This year marks a special milestone for the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden: it celebrates its 160th anniversary. As a highlight of the anniversary year, on 8 and 9 August, the entire Zoo will be filled with experiences, fun activities and exciting discoveries. During the two-day event, visitors can not only meet the animals, but also learn more about the institution’s rich history, natural values and behind-the-scenes world.
The programmes will welcome families at several outdoor locations between 10 am and 6 pm. Visitors can take part in adventure games, interactive educational stations, conservation demonstrations, historical-themed experiences, craft activities, fun quizzes, children’s programmes and live performances. They can also get a closer look at the fascinating worlds of animal care, horticulture and wildlife rescue, while a variety of creative and entertaining activities provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
During the anniversary weekend, the past and present come together: the memories of the Zoo’s history, current conservation messages and family experiences will all play an important role. We welcome everyone to a memorable anniversary weekend, where 160 years of history, the wonders of nature and shared experiences come together to make this celebration truly special!
The world of the Moving Library will be brought to life at Main Gate Square. A cosy reading corner with bookshelves and tables will be set up in the square. While reading, visitors can also take part in a fun quiz, and those who solve it correctly will receive a truly special prize: a turn-of-the-century library card. The past will literally come to life at the square, as actors from the Vígszínház Theatre will perform a short zoo-themed scene created especially for this occasion.
Barrel organ and barrel organ karaoke in front of the Japanese Garden in the afternoons – Music everyone knows: A barrel organ will complete the atmosphere throughout the day, bringing the past to life with melodies from a bygone era.
Kádár Ferkó’s Photo Theatre in the Japanese Garden – Step into a moment from the past! A photograph that is not only a memory, but also a small journey through time.
Creative craft activities by the Great Lake – Decorate with feathers: An all-day craft programme where visitors of all ages can find an activity that suits them. Nature-inspired shapes and colours are at the centre of the creative process.
Meeting the wild heart of Africa – At the Africa Stories programme station, located next to the entrance of the Palm House/Aquarium, visitors can gain an exciting insight into the fascinating natural world of East and Southern Africa. The initiative aims to bring Africa’s unique wildlife closer to visitors and introduce the work of civil organisations and conservation professionals who work every day to protect wildlife.
At the Gardena station, both children and adults can find exciting activities. Children can enjoy creative colouring activities and fun challenges, and those who successfully complete them will receive small surprises. Gardena offers an enjoyable experience for everyone interested in gardening.
Gardening with your favourite fairy-tale character in the Picnic Park: plant flowers with a little ladybird, search for the ever-bearing tree with a squirrel, harvest with fairies, or admire the beauty of a flower just like the Little Prince did. Step into the world of fairy tales and experience together with the characters the wonder of how a tiny seed can grow into a giant beanstalk. Enter your favourite stories, help the main characters sow seeds, water plants and search for treasures, and join us on an adventure-filled journey from the jungle to the plains, visiting distant planets and even the Moon along the way. The Teddy Bear Hospital is a playful educational programme that helps reduce children’s fear of white coats and introduces them to how the human body works.
At the Crafts Courtyard, visitors can get a glimpse behind the scenes of the Zoo: the world of daily animal care comes to life through flavours, scents, old photographs and fun activities. During this weekend, the animal feed kitchen will move (or return) to the Crafts Courtyard. Various animal feeds will be displayed on the presentation table, and visitors can guess which treat is the favourite food of which animal. One of the most popular parts of the programme is the mini monkey biscuit tasting. Visitors can also take the recipe home as a keepsake to remember the experience. Staff members of the Wildlife Rescue Centre introduce visitors to their everyday work through playful activities. During the games, participants can test their knowledge while learning more about the exciting and important world of wildlife rescue, native species and many interesting facts. They can discover which statements are true and which are simply common misconceptions.
Next to the Biodome’s elephant enclosure, visitors can take a look into a lesser-known yet essential part of the Zoo’s work: the daily life of gardeners and their machines. The exhibition connects the past and the present, showing the tools used to preserve and care for the green environment.
Along the pathway next to the camels, visitors can see old animal transport crates and boxes and get an insight into how animals arrive at the Zoo.
The farmyard keepers will be happy to talk throughout the day about their work, working horses, carts and animal feeding at the area next to the Biodome’s Hungarian grey cattle enclosure. Those who enjoy challenges can also take part in a quiz game, with a small souvenir as a prize.
On 9 August 2026, the Egy Csepp Figyelem Foundation will set up a programme area on the walkway between Main Gate Square and the Cave Restaurant. As part of the “Once We Live” screening programme, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in blood glucose, blood pressure and blood oxygen level measurements. The aim of the programme is to support the prevention and early detection of type 2 diabetes. With the involvement of the Egy Csepp Figyelem Foundation, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, Mattel is introducing the diabetes-awareness Barbie in Hungary. The initiative aims not only to provide a new play experience but also to support education and awareness-raising. The foundation will also bring the diabetes-awareness doll to the Zoo as part of an educational programme for children.
On 9 August 2026, Móra Edu will also join us with a playful skill-development programme. The LÜK Logic Playhouse is a playful learning system that can be used from the age of 3 to develop logic, dexterity and perseverance. Visitors can try the logic playhouse next to the entrance of the Palm House/Aquarium.
Additional programmes:
Zoo history walks: Discover the history of the Zoo during a guided walk, where the past literally comes to life! This programme is the perfect choice for those who enjoy learning while walking, listening to stories and discovering what happened at the familiar locations of the Zoo in the past.
Starting times: 10:30 am and 3:00 pm on both days
Meeting point: Information tent
Registration: On site, at the Information tent before the start of the walks
Group size: maximum 25 people per walk
Biodome walks: Explore the unique world of the Biodome, which opened in July, accompanied by our guide. During the walk, visitors can learn about the animal species living here, the most interesting exhibition elements and the years of preparation that took place before the opening.
Starting times: 11:30 am and 3:30 pm on both days
Meeting point: Biodome – Urban Oasis entrance
Registration: On site, at the Information tent before the start of the walks
Group size: maximum 25 people per walk
Participation in the educational presentations requires on-site registration at the Information tent located at Main Gate Square. The duration of each programme is approximately 30 minutes, and a maximum of 25 people can take part.
10:30 Butterfly Garden visit – Meeting point: entrance of the Butterfly Garden
Join a special, conversational walk with one of our entomologist colleagues and discover the life of the Butterfly Garden up close. You can also find out what pupae cabinets are and where the butterfly pupae that arrive at our Zoo come from.
11:00 Following the camels’ footsteps – meeting the dromedaries’ two-humped relatives. Meeting point: Camel enclosure, in front of the “Urban Oasis” sign.
At our Zoo, camels are represented by a group of Bactrian camels. True to their name, they have two characteristic humps on their backs. These animals originate from the inland regions of Asia, which is why they can tolerate not only heat and dry conditions but also colder weather very well. Our keepers will share interesting facts about them next to the camel enclosure. Among other things, you can find out how a camel can survive without drinking water for up to 15 days.
11:30 Special seal training with the participation of the chief veterinarian (Sunday only!) Meeting point: Seal pool
Visitors can take part in a special seal training session, where, with the participation of our chief veterinarian, they can gain insight into the behind-the-scenes world of zoo veterinary care. During the programme, they can observe up close how a health examination of a seal takes place in a training situation. They can learn how the veterinarian listens to the animal’s heartbeat, checks its teeth, and how seals can be trained to cooperate so that examinations can be carried out safely and with as little stress as possible.
12:30 Elephant House adventures – Meeting point: entrance of the Elephant House, next to the elephant pool
Join a special, conversational walk with one of our elephant keepers, where you can learn more about the residents of the Elephant House, their lifestyle and how the animal collection of the building has changed over the years.
14:00 Secrets of feathers – Meeting point: entrance of the Xantus House
Visitors can view rare and special bird feathers up close while our Xantus House keeper introduces them to the fascinating world of these natural treasures through exciting stories. During the presentation, visitors can learn about the role feathers have played throughout history in human clothing, as symbols of status and power, and as decorative elements in different cultures.
Three special discovery games await all adventure-seeking visitors at the Zoo. The Mysterious Drawing Book – Zoo Expedition takes participants through ten stations, where exciting puzzles and observation challenges put their skills to the test. During the Following the Residents map-based adventure, visitors can explore the Zoo with an old map, compare the animals of the past and present, and mark their discoveries with stickers. The Art Nouveau Treasure Hunt reveals the decorations, motifs and hidden symbols of the Zoo’s iconic buildings through a playful exploration. All three programmes start between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, and successful participants will receive a reward in the afternoon, adding an extra surprise to the discovery experience.
Use the drawing book to discover the 10 stations hidden throughout the Zoo. An exciting challenge awaits you at each location. Pay attention, think carefully and use your observation skills to find the correct answers.
As part of the programme, an exciting self-guided discovery game awaits you. During the Following the Residents game, you can explore the Zoo with the help of an old map while comparing the animal residents of the past and present. At each station, participants can use animal stickers to mark which animals currently live in the given enclosure or exhibit area. The game is not only entertaining but also educational: it helps visitors understand how the Zoo’s animal collection has changed over the past decades. At the end of the adventure, participants will receive a gift, adding a small reward to the experience of discovery.
During the game, you can discover the characteristic motifs of Art Nouveau, including flowing plant decorations, animal figures, floral patterns and hidden symbols. While searching for the treasures, you can explore the Zoo’s iconic buildings and pay closer attention to their details, while discovering this nature-inspired style in a playful way.
On 9 August, we invite our guests to a special moment: at 9:00 am, we will reopen the Main Gate, recalling the Zoo’s historic opening in 1886. We welcome you at the Main Gate to start the anniversary day together and celebrate the past and present of the 160-year-old Zoo.
The Sunday celebrations will continue on the Main Gate Square stage. After the official opening ceremony and the presentation of the birthday cake, a truly special birthday surprise awaits visitors at 10:00 am. It is worth being there, as the anniversary atmosphere promises unforgettable experiences from the morning onwards.
10:00 am Celebration of the Zoo’s 160th anniversary
10:15 am Presentation of the birthday cake and surprise
12:00 pm Zoo scenes performed by actors from the Vígszínház Theatre
12:30 pm Kámfor Puppet Theatre: The Cosmic Adventure of the Star-Eyed Shepherd
2:00 pm Majorka Theatre: The Pelican Bird
3:30 pm Góbé Band
A truly special experience also awaits visitors during the Sunday celebrations: alongside the programmes at Main Gate Square, Róbert Dolák-Saly will perform his show “I Am My Favourite Animal” at 1:00 pm in the Star Hall of Magic Mountain. The artist, known for his humorous performances, will also show his side as a biology teacher, making this unique programme entertaining, educational and a memorable experience for all.
On Sunday evening, 9 August 2026, a special atmosphere will come to the Biodome: you can meet the Budapest Bar, who will welcome visitors with an unforgettable evening programme. A separate ticket is required for this event, which is not included in the Zoo admission ticket.
The event can be visited with a general zoo ticket or an annual pass.
