Selfie sticks for up-close penguin shots are banned at Vienna zoo

Austria’s top zoo has bad news for visitors who want to get up-close photos of its penguins – no more selfie sticks.

Penguins in Vienna where Schoenbrunn Zoo have banned selfie sticks. Image by Da Oarge / CC BY 2.0

Schoenbrunn Zoo says smartphones on selfie sticks are too close for comfort for its Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions, when poked into their enclosures.

The Vienna zoo has announced that it will mount signs prohibiting the devices because the penguins and seals could feel disturbed or even take a nip at the phones.

Selfie sticks banned at Schoenbrunn Zoo, Vienna. Image by Nick Hubbard / CC BY 2.0

Selfie sticks will still be allowed for other animals whose enclosures provide for more distance to visitors.

(Press Association)