Budapest Zoo: 154th Birth Anniversary

The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden celebrates the 154th anniversary of its establishment this Sunday. The Sumatra orangutan puppies born in the days will also be on display in the near future.

More than 300 species of plants and 900 animals live in Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the world's largest zoos.
This year was particularly difficult as the institution had to close due to the pandemic situation for more than 60 days, which meant a burdensome period for the workers as the animals had to be cared for even during the emergency.

Zoltán Hanga, a spokesman for the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, pointed out to the Hungarian news agency MTI that a lot of pets arrived and were born this year as well, mentioning as an example the orangutan puppy that was born in Sumatra. The Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is approximately 78 to 97 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 40 to 90 kilograms. The mammal feeds on durian, figs, and insects, among others. The Budapest Zoo is the only place in Hungary where the Sumatran orangutan, which can live for up to 50 years, can be found.

The zoo has again won the Suberbrands Award this year, presented to the institution by János Serényi, the Hungarian founder of the recognition.

The Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden is the oldest and largest collection zoo in Hungary, and was the only such institution in the country from its opening in 1866 until the 1950s, when the first rural zoos were established. Today, it is one of the most visited public cultural institutions in Hungary, with a million visitors a year. Like most modern zoos, its main activities are nature conservation, education, close-to-nature leisure programs and scientific research. Due to its history and related characteristics, its additional objectives include the protection and enrichment of cultural heritage.