Wolf Science Center

About the museum

The Wolf Science Center was founded in 2008 by the scientists Friederike Range, Zsófia Virányi and Kurt Kotrschal. They wanted to find out what changed in the course of domestication, from the wild wolf to the domestic dog, and what role humans played in it. It began with raising the first generation of wolves at the Cumberland Wildpark in Grünau im Almtal; a year later, the animals and the team moved to the Wildpark Ernstbrunn in the Weinviertel.

There, further wolf pups and the first dog puppies were hand-raised, and the facility grew into an internationally recognized institution. Since 2017 the center has belonged to the Veterinary University of Vienna (Vetmeduni Wien), where it forms an independent unit as a core facility. The animals are accustomed to people, test enclosures and training situations, which makes studies of behavior, cognition, physiology, livestock guarding and veterinary medicine possible.

For visitors, the center is part of the Wildpark: with the park admission, visitors can watch wolves and dogs on their own from outside the enclosures. In addition, the animal trainers offer bookable tours, training presentations and encounter programs, as well as school tours, which are free of charge for classes from Lower Austria and can be booked through the state.

Highlights

• Wolves and dogs as research animals, observable on your own
• Experience tour with a trainer and a short presentation with a wolf
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours for groups
• Children's program "Etu der Abenteurer" from age 6
• School tours, free for classes from Lower Austria via "Science Class"
• Location in the Wildpark Ernstbrunn, about 40 km north of Vienna

Permanent exhibition

• Wölfe und Hunde am Forschungszentrum – Visitors observe the wolves and dogs raised at the center from outside the enclosures and learn more about research, hand-rearing and training on guided tours.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Wolfsforschungszentrum GmbH / Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien

Director

Dr. Manuela Raith, Aleksandar Orlic (Geschäftsführung)

Admission & discounts

Admission is the same as the Wildpark admission (adults from age 16) and includes watching wolves and dogs on your own from outside the enclosures. Tours and encounter programs cost extra. NÖ Familienpass (Lower Austrian family pass): 50% discount for children when booked with the pass number. Dogs on a leash cost €1.30 at the Wildpark.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

Children's program "Etu der Abenteurer" from age 6, experience tour for families with children from about age 10, a free researchers' booklet for school groups, and a free children's workshop "Science Afternoon". The Wildpark has two playgrounds made of natural materials.

Getting there & parking

By car from Vienna via the A22 and S1 to exit 55 Korneuburg Nord, then the B6 to Ernstbrunn; follow the signs to the Wildpark. The Wildpark is about 40 km north of Vienna.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Cafeteria and shop in the entrance area of the Wildpark (also the WSC shop with books, calendars and fan merchandise); the "Hexenküche" (witch's kitchen) by the Ziegelofenteich pond serves home-style cooking from Palm Sunday to All Saints' Day.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit