Birds on our Great Lake

The Great Lake, which is home to our waterfowl, is one of the oldest exhibition sites in our Zoo. Based on the plans of Ferenc Reitter, it was established in the mid-1860s, so it was already in existence at the time of the opening of our Zoo in 1866. Indeed, over time its shape, form, and the development of its shore have changed to some extent, but it has always been an important showcase for waterfowl, and it remains so to this day.

It’s worth spending some time on the picturesque lakeside promenades: perhaps the most beautiful view is from the section of the shore next to the Crocodile House, and from the so-called Nadler promenade located between the Japanese Garden and the lake, but it’s also worth checking out from the direction of the suspension bridge next to the vulture aviary. And of course, pay attention to the inhabitants of the lake as well.

Recently, the cormorants, also known as shags, as well as the grey herons, possibly some mallards are the most typical sights, along with those seagulls who migrate here for the winter period from the northern areas of Europe.

For most of the year, the pelicans are just as much a part of the image of the Great Lake, specifically the two species kept in our Zoo, the Dalmatian and the pink pelicans, who, by the way, regularly breed in our Zoo. However, they cannot be seen by the general public temporarily. As part of the defence against bird flu, as a precaution, we temporarily accommodated them in a covered, indoor wintering place behind the scenes.