Szeged Zoo, the garden of Nature

The zoo with the largest land area in Hungary has been receiving visitors since 1989. Although it is located a mere 2.5 km from the city centre of Szeged, it lies in a natural environment. The oak forest and Lake Sancer promise a pleasant and calming experience by themselves. However, the animal collection offers exciting encounters, as visitors can see several true curiosities along with zoo favourites, such as lions, giraffes, meerkats, and Asian elephants (the latter from May 2018). Besides these, the Zoo is conducting conservation and educational activities that are outstanding in the region.

Being a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), it participates in several international species conservation programmes (EEP, ESB). One third of our kept 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, mostly 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, it recognizes 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).

Zoo Szeged is the first of these institutions in Hungary where a zoo educator has been employed, and education also counts as a priority at present. Our professional educators are organising programmes for children, following prior registration. We also undertake guided tours in Hungarian and in English (also after registration). Our work is facilitated by our modern Nature Conservation Education Centre, which is also fit for arranging minor programmes. Visitors are offered special presentations called Encounters of the Zoo Type every day except Mondays from mid-March until November 1. These consist of our colleagues giving exciting shows and professional lectures about animals at given times and locations. Programmes in English can also be booked.

Species in Szeged Zoo are grouped according to their natural ranges; the South American, African, and European sections are especially significant. The animals are living in modern, natural, and spacious enclosures. Most of them can also be seen in winter, when they are staying in their houses. Visitors can see approximately 1500 specimens of about 200 species in Szeged Zoo. Among these are such curiosities as the lesser rhea, the lappet-faced vulture, the Alaotran gentle lemur, the pied tamarin, the yellow-cheeked gibbon, the giant anteater, the maned wolf, the clouded leopard, the wolverine, the fossa, and the lowland anoa. Naturally, no usual zoo favourites can be left out, such as the African penguin, the harbour seal, the lion, the giraffe, and the meerkat. Visitors can see Asian elephants from May 2018. This development is the largest in the history of the zoo so far. The enclosure lies on almost one hectare, making it the largest elephant exhibit in Hungary. It is also home to hornbills, Asian small-clawed otters, and chitals.

The zoo, located in an oak forest, in a nature reserve, offers pleasant recreation to the visitors, whose comfort is also served by playgrounds, rest areas, and snack bars. Zoo gifts and special souvenirs of Szeged can also be purchased in our gift shop. We offer several useful and entertaining programmes as well. The evening zoo tours held every summer month, as well as our evening programme on Halloween, are especially rich in surprises.

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