Debrecen Zoo will once again be filled with light and life on 29 August 2025, when it will host the special program Night at the Zoo.
The central theme of this year’s event is Urban Wilderness, which seeks to answer the question of how nature adapts to the urban environment.
The Debrecen institution evokes the moment when the boundaries between the forest and the city blurred through tropical wildlife.
– Zoo Debrecen is now preparing a special program: urban wilderness. In addition to the animals that visitors can see at the zoo, there are also many activities and themed programs based on the animals that we humans share our habitats and homes with here in the city,” said Zoltán Váradi, managing director.
One of the main attractions of the evening is the Capybara Corner, where visitors can get a closer look at the three capybara cubs in Debrecen. In a thematically decorated tent, they can learn everything about the species and the local newcomers.
Spectacular feedings, tropical newcomers, and adventures await families visiting the zoo. According to Deputy Mayor Diána Széles, such events play an important role in helping children learn through play, get to know the world of animals, and learn about responsible animal husbandry.
“Family events are important because they make the people of Debrecen feel that the city is alive: they help to forge bonds that are obviously important for the city’s identity,” emphasized Diána Széles.
The program starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 10:30 p.m., offering a wealth of experiences, knowledge, and sights.
- Spectacular sights: More than 15 species, including reticulated giraffes, Asian lions, capybaras, tapirs, sloths, tigers, and poison dart frogs, will provide unforgettable moments.
- Interactive experiences: Visitors can enjoy face painting, a treasure trove of luminous minerals and relics, and microscopic demonstrations. They can also take part in a test of courage, a scent trail and a bird song recognition game.
- Caretaker stories: Visitors can hear real stories about the animals’ daily lives first-hand during interactive conversations.
- Special exhibition: The Step into an Enclosure! exhibition offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to look around from the other side of the fence.
The event will open at 6:30 p.m., with programs starting at 7 p.m. The Debrecen Zoo will close its gates at 11 p.m.
Detailed program:
Spectacular shows
6:30 p.m. – Capuchin monkeys
6:45 p.m. – Giraffes
7:00 p.m. – Nile hippos
7:15 p.m. – Tapirs and capybaras
7:30 p.m. – Red pandas
7:45 p.m. – Komodo dragons
8:00 p.m. – Penguin show
8:15 p.m. – Checkered python & corn snake
8:30 p.m. – Sloth & hairy armadillo
8:45 p.m. – Raccoon
9:00 p.m. – Nile crocodile
9:15 p.m. – Asian lions
21:30 – Siberian tigers
Regular programs – Zoo
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Step into the enclosure! Thematic tables dealing with human-animal conflict
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Luminous minerals
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Test of courage
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Sniffing point
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Zoo corner
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Animal protection prevention presentation
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Police recruitment with weapons demonstration
8:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. – Locust swarm – presentation of Egyptian migratory locusts (with a caretaker during the designated time slot, after which the installation can be viewed independently)
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Insect photo exhibition
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Capybara Corner
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. – Hedgehog detectors
Amusement park – scheduled programs
7:45–8:00 p.m. – Dress up in costume!
8:00–9:00 p.m. – Dance class: Lesz Dance, Klaudia Dance Team, Főnix Tribal, Giant Robots
21:00–21:30 – Fire jugglers – Flaming Snails
21:40–22:00 – Fire pit
Amusement park – permanent programs (18:00–22:00)
Awesome craft corner • Face painting • Glitter tattoos • Interactive tent • Who knows? Zoological riddles • Animal roam with a logbook • Star gazing – animal constellations • Animals in the Amusement Park – costumed animators • Debrecen Natural History Museum • Tinker Labs – robot dog
Source: Dehir.hu
Photos: Szabolcs Kandert
