Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, also known as Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert, is one of the oldest and most prestigious zoological institutions in the world. Inaugurated on August 9, 1866, the zoo is located in the heart of Budapest City Park (Városliget) and covers an area of over 18 hectares. Its foundation was the result of the efforts of Hungarian patriots such as József Szabó, Ágoston Kubinyi, József Gerenday, and János Xántus, the first director of the zoo. The idea of creating a zoo in Budapest dates back to the 1820s-30s, but it was only after the turmoil of the 1848-49 Revolution and the subsequent era of oppression that the project could be realized. In its early years of activity, the zoo housed exotic and local animals, including monkeys, lemurs, parrots, camels, and kangaroos. However, the first major attractions such as lions, tigers, and elephants only arrived later, with the first elephant and hippopotamus arriving in the 1870s. In 1907, the zoo faced serious financial difficulties, culminating in bankruptcy. The management was then taken over by the city of Budapest, which initiated a significant phase of reconstruction and modernization between 1909 and 1912. Under the direction of architect Kornél Neuschloss, iconic buildings such as the Elephant House and the main gate, adorned with Zsolnay ceramics and mosaics by Miksa Róth, were built. Neuschloss’s students, Károly Kós and Dezső Zrumeczky, contributed to the design of other significant structures, including the Bird House and the Kangaroo House. During World War I and the ensuing economic crisis, the zoo experienced a decline. However, in the 1930s, under the management of Herbert Nadler, significant improvements were introduced. Unfortunately, World War II inflicted devastating damage: only 15 animals survived the total destruction of the facilities. The reopening in 1945 marked the beginning of a long phase of recovery and development, culminating in the 1950s and 1960s with the construction of new animal houses and the modernization of existing ones. In the 1990s, under the leadership of Miklós Persányi, the zoo entered a new era of renewal. Historic buildings were restored and animal habitats were modernized, with particular attention to their naturalization and well-being. This process culminated in the opening of Magic Mountain in 2012, a structure inside the Great Rock of 1912, offering interactive and educational experiences. Today, the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is a unique combination of history, architecture, and biodiversity. The facility houses over 1,000 species of animals, including rare exotic and native species. The different themed areas, such as the Australia House and the India House, designed respectively by Kós and Zrumeczky, offer a virtual journey through different continents and biomes. The architecture of the zoo is a distinctive element. Buildings like the Pheasantry and the Giraffe House reflect the art nouveau and neo-Gothic aesthetics, while modern structures are designed to harmonize with the natural environment. The integration of traditional and modern architectural techniques has made the Budapest Zoo an example of excellence in animal conservation and presentation. The botanical garden, which developed over time alongside the zoo, adds an additional layer of ecological richness. With exotic and local plants, the garden serves as a green refuge in the heart of the city, offering a relaxing and educational experience to visitors.