Here, mouflons and Sika deer are at home. The deer are very trusting and came straight up to us as soon as they saw the feed bag. They really eat out of your hand and are very careful. As soon as they see the feed bag, most of them come towards you.

The mouflons are rather shy and stay in the vicinity of the visitor, but as soon as it gets too much for them, they flee. We gave these animals a little bit in the feeding troughs; after a while, the shy animals also pick up a few corn kernels here.

Our children had a little respect when the deer came so very close. I was very happy because you rarely see the otherwise shy deer so close up.

Highland cattle

So we walked on and visited the Highland cattle. These also come very close to the fence. However, we already had respect because they came right through the fence with their horns. They also wanted to be fed, so we scattered some corn into the enclosure.

At the high stand of the Highland cattle, you have a beautiful view of Ernstbrunn Castle.

Definitely walk along the Highland cattle all the way down, because the seating sculpture and other animals await you there! If the children are tired, the round can be ended here, because at the very end of the Highland cattle enclosure, the exit can be found on the left. You walk along this and come back to the starting point at the goats, donkeys, and pigs, as well as birds.

Seating sculpture by Harry Raab

The seating sculpture is fun to look at and also to linger. It is a very large tree trunk that is carved very nicely. The head of the seating sculpture resembles Falkor (a very lovely animal from "The NeverEnding Story") and many faces and animals are carved onto its 'body'. Here you can take a short break before you continue.

This sculpture is by the artist Harry Raab, also known as Woodharry. The wood sculptor from Niederleis conjures up beautiful sculptures from wood. His works of art can be admired in Niederleis. More information can be found on his website: www.woodharry.at

Red and fallow deer

Right next to the seating sculpture by Harry Raab comes a beautiful forest; here you can see red and fallow deer running around freely. If there are not so many people in the park, the animals even dare to come a little closer. I find it quite fascinating when you can walk among the animals.

After a few minutes, you reach the sausage stand 'Hexenhütte', where you can fortify yourself with drinks and small snacks. It is located directly by a lake, where you can sit nicely outside or protected under a roof.

Ponies

Right behind the lake, you can find very cute ponies at the very end. If you walk past the Hexenhütte, you have to go right, along the lake all the way to the back. The horses were very happy about our food. Only we had far too little again, of course, and the children already said we have to buy much more food next time. But the animals were also very happy about fresh grass.

The children's playground of the wildlife park

Of course, our children also had to explore the Playground of the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park. Here is a great Swing, which our children liked very much, as they could sit in it together. In addition, a small wooden hut had really taken their fancy.

The big, great knight's castle is the hit with our children. It is really great and even we parents climbed around in it with the children. There are several paths up and secret paths out of the castle.

Furthermore, there is a large turntable that our children were not yet so comfortable with. The wobbly wooden bridge is also not really for our toddlers yet. But the 2 seesaws are, where our two always swapped back and forth.

The merry-go-round also pleased our two very much. I think the playground – especially the large knight's castle – is definitely worth a visit!

For the adults, there are benches around the playground to rest and watch. From experience, definitely plan plenty of time for the playground; I find it very well done.

Catering in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park

There are two ways to fortify yourself with drinks and snacks or to use a toilet in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park.

Snack bar at the entrance

Right at the entrance, there are tables and benches and small things to eat, as well as all kinds of drinks or ice cream. Furthermore, you can also buy small gifts here. Behind the little house is the toilet.

Hexenhütte

The Hexenhütte is a sausage stand where there are small things like fries, sausages, and much more to eat. Of course, also drinks that quench thirst or small sins like an iced coffee or pastries. There are also 2 mobile toilets here.

Here you can either enjoy your food and drink outside directly by a lake on benches, or you sit protected under a roof. On the weekend, there is a lot going on here, as this place is nice for sitting.

Souvenir shop

Right at the wolf center, there is also a small souvenir shop where you can buy T-shirts, stickers, etc. of the wolves.

Our experiences in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park

In summary, I can say that the park is a pleasure for children of all ages; but the older they are, the nicer the excursion. As soon as the children can feed the animals themselves and let off steam on the playground, it is somewhat more relaxed for the parents. Furthermore, it is much more pleasant when a stroller no longer has to be pushed, as it sometimes goes uphill a bit. Now that our children are three years old, the excursion was much nicer than at 1.5 years. They fed the animals and really made good use of the playground.

The Paths are Stroller navigable – however, it should have larger tires, as it sometimes gets a bit bumpy. The entrances are wide enough; we also got through well with our twin buggy. We needed about 2 hours for our stay including playing on the playground, although we walked rather briskly and pushed the children in the stroller; our children would have liked to play on the playground again at the end, so I would plan more time next time.

We will definitely come back! Our excursion to the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park was a complete success – the children were thrilled.

Further information:
Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park

In Dörfles near Ernstbrunn
Tel: +43 (0)2576 2785
Fax: +43 (0)2576 2544 33
Email: [email protected]

Also read: Baby excursion destinations in the Marchfeld 

Wolf photo by Christina Kreuzer/Copyright

remaining photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at