Vienna Austria – At Schönbrunn Zoo, capybaras eagerly nibble fresh branches supplied by the City of Vienna’s Forestry and Agriculture Department, MA 49.

For years, MA 49 has provided the zoo with sustainably sourced branches from the Vienna metropolitan area, including the Lobau region.

These branches are carefully cut and delivered mainly during May and June when foliage is lush.

Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck explained that capybaras eat hay, vegetables, and branches.

As rodents, they need fresh wood like willow, maple, and oak for natural tooth wear.

The zoo values the long-standing partnership with MA 49 for supplying these important food resources.

Thanks to a rainy spring, this year’s foliage is especially dense, green, and nutrient-rich.

Günther Annerl, deputy head of MA 49, said what others see as green waste becomes valuable food for zoo animals.

MA 49 also manages the city’s wildlife and takes pride in supporting the welfare of the zoo’s residents.

Not only capybaras but elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and red colobus monkeys benefit from the fresh branches.

Some foliage is frozen to ensure winter fodder for species like the red colobus monkeys.

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