Schwendler was a member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. In 1867 a zoo was proposed by Joseph Fayrer and the idea was again raised by Schwendler in 1873.
Schwendler was associated with the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and his involvement led to discussions about establishing a zoo, which were initially sparked by Joseph Fayrer's suggestion in 1867 but then rekindled by Schwendler himself in 1873.