Szeged Zoo

Web: http://www.zooszeged.hu/foreign/szeged-zoo-the-garden-ofnature http://www.zooszeged.hu/foreign/szeged-zoo-the-garden-of-nature
Address: 6725 Szeged, Cserepes sor 47.

The youngest zoo of Hungary has been expecting visitors since 1989. It is special for several factors: as it is spreading on almost on 45 hectares, this zoo has the largest territory in the country. It has a unique animal collection, and it is conducting nature conservation and educational activities that are outstanding in the region. Being a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, it participates in several international species conservation programmes (EEP, ESB). One fourth of all of our species take part in such programmes, which is the highest ratio in Hungary.

The Nature Conservation Rescue Centre of the zoo treats almost one thousand injured or orphaned wild animals every year, mainly birds. The Quarantine House, that is corresponding to the norms of the European Union, often houses birds, reptiles and small mammals confiscated from smugglers or illegal keepers. The Pro Natura Memorial Plaquette was awarded to the zoo in 2001 by the Minister of Nature Conservation to recognize the work of the zoo’s employees. The professional recognition of the zoo is also indicated by the fact that two of its directors, Dr. Gábor Gősi (1955-2006) and Róbert Veprik were elected to be presidents of the Hungarian Zoo Association (MÁSZ).

Visitors can meet more than 600 specimens of about 140 species in Zoo Szeged. Among these are such curiosities as the wolverine, L’Hoest’s monkey, fossa, Alaotran gentle lemur, bat eared fox, North Chinese leopard, lowland anoa, Chinese water deer, silvery marmoset, red-cheeked gibbon, giant anteater and maned wolf. Of course no such usual zoo favourites can be omitted as the lion, slender-tailed meerkat, Bactrian camel and Siberian tiger. We present the animals according to the geographical range of their species, our South American, African and European areas are especially significant. The animals live in modern, natural and spacious exhibits, most of them can also be seen during the winter when they are in their houses.

The zoo, that is located in an oak forest which is a nature conservation area, offers pleasant recreation to the visitors whose comfort is also served by playgrounds, resting places and snack bars. Zoo gifts and special souvenirs of Szeged can also be purchased in our gift shop. We offer several programmes to anyone interested, which are not only useful, but also entertaining, since we expect adventurous visitors with playful tasks and valuable prizes. The evening zoo tour that is held once every summer month is especially surprising.

We welcome you to Zoo Szeged, that is waiting to be explored!