Lambs and Kids in the Petting Zoo

A week ago, we reported on the birth of Gyimes Racka lambs, and there have also been births among the West African Dwarf goats and Cameroon Dwarfs in the Petting Zoo, so visitors who come to see us now can meet lots of adorable lambs and goatlings.

The Petting Zoo is one of the most popular attractions at our Zoo, where children and families can enter the enclosure and interact with the friendly domestic animals. We created our first petting zoo in the late 1980s, on the site where Agnes the tigress now lives. In 1996, we relocated the already popular exhibit near the Palm House (Pálmaház), to where the Australian Walkabout (Ausztrál ösvény) is today. From 2014 to 2018, the Petting Zoo operated in temporary locations, and since 2018, it has been welcoming visitors in its current location.

A key principle of the Petting Zoo’s operation is that it should not only provide a pleasant experience for visitors who love to pet animals but also be enjoyable for the animals themselves. To achieve this, we rely on the cooperation of our visitors. The Petting Zoo has a back pen where animals can retreat if they don’t feel like interacting, and visitors should not climb over into this area. There are always animals available for petting. It’s generally a good idea to wait for them to come to you, as they are curious about us. This is often the best time to pet them.

Of course, the Petting Zoo isn’t the only attraction worth visiting, as we have plenty of other sights as well. During the Easter long weekend, we are also offering additional programs: nine animal experience events each day (including feeding demonstrations, animal shows, and shark-feeding dives), an egg hunt game, and craft activities for children and families. There will also be programs at the Margitsziget Mini Zoo.