The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the world: It opened its gates to the public on August 9th, 1866. This year, we will celebrate our 158th birthday. In honor of the anniversary, on August 9th, in addition to our usual summer experience programs, we are preparing several special programs related to the birthday.
Most of these will take place on one of the shady walkways starting from the Main Gate. There will be themed guided tours, a craft table for children, and an exciting treasure hunt throughout the Zoo with small prizes.
Several of our partners will join in the celebration, including the “Egy Csepp Figyelem” Foundation (offering health screenings), the Móra Publishing House (interactive children’s activities, storytelling), and the Budapest Police Crime Prevention Department (puzzle, quiz, “Five Freedoms of Animals” comic and educational games).
Guided Walks
Registration: Next to the Information Pavilion on the day of the walk.
Duration: max. 60 minutes, 25 people per group.
11:00: Biodome Walk; meeting point: next to the umbrellas by the camel enclosure.
12:00: Botanical Exploration; meeting point: Information Pavilion.
13:00: Biodome Walk; meeting point: next to the umbrellas by the camel enclosure.
14:00: Zoo Stories, meeting point: Information Pavilion.
15:00: Zoo Stories; meeting point: Information Pavilion.
11:15: Main Gate Square; Balázs Vig: The Terrified Dentist
Interactive author–reader meeting, joint storytelling, games, and signing.
Author Balázs Vig will share and act out a story where it’s not the children who fear the dentist, but the dentist who fears the children. Dr. Tooth Decay is so scared of brave kids that he won’t even examine them; instead, he hides under his dentist’s chair in fear. The presentation will reveal whether adults behave bravely at the dentist, introduce us to characters Pajti and Húgi, showcase interesting dental tools, and culminate in a big group tooth brushing – using toothpaste in flavours only imaginable.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Egy Csepp Figyelem Foundation Screening Tent
As part of the “Once in a Lifetime Tour” health screening program, visitors can have their blood sugar, blood pressure, and oxygen levels checked. The goal of the program is to prevent and detect Type 2 diabetes early. Look for the yellow tent next to the Main Gate Square.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Budapest Police Crime Prevention Department Booth
The “Five Freedoms of Animals” game will teach visitors about the principles of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership through an exciting interactive story, along with useful tips on dog care.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Craft Table
Want to make your own seashell jewelry? Drill a hole in the shell, string it with beads, and create an easy yet stylish piece of jewelry with the help of our animators. Keep the summer spirit alive!
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Birthday Cake Treasure Hunt
You can pick up adventure sheets at the Information Desk. More details are provided on the adventure sheet.
It can be visited with a zoo ticket/pass
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