Budapest Zoo has officially reopened several popular areas to the public following the removal of safety measures introduced in March to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. According to a statement released on Tuesday, guests can once again enter the petting zoo and the Australian Walk, where they can interact with animals such as kangaroos.
Since 10 March the petting zoo had been closed to visitors, who could only observe animals like pygmy goats and small sheep from outside. This closure was part of a broader set of precautions enacted in response to reports of a regional foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Zoo officials conducted a risk assessment at the time, identifying 540 animals—out of the 7,000 housed at the zoo—that could potentially be affected by the virus. Susceptible species included pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, as well as camels, antelopes, gazelles, giraffes, elephants, some rodents, and kangaroos.
While most of the implemented precautions operated behind the scenes, including the use of disinfection mats at service entrances, certain public areas were also affected. Alongside the petting zoo, the Australian Walk was also closed, as it allows close contact between visitors and kangaroos.
With the risks now deemed manageable, the zoo has restored full access to these areas, resuming its normal visitor experience while continuing to closely monitor animal health.
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