One of the oldest European zoos is also considered a true architectural gem and is one of the few located right in the center of the city. It opened its doors in 1866, which became one of the most photographed sights of the Hungarian capital.
Two years later, the zoo got its first two exotic animals, giraffes who got their new home in Budapest through the intervention of Empress Elizabeth, who adored Hungary. Only 15 animals survived the devastation of the Second World War, and difficult times befell the ZOO even during communism.
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Only in 1994 did they start a thorough renovation and today it is a zoological park bigger and more modern, and the research center is proud of its achievements, especially the first birth of rhinos in captivity through artificial insemination. In April this year, they opened next to the zoo Holnemvolt Park, a theme park where visitors can observe or even make contact with most exotic (emus, flamingos, ostriches) and domestic (ponies, alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep) animals, and they can also have fun riding the carousel, the death train, in a fairy-tale boat or take a walk through an enchanted castle.
In 2016, the Budapest Zoo will celebrate 150th anniversary, and for the important jubilee they promise to expand the area of the park and prepare additional surprises for more than a million visitors a year.
More information:
www.zoobudapest.com
