Our zoo is open to visitors every day of the year, including winter. While some animals prefer warmer weather, they have heated enclosures where visitors can still see them comfortably, even in the colder months.
This is also the case for Eugen, our largest Mississippi alligator. In warmer months, he enjoys basking in the outdoor enclosure of the Alligator House, but during winter, he stays inside the heated indoor hall. Visitors can observe him from the upper balcony or at eye level from the lower floor, even when he is underwater.
Eugen’s Journey to Budapest
Eugen arrived at our zoo on October 6, 2021, from the Berlin Tierpark, where he had lived for years. He was originally born at the Bronx Zoo in New York but moved to Berlin at a young age. When the Berlin zoo decided to renovate his enclosure, the four-meter-long reptile found a new home in Budapest. To ensure a smooth transition, Eugen’s longtime caretaker from Berlin accompanied him on the journey. He made his debut to the public on October 28, 2021.
The Unique Crocodile House
Eugen’s home, the Alligator House, has a rich history. The original structure was built between 1909 and 1912, designed by Károly Kós and Dezső Zrumeczky. However, by the 1920s, it had deteriorated so much that it had to be demolished, and the crocodiles were moved to the Palm House.
More than 20 years ago, our zoo decided to rebuild the Crocodile House near the Great Lake. Architects, led by Anthony Gall and Sándor Czégány, based their design on the original plans but adapted the interior to meet modern standards. The newly built Alligator House was completed in 2006.
When Eugen arrived, he experienced not only a new home but also a significant change—unlike his previous Berlin enclosure, he now had access to an outdoor habitat. Since he arrived in autumn, he first tried his outdoor pool in early summer 2022. Ever since, he has thoroughly enjoyed swimming and sunbathing on warm days.
Eugen’s “Conversations” with Helicopters
One of Eugen’s quirkiest behaviors was discovered after he moved outdoors. During a cycling race, a TV helicopter flew over the zoo to capture aerial footage. To everyone’s surprise, Eugen growled back at the helicopter’s noise! We don’t know if he had encountered helicopters before coming to Budapest, but he certainly seemed to have something to say about them!
Eugen continues to be one of our most fascinating residents, captivating visitors year-round with his impressive size and intriguing personality.
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