On 1 August 2025, a new start was made as Haus des Meeres took over the management of the well-known sanctuary for confiscated or abandoned reptiles and amphibians from the Blauer Kreis association. With a new framework, we want to continue the successful work of recent decades and give animals in need a temporary refuge and subsequently a second chance at a species-appropriate home.
Since it was founded in 1992, the sanctuary has specialised in taking in and caring for reptiles and amphibians that require special expertise and do not fit into a traditional animal shelter. Initiated by Karl Kolar and founded with the support of the Haus des Meeres, the Blue Circle has been a recognised contact point for exotic animals in need for many years and was granted the official status of an animal shelter in accordance with the Vienna Animal Welfare Act in 2006.

We would like to thank Evelyn and Karl Kolar as well as long-time employee Judith Kastenmeier for their valuable work and great commitment over many years. Their efforts have paid off: hundreds of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates have found shelter and loving care at the Blauer Kreis animal shelter during its 33 years and 3 months of existence. As manager, Evelyn Kolar has embodied the heart and soul of the centre for more than two decades. Although it is sad to say goodbye, she wishes her successors at the Haus des Meeres all the best for the handover. After this important chapter, we now look to the future with confidence: we look forward to the coming years in which we will continue to strengthen animal welfare at Haus des Meeres together!

Our mission

At Haus des Meeres, we see ourselves as a modern, scientifically managed zoo with a clear focus on species conservation. With our animal welfare project, we want to set a conscious example: The focus here is not on the population, but on the individual animal - with its own history, its needs and its right to care. We give animals that come from inappropriate husbandry or have been abandoned or handed in a safe place. There they receive loving care, medical attention and the chance of a new beginning - as a temporary solution.
Would you like to give an animal a home? - Then please get in touch with us!
Bearded dragons, royal pythons or leopard geckos - we have many fascinating animals waiting for people with heart and expertise.

The centre is available Monday - Friday (weekdays) from 8:00 - 16:00, appointments by prior arrangement only!

E-mail: auffangstation@haus-des-meeres.at
Telephone: 066478095995

We ask for your patience when contacting us by e-mail, as processing may take 2-3 working days.

The admission of new animals can only take place after prior consultation with us and according to available space. We ask for your understanding that we cannot guarantee admission.

Certificate of competence

Since 01.01.2023, owners of exotic wild animals (this applies to all reptiles and amphibians) in Vienna must present a certificate of competence. If interested, we also offer certificates of competence several times a year. Details on the certificate of competence can be found at Exoten-Kunde.at, the registration for the next certificate of competence can be found here.