Wildlife park legend celebrates anniversary

Kitzbühel | Issue 51 | summer 2022

Wildpark Aurach is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It continues to win enormous acclaim through its unparalleled hillside location permitting free-roaming space to 350 animal inhabitants. In Tirol’s largest outdoor compound, red deer, fallow deer, mouflon and alpine ibex share the terrain alongside lynx, wildcats, yaks, snowy owls, great horned owls, alpacas, and many other species.

The private family enterprise was established by the grandparents of the current owner, Andrea Pletzer-
Gasser, in 1972. Ever since then it has been financed and operated exclusively through admission tickets and voluntary donations. Strolling the roundabout path (which takes about an hour) visitors have the opportunity to observe wild game animals up close, of course maintaining a requisite distance for safety.

The “petting shed” with alpacas, llamas, pygmy goats, sheep, donkeys, mini shetland ponies, dwarf rabbits and guinea pigs is especially popular with the children. During the last few years Andrea Pletzer-Gasser has specialized in maintaining local species, in the course of which European wildcats, screech owls and little owls have taken up residence in the Wildpark. Also species of home pets whose existence is endangered, such as alpine Steinschaf, turopolje and mangalitza pigs, as well as crested house ducks can be admired up close.

For the 50th anniversary the Lynx House is being renovated and its exterior pens enlarged. In addition, an information room is being created for children and adults. Also the wildcats are receiving a new exterior pen. The gala opening will take place in July 2022. Over the next few years, still more is being planned: e.g. a zone for marmots; the renovation of the predatory bird voliere; an expansion of the petting zone; and last but not least, a water-games station on the children’s playground.

Right at the entrance to the Wildpark is a cosy inn, the Branderhofstube, with huge sun terrace and children’s playground, making it the ideal stopover to bring your visit to the Wildpark to a satisfying close.

As Animal Patron or official sponsor, it is possible to foster and provide financial support to Wildpark Aurach. For details, please consult www.wildpark-tirol.at under “Support & Donations”.