 A working group was founded in 1954 by Erich von Holst (Max Planck Institute for Oceanic biology, Wilhelmshaven) and Konrad Lorenz.In 1958 it moved into new buildings in Seewiesen.After working from 1951 to 1965, Irenaeus Eibl-Eibesfeldt became director of the institute in 1975.