Szeged Wildlife Park

Szeged Zoo – A Growing Jewel of Wildlife Conservation

The development of Szeged Zoo progressed very slowly, and it wasn’t until May 28, 1989, that it finally opened to the public, initially as a modest 3-hectare exhibit. Due to limited financial resources, showcasing large animal species was out of the question. Instead, a unique concept was born: the zoo would focus on smaller species. This specialization led to Szeged Zoo becoming nationally distinctive, especially known for its success in keeping and breeding tamarins, earning international acclaim.

Significant development began in 1992, starting with the construction of an educational center completed in 1993. From the beginning, the zoo has emphasized environmental education and is now a regional leader in this field.

In 1994, the first major continent-themed exhibit was completed to mark the zoo’s 5th anniversary: the 5.5-hectare South America area. It was the first of its kind in Hungary, with animals housed in spacious enclosures mostly bordered by electric fencing. The area has since expanded, beginning with the spider monkey forest, which is surrounded by just a few wires. Gradually, animals from other continents were also relocated to larger, more natural habitats. In 1997, two monkey islands were created for white-handed and crested gibbons, and siamangs.

By 2000, a parrot house and aviary were completed, along with large, forest-like habitats for Japanese macaques and kiangs. In 2001, maned wolves bred successfully for the first time—an exceptional achievement. Lynxes received a 1,000 m² enclosure, where a nature trail was also established. Over the years, various bird species like snowy owls, imperial and marsh eagles, and ravens moved into spacious aviaries. In 2002, black howler monkeys also gave birth, and a large snow leopard enclosure was opened, where cubs were later raised.

In 2003, the old monkey house was modernized and transformed into the Atlantic Rainforest House. From 2004, new winter shelters for animals were built one after the other. The Asia House provided shelter for gibbons and wanderoos from the monkey islands. The South America House was then built to house howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, and capybaras.

In 2005, new facilities were built in the Africa section for newly arrived lions, as well as for meerkats and spurred tortoises. At year’s end, the zoo welcomed valuable new residents: spotted hyenas arrived at the Lion House, and Chinese water deer moved into a forest enclosure. In 2006, the Africa section grew further with the addition of the Madagascar House and Flamingo House.

In 2007, the Jaguar House and enclosure were completed, and the Zoo School/Terrarium House was renovated. In 2008, a new main entrance opened, and the African area expanded with cheetahs, vervet monkeys, dwarf crocodiles, and finch displays. A wolverine enclosure was also inaugurated.

In 2009, enclosures for Siberian tigers and North Chinese leopards were built. In 2010, exhibits for grey wolves, otters, golden jackals, anteaters, spider monkeys, and various birds were completed. The Giraffe House opened in 2011.

In 2012, a penguin exhibit was added, and the Asia House was renovated with new enclosures for clouded leopards, binturongs, and red pandas. In 2013, a harbor seal exhibit and an Ethiopian zone were introduced, featuring vultures, gelada baboons, and rock hyraxes.

In 2014, Szeged became the third zoo in the world to showcase the highly endangered Hungarian meadow viper in outdoor terrariums. That year also saw the opening of a large enclosure for native deer species and mouflons.

In 2015, new habitats were created for brown bears, northern bald ibises, and marmots. The collection grew further in 2016 with the addition of prehensile-tailed porcupines and black-tailed prairie dogs.

In 2018, as part of the “Modern Cities Program,” a new Asian elephant house was opened, featuring Papuan hornbills and Asian small-clawed otters in the exhibit.