A Day at the Budapest Zoo: Tickets, Prices, Tips & Advice

Budapest zoo entry Budapest Zoo, photo by Martin Belam. Wikimedia commons

A Day at the Budapest Zoo: Tickets, Prices, Tips & Advice

The Budapest zoo opened its doors back on the 9th of August 1866 and holds up to 1,072 animals. The zoo has grown to become a destination spot for visitors from all over. It has up to 1.1 million visitors every year.

The history of the zoo dates back to the year 1866 when it was officially open to the public. Just a few years after the official opening of the zoo, Károly Serák has mandated a zoo director. He was in charge of the zoo for about 30 years.

During his period Károly made great adjustments to the zoo. He hired several artists, such as fire eaters, sword swallowers, and tightrope dancers in order to attract people. He however had a few setbacks when authorities increased the rent of the zoo. This caused strains in the zoo and even the deterioration of its financial situation of the zoo. The company went bankrupt after the Millennium in 1896.

This prompted the auctioning of the zoo. It was thereafter taken under the capital city. With the support of the then mayor, the zoo went under reconstruction to better the facilities in it. The zoo was re-opened in 1912. Lendl, a zoologist, was mandated as the zoo director from that moment.

The development of the zoo put it on the Map as being one of the few modern zoos in Europe. The First World War interrupted the development of the zoo. This was the last setback of the zoo, the Second World War almost destroyed the zoo completely.

After the siege, the remaining animals were eaten by the starving people of Budapest. From 2,000 specimens only 15 survived. The zoo has been under different directors that put the zoo on the map. Several reconstructions were made to modernize the zoo.

Back in 2007, the first rhinoceros ever to be born with artificial insemination was born in the zoo. The General Assembly of Budapest decided that the zoo will take over part of the Amusement Park’s territory and introduce Pony Park, a family game park and zoo. Currently, the zoo also has some valuable art buildings designed by Kornel Neuschloss and Karoly Kos.

The zoo holds up to 1,000 species behind its doors. There are a few rare species of monkeys, parrots, camels, and kangaroos, among others. The zoo has different exhibits that attract tourists from all over. The Magical Hill is the newest attraction in the zoo. The zone has different species of flora and fauna. The Savana Zone on the other hand displays giraffes, Gazelles and white Rhinoceros. The zoo also has an Australia Zone and an Indian Zone. The Australian zone is located just next to the Great Lake. Different species of birds, Reptiles and amphibians of Australia are displayed for the public in this zone. This zone in the park was developed to preserve different species from Australia.

The Indian zone on the other hand was developed in 1912 to preserve the Asiatic lions and stripped hyenas among others. The Janos Xantus house was named after the first director of the zoo. In this part of the zoo, wildlife from the South-East Asian flora and fauna are preserved. In addition to the zones, the zoo has a Primates Near-at-Hand. This part of the zoo has a group of Primates groups. The zoo definitely seems to have more than just a few species available to the public.

Lastly, the zoo recently introduced the newest zone, the America Tropicana Zone. This part of the zoo displays different species from the continent. This zone allows tourists to see luscious tropical flora.

Zoo in Budapest, photo by Fred Romero. Wikimedia commons.

The tropical nature of the zone spread more and more into the showroom. This allows visitors to take in nature and appreciate the species that come from America. The Budapest zoo recently 2016 celebrated its 150^th anniversary. The zoo has employed experts to work hard on making the wonderland an even more magnificent place to be. The zoo has attracted people from all walks of life throughout the years it has been operational.

Read more about the top 30 amazing things to do in Budapest. 

Tickets are available through different websites

One can get the zoo tickets at a fee of approximately 13.99 Euros. However different websites charge different prices for tickets. Different prices are displayed according to age group or reduced rate group.

Groups receive a discount on the fee as opposed to individual tourists. There are different rates for persons below 1 year, between 2-18 years, Adults, family members, seniors and students. Official city card (Budapest card) owners get a 25% discount for a single ticket to the zoo.

Just by parting with this fee one has the opportunity to interact with the different species available in the zoo from the different zones. Different sites offer online booking of tickets to the zoo. Tickets may also be canceled to reschedule at the convenience of the buyer. One is afforded the opportunity to experience nature at its best. The park has different species of animals that include, tigers, elephants, giraffes, polar bears, apes, reptiles and many more. And the different zones in the zoo allow the tourists to appreciate different species from different parts of the world.

Read more on; Top 10 Things To Do In Budapest During a Short Stay

Tips & Advice

An important tip to the public would be to visit the park in groups s as to receive the discount accorded to group visits. To arrive at the zoo, one can take a subway and stop at Szechenyi Furdo. This is a cheap and convenient way to get to the zoo.

One can have a bite at restaurants, cafes, fast food stands, and ice cream vendors in the zoo. This allows visitors to eat while still enjoying their nature walk in the zoo. An important tip for locals would be to try and get an official city card (Budapest card) to get a 25% discount for a single ticket to the zoo.

The construction and preservation of the Budapest zoo is a huge milestone that was made to preserve nature of from all over. The building holds so much history and meaning for the people of Budapest. The different zones in the zoo seek to preserve and observe different species from different parts of the world. The construction of the zoo is an in-situ measure taken to preserve species and Reduce the poaching and extinction of this unique species.

Read more on; 20 Best Day Trips From Budapest

practical infomation

address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12, 1146 Hungary

hours:sun-fri; 9 am-4 pm/ sat 9am-1pm

phone: +36 1 273 4901

website: BUDAPEST ZOO

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