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Shock in Schönbrunn: Young animal shot dead!

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31.03.2026 13:53

A gruesome discovery has caused outrage in Vienna: At Schönbrunn Zoo, a young rare duiker antelope was found dead early Sunday morning around 3 a.m.—and everything points to a crime! A zookeeper discovered the lifeless animal in its enclosure and immediately raised the alarm.

According to the Vienna Police, a veterinarian immediately conducted an examination—with a shocking result: The animal likely died from a gunshot wound. This raises an unbelievable suspicion—was an animal deliberately shot here?

Shot fired outside the enclosure
The police are already investigating at full speed. Initial evidence suggests that the fatal shot was fired outside the enclosure, right next to the Rhino Bistro in the park. 

A gruesome discovery at the Vienna Zoo: A duiker antelope was apparently killed by a gunshot. ...
A gruesome discovery at the Vienna Zoo: A duiker antelope was apparently killed by a gunshot. (File photo)(Bild: Vladimir Wrangel - stock.adobe.com)

The Vienna State Criminal Police Office, which specializes in environmental crimes, has taken over the case and is now feverishly searching for the perpetrator(s).

“The safety of people and animals is our highest priority, and to that end, we are doing everything we can to ensure the highest level of security,” states Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. Further details cannot be disclosed for tactical reasons and in consultation with the investigating authorities. Schönbrunn Zoo immediately increased night patrols and reinforced security with external personnel, as well as implementing additional measures to prevent similar incidents. 

The zoo assumes that the perpetrator was carrying night-vision goggles—in addition, the antelope enclosure is located next to the rhino park in the direction of the exit.

Photos from the zoo on Tuesday. The duikers are staying in the farthest corner of the enclosure. ...
Photos from the zoo on Tuesday. The duikers are staying in the farthest corner of the enclosure. During an on-site inspection in the afternoon, the animals hid.(Bild: Christoph Engelmaier)
(Bild: Christoph Engelmaier)

From there, one can see clearly into the enclosure from the outside. Particularly tragic: One of the rare antelopes was born at the zoo just this past March. 

This article has been automatically translated,
read the original article here.

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