--- title: Biologicum Almtal 2026 - Open Science Center - Konrad Lorenz Research Center at the University of Vienna url: "https://www.hornerakusko.sk/en/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430282110/biologicum-almtal.html" description: "Biologicum Almtal 2026 – Open Science Center – Konrad Lorenz Research Center at the University of Vienna Between Humans and the Wilderness: The Ecology of Human-Animal Coexistence" image: "https://www.hornerakusko.sk/fileadmin/user_upload/upperaustria/Logo_upperuastria_RGB_300x300px_Websites.png" date: 2016-05-12 modified: 2026-03-11 --- # Biologicum Almtal 2026 - Open Science Center - Konrad Lorenz Research Center at the University of Vienna Biologicum Almtal 2026 ======================== 25.09.2026 / 17:30- 21:00 ([Further dates](#)) Grünau im Almtal, Cumberland Wildlife Park Grünau Führungen, Fahrten, Touren, Sonstige Tour ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/286199/5ED50FF9AD726520EC082E0493987F6C456C16EA8C35FB5C94B40EB3C7AFF161/biologicum-almtal.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/286200/12B2CE88589C8CF551174CCA0CDE807EBD0C5B784A514432F43343B58457CDCF/vortrag-biologicum.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/466955/B3DB911B17D1EE04FD5DD0E94661A5F2C582B5AB2FC4DF5BC90DC362C040462C/biologicum20262-jpg.jpg) Open copyright © Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle Close copyright [ ![Biologicum Almtal](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/286199/5ED50FF9AD726520EC082E0493987F6C456C16EA8C35FB5C94B40EB3C7AFF161/biologicum-almtal.jpg "© Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/286199/5ED50FF9AD726520EC082E0493987F6C456C16EA8C35FB5C94B40EB3C7AFF161/biologicum-almtal.jpg) Open copyright © Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle Close copyright [ ![Vortrag Biologicum](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/286200/12B2CE88589C8CF551174CCA0CDE807EBD0C5B784A514432F43343B58457CDCF/vortrag-biologicum.jpg "© Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/286200/12B2CE88589C8CF551174CCA0CDE807EBD0C5B784A514432F43343B58457CDCF/vortrag-biologicum.jpg) Open copyright © KLF Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/466955/B3DB911B17D1EE04FD5DD0E94661A5F2C582B5AB2FC4DF5BC90DC362C040462C/biologicum20262-jpg.jpg "© KLF") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/466955/B3DB911B17D1EE04FD5DD0E94661A5F2C582B5AB2FC4DF5BC90DC362C040462C/biologicum20262-jpg.jpg) Open copyright © KLF Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/466954/397D840B8486ECFB2BC10CE18B1FDE597E2D75D4346CA2047BF7E74DD342640E/biologicum20261-jpg.jpg "© KLF") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/466954/397D840B8486ECFB2BC10CE18B1FDE597E2D75D4346CA2047BF7E74DD342640E/biologicum20261-jpg.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. Reservation requested Cumberland Wildpark 4645 Grünau im Almtal [ open in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cumberland%20Wildpark%2C%204645%20Gr%C3%BCnau%20im%20Almtal "Link will open in a new window") [ Open in Apple Maps ](https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Cumberland%20Wildpark%2C%204645%20Gr%C3%BCnau%20im%20Almtal "Link will open in a new window") ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&lat=47.8063507&lon=13.9485703&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-basemap&zoom=2000&server=meta.tourdata.at) [ Event information ](#ttgCollapseBeschreibung) ------------------------------------------------- ### **Between Humans and the Wilderness: The Ecology of Human-Animal Coexistence** Whether in the wilderness, the cultural landscape, or in our own backyards: The relationship between humans and animals is as old as humanity itself—and today it is more fraught with conflict than ever. As we inexorably alter habitats, wildlife is pushing back into our cultivated landscapes or being deliberately reintroduced. This challenges us to rethink traditional boundaries and find ways to achieve peaceful, respectful coexistence on equal terms. Under the title **“Between Humans and the Wilderness: The Ecology of Human-Animal Coexistence,”** on September 25 and 26 we will explore the tension between anthropogenic influence, reintroduction, and natural return. Through interdisciplinary insights, we invite you to join us for an engaging discussion on the future of human-animal interaction. ### On **September 25 and 26, 2026**, the **Biologicum Almtal 2026** will **take place** for the first time in the new building of **the Open Science Center at the Konrad Lorenz Research Center in Grünau im Almtal** . This year’s program explores the multifaceted relationships with our animal neighbors from various perspectives: We’ll examine the highly emotional ecology and politics surrounding the return of the wolf and, using the beaver as an example, ask how we can successfully move from confrontation to genuine coexistence. But we’re not just focusing on large mammals: We’ll also explore the fascinating, often endangered world of ants right in our own backyard. Finally, we address the question of whether the majestic Ural owl might one day once again become a permanent part of the Almtal’s avifauna through targeted reintroduction projects. **Program:** Four Perspectives on Human-Animal Coexistence: The series of keynote talks kicks off with **Mag. Dr. Magdalena Sorger**, an evolutionary ecologist and science communicator specializing in ants. In her talk **, “Ants in the Human World—Amazing, Successful, and Endangered,”** she takes the audience on a journey into the fascinating world of these small but extraordinarily successful creatures. She will highlight the amazing abilities ants possess and their importance to our ecosystems—but also the threats they face. The focus then shifts to an impressive native species of owl: **Mag. Dr. Richard Zink**, director of the Seebarn branch of the Austrian Ornithological Institute at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, addresses the question: **“Will the Ural Owl one day be part of the Almtal’s avifauna again?””** He provides insights into the methods, current findings, and chances of success for a reintroduction project and demonstrates how scientific research and practical species conservation can work together. Next, the focus shifts to the beaver, an animal whose return to our landscapes is initially associated with conflicts in many places. **Univ. Lekt. D.I. Bernhard Schön**, a forestry scientist and long-time wildlife conservation expert, explores in his lecture **“Humans and Beavers—From Confrontation to Coexistence?”** how coexistence can work. The series of keynote presentations will conclude with a talk by **Mag. Dr. Prof. (ret.) Kurt Kotrschal**, a behavioral biologist, longtime director of the Konrad Lorenz Research Center, and co-founder of the Ernstbrunn Wolf Research Center. Under the title **“People Have Never Been Indifferent to It—Ecology and Politics Surrounding the Wolf,”** he will focus on an animal that symbolizes the relationship between humans and the wilderness like almost no other. Following the four keynote presentations, there will be a **public discussion**. It offers the opportunity to bring together different perspectives, ask questions of the speakers, and discuss the possibilities and limitations of human-animal coexistence. Starting at **8:00 p.m.**, the evening will wind down with drinks and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. On Friday evening and especially on **Saturday, September 26**, the theme of the Biologicum will come to life outside the lecture hall as well. A total of six field trips will take participants out into the Almtal’s natural surroundings, guided by experts. Participants will have the opportunity to explore habitats, learn about animals and plants, and experience the event’s scientific themes firsthand in the field. Already on **Friday, September 25, at 8:30 p.m.**, **Julia Kropfberger from the Nature Conservation Union** invites you to the **“Bat Night”** excursion. The meeting point is the Open Science Center at Fischerau 12a. On **Saturday, September 26, at 9:00 a.m.,** there are two excursions starting at the same time: For **“People and Beavers,”** **Bernhard Schön** will guide participants on the trail of beavers in the Cumberland Wildlife Park. Also at 9:00 a.m., the **“Fluttering and Chattering in the Almtal”** excursion with **Josef Hemetsberger and Sonia Kleindorfer** begins at **the Auingerhof**. At **10:30 a.m.**, **Magdalena Sorger** will introduce participants to the fascinating world of the small inhabitants of our landscape during the excursion **“Ants, Insects, and Their Diversity—Insights into a Fascinating World.”** In the afternoon, two more excursions are on the program at **1:30 p.m.** **Richard Zink** will take participants on the excursion **“Is the Ural Owl Returning to the Almtal?” (Meeting point at the Open Science Center)**. At the same time, the **Almtal Forest School** invites you to explore **the “Forest of the Future.”** The meeting point for this excursion is the Wolf company parking lot in Scharnstein. The field trips offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the themes of the Biologicum up close and to discover the unique features of the Almtal together with experts. **Participation in each field trip costs 10 euros.** Due to the limited number of participants, we recommend registering early. Join the conversation with us, take part in the discussion, and discover new ways for people and nature to coexist sustainably. [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Biologicum Almtal** Fischerau 13, 4645 Grünau im Almtal Phone[+43 7616 8510](tel:+4376168510) E-Mail[biologicum-almtal@univie.ac.at](#mailto) Web[biologicum-almtal.univie.ac.at/](https://biologicum-almtal.univie.ac.at/) book a ticket [book a ticket](https://biologicum-almtal.univie.ac.at/ "New window") [ Event date(s) ](#ttgCollapseVeranstaltungstermine) ------------------------------------------------------ [ Event location ](#ttgCollapseVeranstaltungsorte) ---------------------------------------------------- **Cumberland Wildlife Park Grünau** Cumberland Wildpark, 4645 Grünau im Almtal Phone [+43 7616 8425](tel:+4376168425) E-Mail Web [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- [ Prices ](#ttgCollapsePreise) -------------------------------- [book a ticket](https://biologicum-almtal.univie.ac.at/ "New window") [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- - Suitable for friends - Suitable for couples [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. 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