The Debrecen Zoo will once again take part in the nationwide Night of Zoos, an annual event where zoos, wildlife parks, and animal exhibitions across Hungary open their doors after dark with special evening programmes. This year, the focus in Debrecen will be on nature conservation, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership, organizers announced at a press briefing.
Deputy Mayor Diána Széles explained that the city is proud to join the event once more, as it offers children and families the chance to experience animals in a unique atmosphere and to develop a closer connection with them. Unlike in previous years, guided groups will not be led through the zoo; instead, visitors will be free to explore at their own pace, meeting zookeepers stationed throughout the park to share insights.
Zoo director Zoltán Váradi emphasized that many animals show very different behaviour after nightfall, when species such as big cats, owls, and bats become more active, revealing sides of their lives rarely seen during regular opening hours. On the last Friday evening of August, the Nagyerdő Zoo will come alive with light and sound, featuring special feedings, tropical newcomers, and a night-long adventure in the heart of nature.
‘On the last Friday evening of August, the Nagyerdő Zoo will come alive’
The national theme this year is ‘urban wilderness’, focusing on how wildlife adapts to city environments. Debrecen will interpret this through the vibrant lens of tropical species, symbolizing the blurred boundaries between forest and city. Visitors can expect to see feedings of hippos, giraffes, and capybaras, while interactive games, thematic activities on human-animal conflict, courage challenges, sensory stations, a ZooCorner, and glowing minerals will add to the experience. The neighbouring amusement park will also welcome guests throughout the evening.
To promote the event, a special ‘VillamosoZoo’ tram circled the city on Thursday, bringing jungle vibes to commuters with plants, exotic birds, and small animals from the zoo riding along from Nagyállomás station.
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