Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert
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What people say
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, established in 1866, is the oldest zoo in Hungary and one of the oldest in the world. Located in the City Park, it is home to over 1,000 animal species and attracts around 1 million visitors each year. The zoo is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, designed by Kornél Neuschloss and Károly Kós, and its unique collection of animals, including the Komodo dragon and the wombat.
The zoo's founding idea dates back to the 1820s, and it officially opened in 1866, initially showcasing Hungarian species and exotic animals like monkeys, parrots, and camels. Over time, the zoo expanded its animal collection, with notable donations from Franz Joseph and Queen Elizabeth. The zoo struggled financially in its early years, leading to the involvement of entertainers and a shift towards an animal and plant naturalizing company.
In 1907, the zoo was taken over by the city of Budapest and underwent major reconstruction, reopening in 1912 with modern facilities. The zoo was heavily damaged during World War II, with most of its buildings and animals destroyed. After the war, it reopened with a small number of animals, and significant modernization took place in the following decades.
By the 1990s, the zoo had once again become a leading institution in Europe. It underwent further modernization, with the animal habitats being expanded and naturalized. In 2007, the zoo achieved a major milestone with the birth of the first rhinoceros conceived through artificial insemination. New attractions such as The Magical Hill and the America Tropicana exhibit were added in the 2010s, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to education and conservation.
The zoo also expanded its footprint, taking over part of the Budapest Amusement Park's territory in 2012. The exhibits include the Savannah Zone, Australia Zone, and India Zone, each dedicated to specific regions and their native animals. The zoo also houses a wide variety of primates, including gorillas, orangutans, lemurs, and tamarins, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages."
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Silvia De Caro
Available for hire
"The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is located within the Városliget city park, near the spa; it dates back to 1866 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world, as well as an unmissable stop for those traveling with children, as it also houses the amusement park. Inside the park there are more than 700 animal species and around 3,500 varieties of plants.
👣How to get there: reachable on foot from Széchenyi Thermal Bath (250m, 3min)
Metro stop: Széchenyi fürdő, Line M1.
🎟️Ticket cost: full 3,300 HUF (€8.00), reduced 2,200 HUF (€5.30)."
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ELEFTHERIOS CHATZICHRISTOU
"Budapest Zoo is a lush oasis where nature thrives amidst the city's hustle. With diverse habitats and animal species, it's a sanctuary of conservation and education. Stroll through its scenic pathways, connect with wildlife, and gain insights into Budapest's dedication to preserving the planet's biodiversity. It's an enriching experience for families, nature lovers, and curious minds."
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