Julius Brachetka und die Zeit nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg – Zur 100. Wiederkehr des Geburtstags des Schönbrunner Altdirektors

In July 1945, the veterinarian Julius Brachetka (1916–2011) took over the released direction of Schoenbrunn Zoo after the suicide of Otto Antonius. Only 29 years old, he was the youngest director in the history of the zoo and moreover, he was without any prior experience with zoos at all. When Brachetka occupied office, he had to deal with supply difficulties and the reconstruction of the zoo after the end of World War II as well as with the hostility from parts of his staff. Nevertheless, within a short time span, the damage caused by the war was repaired, and the declined number of animals was raised. Brachetka already wrote a history book in 1947. He initiated the first real advertising campaigns of the zoo and was responsible for the celebrations of the zoos’ 200-year-anniversary in 1952. However, he was not able to enjoy his achievements, as investigations against him led to his suspension in 1954. In January 1959, he finally had to leave the zoo. From 1961, until his retirement in 1982, Brachetka worked as a border veterinary at the „Iron Curtain“ between Austria and Hungary. In the same year, he received the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria.