At the Vienna Central Cemetery, a meadow near the hamster’s headquarters is reserved for natural burials, abutting the rows of more traditional graves, covered with stone slabs, ornamental flowers and those delicious candles. Nearby, there are patches of lush forest where final resting places are marked by towering trees and often frequented by deer. “There’s an echo of the historical past,” says Kowarik, referring to how cemeteries, in general, can preserve wildlife and habitats, even as cities grow up around them.
