Christmas for the Animals

As the end of Advent approaches, visitors often ask what the animals receive for Christmas. While the zoo strives to care for them in a way that “makes every day feel like Christmas,” keepers often prepare extra surprises for the animals during the holiday season. These treats range from special food items to toys or new enrichment tools that the animals enjoy.

Some of the zoo’s residents received their Christmas gifts as early as December 23, thanks to support from the Oázis Garden Center, a sponsor of the Budapest Zoo Foundation and a special patron of Gülü the Bactrian camel. The donated Christmas trees were a delightful gift for many animals, enhanced by treats prepared by the keepers.

• The tigers found chicken wrapped in burlap sacks under their trees and enjoyed playing with the trees afterward.
• For takins and camels, vegetables and fruits accompanied their trees, which they also happily ate.
• Elephant keepers decorated the trees with edible ornaments, and once the treats were gone, the elephants played with the branches. Baby Samu even threw a small tree onto his back in delight.
• The orangutans received decorated trees as well, complete with faux candy ornaments filled with peanuts and seeds instead of sweets.

These Christmas-themed enrichments delighted both the animals and the visitors who watched them play, forage, and interact with their festive gifts. Beyond the seasonal joy, these gifts were significant for environmental enrichment, providing the animals with entertainment and stimulation.

Environmental enrichment, however, isn’t limited to Christmas. The keepers constantly brainstorm creative ideas to keep the animals engaged and active throughout the yea