These engaging and educational programmes explore the fascinating world of animals and plants, offering much more than just entertainment. The aim is to spark curiosity about the natural sciences in both children and adults.

Throughout the day, guests can join a variety of knowledge-rich, hands-on presentations, enhanced by the expert insights of zookeepers and plant specialists, all while getting up close with the Zoo’s most popular residents.

🐾 Daily Programme Highlights

10:00 – Surprise Animal Encounter - Meet a friendly surprise animal up close! These are specially trained animals comfortable around people, brought out by their keepers for an interactive session. The featured animal changes daily – the surprise is part of the fun!

10:30 – Seal Training - Join Jacques and Noah, the two intelligent and playful California sea lions, for a fun and educational training session. The focus is on natural behaviours, helping both the animals and their caregivers – and it’s a joy to watch!

11:00 – Horticultural Showcase - Did you know Budapest Zoo is also a botanical garden? Its plant collection actually exceeds the number of animal species. Learn more about the plant kingdom and get a closer look at fascinating flora with the help of the Zoo’s gardeners.

11:30 – Animals in Action -  See first-hand how owls fly silently, or how mammals and birds have adapted to their environments. During this dynamic animal behaviour show, keepers demonstrate natural behaviours using trained animals flying or moving among the audience.

12:00 – The World of Sharks - Sharks aren’t villains—they’re evolutionary marvels! Discover more about these misunderstood creatures and watch as divers enter the tank (five days a week) to interact with them in person.

12:30 – Gorilla Feeding - Feeding time is the perfect moment to learn about the Zoo’s five-member gorilla troop. Meet each individual, learn about their social structure, and discover what gorillas really eat—hint: it’s not just bananas.

13:00 – Giant Otter Feeding - Watch South America’s playful giant otters in action—on land they’re clumsy, but in the water, they’re astonishingly agile. Feeding time is a sensory experience filled with sound, movement, and excitement.

13:30 – Bonsai Presentation - Explore the National Bonsai Collection in the Japanese Garden. During the “Be There!” programme, expert gardeners share fascinating insights into the care of bonsai trees and the artistry of traditional Japanese horticulture.

14:00 – Pelican Feeding - Time your visit to see the pelicans gather at the Great Lake, near the Crocodile House, where keepers feed them fish. Visitors may even be invited to join in the feeding!

14:30 – Elephant Training - Elephants are intelligent and curious, and their daily training helps keep them engaged and healthy. See the strong bond between elephants and their caregivers during this impressive, trust-based session held at the back elephant paddock near the hippo pool.

15:00 – Wildlife Rescue Presentation - Budapest Zoo rescues thousands of wild animals annually, from injured storks to displaced bats. Learn about their important conservation work and meet some of the animals being cared for at the Wildlife Rescue Centre.

15:30 – Penguin Feeding - Feeding time reveals not just the penguins’ personalities, but also their special relationship with their keepers. These fish-loving birds gather excitedly, and keepers ensure fair shares all around.

16:00 – Giants of the Tortoise World - Meet the Aldabra giant tortoises living on the ground floor of the Venom House. Their impressive size, long lifespan, and vulnerable conservation status make them true living legends.

16:30 – Masters of Disguise (1 May – 31 August) - Some animals are true camouflage artists—either to hide from predators or sneak up on prey. Get a close-up view of nature’s tricksters and their remarkable survival skills.

17:00 – Seal Training (Again!) (1 May – 31 August)  - During the summer months, a second sea lion training session takes place daily — don’t miss this chance to see Jacques and Noah in action once more before the day ends!

More: 
Zoo Budapest
 

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