The new field station involves 3 aviaries for corvids (ravens, crows) – altogether about 680 m² – and one large aviary for parrots (keas) of about 520 m², all are connected via wire mesh alleyways and also connected with a multifunctional test compartement for behavioural and acoustic tests. Additionally there are  paddocks for temporary housing of large mammals (deer, pigs, sheep, horses).

In the main building of the Haidlhof estate a bioacoustic lab is constructed (with x-ray video, ultrasound, endoscopy, electroglottography, and excised larynx facilities), with stalls for temporary housing of diverse vertebrate subjects, plus offices, a workshop, and a food preparation kitchen.

30 Keas and 15 Ravens had been brought to the new Haidlhof Research Station from two Konrad-Lorenz-Stations at Vienna and Upper Austria. The goal is to create a focus of research excellence that can grow in the coming years.


The working group of the three professors is creating an impressive science cluster: Ludwig Huber, actually professor at the Messerli Foundation (Interdisciplinary Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the Medical University Vienna and the University of Vienna), is connecting since 20 years comparative cognitive science, evolutionary epistemology, psychology of learning and ethologie. His experimental work includes cognitive studies on turtoises, archerfishs,  pigeons, keas, canines, marmosets and capuchin monkeys.

Tecumseh Fitch is professor and head of the Department of Cognitive Biology, he awarded 2010 an lucrative ERC-grant. His main strands are in the fields of biolinguistics and bio-musicology, in order to focus on mechanism of vocalisation, music and language which is shared in both human and animal. 

Thomas Bugnyar is expert in the field of social cognition, he was the first scientist studying cognitive skills both in field and under lab situation. Recently the owner of a START-grant, he is professor at the Department of Cognitive Biology and studying the understanding and use of social relations and cooperation in ravens.

To keep the animals appropriate to the species, the following points have to be guaranteed: 

• high quality fodder
• adequate space, possibilities for hiding and retreat
• best  veterinary medical care
• acitivity (toys) to keep the animals in a good mood
• animal care and scientific assistance with and without running projects

With a sponsorship you can help the animals and our projects to keep up with the high standards. With regular information you will learn more about your "animal" which you will recognize as a social complex creature and personality. In contrast to other guests you will enter  the aviaries with the animal keepers or with the scientists to get in contact with your animal.

The following sponsorships are possible:

• VIP sponsorship: more than 5000 Euro per year
• sponsorship for Kea or Raven: 300 Euro per year

The advantage of VIP sponsorship: you can visit us any time you want and you will be invited for special occasions, e.g. international symposia at the Haidlhof. To ensure you a guided tour, a phone call or email in advance would be helpful to organize. Your name (or the name/logo of your company) will be placed on our website.

A Kea or Raven Sponsor will be invited for semi-scientific talks at the Haidlhof in order to get more information about the species you are interested. Of course both groups will get possibilities for photo shootings, family tours, etc.

Please feel free to contact us for more information.