On 5th March the newest stars of the Budapest Zoo, the koalas have been introduced to the public. This species can rarely be seen in zoos, till now none of the Hungarian zoos have ever received one, moreover, none of the European countries to the east from the one-time iron curtain has ever had living koalas.
- Over the last years not only the heritage premises of the zoo have been renewed, but also for the first time in its history the institution has gained new territories. The zoo is rich in attractions and if we are looking only at the recent news, we see that population growth of large significance took place several times, and the inhabitants of Budapest could enjoy the presence of newcomers like the lion cubs, tiger cubs, the baby elephant, baby wombats and baby orangutans, said István Tarlós during the event. He added that in Europe koalas can be found only in 8 zoos of 7 countries, and from now on the capital of Hungary is the 8th one.
- The Zoo of Budapest became first on the “koala waiting-list” thanks to its tradition of keeping Australian animals and partially thanks to the institution’s internationally recognized outstanding professional achievements. This however is not only a recognition towards the zoo, but also towards the City of Budapest, and is an important courtesy of the Commonwealth of Australia to the citizens of Budapest and the whole country, added the Mayor.
Populating the Koala House with these koalas was a further important step in the continuous development of the Zoo. In the forthcoming years the institution's professionals wish to expand the Australian zone of the zoo with more attractions. Besides, the institution is preparing for its 150th anniversary as well. The Zoo, which was opened on 9 August 1866, will celebrate this illustrious jubilee next year.
