The Budapest Zoo is inviting visitors to discover the hidden world of its animals and staff as it kicks off the season’s first Evening Walk programme this Thursday. These exclusive night-time tours offer a unique chance to explore parts of the zoo normally closed to the public.
Organized after the zoo’s regular opening hours, the guided walks begin at 6:30pm and are led by seasoned staff with decades of experience. Tour groups are kept small to ensure an intimate experience as guests are taken behind the scenes to learn about the daily care and operations that keep the zoo running.
Highlights of this week’s programme include a visit to the zoo’s veterinary clinic, a demonstration of how tranquilizer darts are used, access to restricted areas of the Shark School, and a behind-the-scenes look at how exotic birds are hatched in the Xántus House.
In total, the zoo will host nine Evening Walks this season—two each in June, July, August, and September—each offering a different selection of three featured areas. From rhinos to reptiles, and giraffes to garden spaces, the tours rotate locations to provide something new for returning guests.
Visitors may also get up close to animals known for their friendly nature, guided by the very caregivers who work with them every day. These hands-on insights make the programme a special opportunity for animal lovers and families alike.
Tour stops may include the feed kitchen, the venomous animal house, the giraffe loft, the Australian House, the Palm House—home to sloths and armadillos—the rhino and elephant enclosures, and even the zoo’s Wildlife Rescue Centre.
In addition to the educational experience, guests will be treated to refreshments and a small gift during their visit. Tickets are available online through the zoo’s ticketing platform, where visitors can also find detailed information on each event’s lineup.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo enthusiast, the Evening Walks offer a rare chance to see the Budapest Zoo in a whole new light—after dark, up close, and behind the scenes.
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