Be there!
Experience programs from
spring to autumn
(April 16 - October 5, 2025)
In 2025, the “Be there!” experience programs at the Budapest Zoo will once again offer unforgettable experiences to visitors. Our “Be there!” public programs—as every year—will welcome visitors at the Budapest Zoo until November 1st.
These diverse experience programs, showcasing the world of animals and plants, not only provide entertainment but also aim to spark interest in natural sciences. Through the “Be there!” public programs, visitors of all ages can enjoy full-day, knowledge-enhancing activities. Additionally, presentations by keepers and experts will complement the exhibitions of the most popular plant and animal species, offering guests an entertaining and educational experience.
Programs:
Carnivores feeding
As part of this program, we hold public feedings for Indian lions, Persian leopards, Pallas’s cats (also known as manuls), wolverines, red pandas, or dholes (Asiatic wild dogs), with a different predator featured each day. The information about which species is scheduled on a given day is posted on a sign in front of the India House, near the Ashoka Pillar.
Animal surprise program
This program features hand-trained animals that their keepers have specifically accustomed to being brought out among visitors, making interactive encounters possible. Different animals are presented each day—who you’ll meet on any given day is meant to be a surprise!
Sea lion training
The stars of “Seal Fun” are Jacques and Noé, our two California sea lions. Both are intelligent and energetic animals who enjoy training sessions with their keepers. The program is not a circus act; the animals only perform behaviors based on their natural instincts. Training is not only engaging for visitors but also beneficial for the animals, as it helps with their care—cooperative animals make tasks like veterinary check-ups much easier.
Gardening show
Our zoo is also a botanical garden. Of course, every zoo has plants and landscaped areas, but here the greenery is more than just a “green backdrop”—we have a collection of plants that is comparable to a botanical garden. There are so many fascinating species that their number even exceeds that of the animals on display. With the help of our gardeners, visitors can get an up-close look at the wonders of the plant world.
Animal demonstration
It’s easy to explain why owls fly silently, but it’s much more striking to demonstrate it with a hand-trained bird flown over the audience by its keepers. In this live, action-packed ethology show, we use experiences like this to demonstrate animal behavior—especially that of birds and small mammals—and how they have adapted to their environment.
World of sharks
These often misunderstood animals are not terrifying killing machines but members of a group that has thrived since the age of the dinosaurs. Discover the world of sharks and see for yourself the close bond between our sharks and their keepers, who, as part of the program, dive into the tank with them in scuba gear five days a week (except Mondays and Thursdays).
Gorillas feeding
Most people believe that bananas are the best food for great apes, and for monkeys in general. However, during the gorilla feeding, it becomes clear that their diet is much more varied. While feeding, keepers introduce the five-member gorilla group, sharing interesting details about their family life, and also talk about the threats facing wild gorillas.
Giant Otter feeding
Giant otters, native to South America, move awkwardly on land like puppy dogs but are incredibly agile in the water. This is especially evident during feeding time, when they become visibly excited by the tasty treats and the presence of their keepers. The program is a multi-sensory experience, made even more engaging because giant otters are quite vocal and “chatty” animals.
Bonsai exhibition
In our zoo’s Japanese Garden, the Hungarian National Bonsai Collection can be admired at any time during opening hours in a dedicated pavilion. As part of the LégyOtt! program, visitors can learn even more about these special trees, their care, and the traditional art of Japanese gardening with the help of our expert gardeners.
Pelican feeding
The pelicans of the Great Lake—both the great white and the Dalmatian pelicans—have an excellent sense of timing and know exactly when feeding time is approaching. The hungry birds gather at the feeding spot along the lake’s shore near the Crocodile House, waiting for the fish brought by our staff. During the feeding, keepers often involve interested visitors as well.
Elephant training
Everyone knows that elephants are very intelligent animals, so it’s no surprise that keepers train them regularly. The sessions provide the animals with stimulation and activities, while also making the work of the zoo staff easier. This, of course, requires a close, trust-based relationship between the elephants and their keepers. Attention! This training takes place at the back elephant enclosure, at the base of the Elephant House tower, which can be reached from the hippo pool.
Wildlife rescuers
An important part of our zoo’s conservation work is rescuing wild animals in need. Each year, we care for thousands of rescued animals, including native protected or strictly protected species, from storks with broken wings to songbirds that have fallen from their nests, and bats disturbed during hibernation. Our wildlife rescue center is open to the public, and once a day our staff present the animals and the rescue work as part of a special program.
Penguins feeding
Penguin feeding is a truly exciting program that clearly shows each penguin’s personality and their close bond with their keepers. These animals eat only marine fish, and during feeding, our staff must make sure that everyone gets their share without any penguin being too greedy. The penguins are not only interested in the tasty fish—they also enjoy the company of their keepers. They need to be present, waddle over, and be the center of attention.
Giant tortoise
The stars of the program are the Aldabra giant tortoises living on the ground floor of the Reptile House. They attract attention not only because of their impressive size and exceptionally long lifespan, which far exceeds that of humans, but also because all of their closest relatives are extinct, and this species is considered vulnerable from a conservation perspective.
The Zoo reserves the right to change the programs.
