Harassment escalates to deadly threats against the Head of the Ocean's Abode
In the subtropical hustle of the Mangrove Department, Jeff Schreiner, a self-proclaimed animal lover, dons a casual sleeve and retrieves a minute fiddler crab from the briny depths. With signature nonchalance, he announces, "All good, managing just fine." He's been tending to this saltwater haven since 2022 and taking charge as the CEO and director since 2025.
Before Schreiner, the position was held by the tireless Michael Mitic for eighteen years. Now, the 30-year-old native Luxembourger is stepping into the shoes. After nearly a half-year, his verdict? "Tough, challenging, stressful, but ultimately, a blast." His mission: to craft a modern, scientifically rooted zoo.
Catching a giant turtle by the shell, Schreiner, with a heavy heart, bids adieu to his long-time friends, who have migrated to the Schönbrunn Zoo's Desert House. The reason? The House of the Sea is focusing more on smaller, overlooked species.
"Sure, every keeper is pained. So am I. But they deserve a better life," Schreiner sighs, softly stroking a turtle's scaly head.
Schreiner's vision demands straddling a precise balance between education and entertainment. "We draw crowds that come to marvel at animals, but I want to educate them, to foster conservation efforts," he asserts. From his perspective, this is all part of his duty as a zoo's chief skeptic.
Swinging open the doors of the House of the Sea daily from 9 am to 8 pm, 10,000 animals unfurl their tentacles, antennae, and fins on 11 interconnected floors spanning 5,000 square meters. Here, one can encounter seaweed-nibbling sharks, sinuously slithering snakes, exotic birds, scampering monkeys, and crawling bugs.
Summer workshops catering to children aged 4-12, the Research Safari, and Ocean Studio, offer interactive learning and research opportunities.
Despite receiving heavy criticism from animal rights activists, Schreiner has managed to convert critics into sympathizers through his welcoming attitude and dedication to species conservation. "I've even had my share of death threats. But every detractor I invite in leaves with a newfound understanding."
In the House of the Sea, many of the species are endangered, but not all are exotics. A large aquarium showcases local critters that hold crucial roles in maintaining the indigenous pest population in the Danube—a message that Schreiner upholds as a beacon.
The wily social media maven has used various channels to engage young people in conservation projects. In his words, "Social media is a great platform to sensitize future generations and share actionable ways for them to contribute to conservation efforts."
Schreiner has learnt a great deal from his predecessor. "Michael Mitic was a fantastic director. He showed that even leaders get their hands dirty. Later today, I'll be doing an ultrasound on a Koi."
And when he steps out of the zoo, Schreiner continues to pamper his unique brood. His residence hums with the presence of crocodile monitor lizards, Pacific boas, and tree monitors. Yet, this love affair remains one-sided, with Schreiner taking care of their needs while the reptiles eagerly await their next meal.
In his mission to modernize the House of the Sea, Jeff Schreiner, the CEO and director, aims to foster not only entertainment but also education, using platforms like summer workshops and social media to sensitize children and engage them in conservation efforts.
Jeff Schreiner, despite the challenging nature of his role, has actively learned from his predecessor, Michael Mitic, and continues to prioritize conservation, even outside the zoo, caring for various reptiles at his home as part of his ongoing dedication to animal welfare and education.
