For the first time, Zoo Debrecen 2024 will welcome visitors with a special series of events between 14 and 15 September 2024, bringing a slice of Asia to the heart of the Great Forest. The aim of the Chinese Autumn Festival and Panda Days is to give visitors a deeper insight into the natural wonders, cultural history and traditions of Asia, including China.
The event is organized in cooperation with the Confucius Institute of the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Humanities.
During the event, visitors can participate in interactive demonstrations. Among other things, Mei, a red panda cub celebrating his first birthday this year, will be told about his first days by his caretakers, while visitors will also be able to take part in a feeding session where they will learn interesting facts about these special animals. Zoo Debrecen is further strengthening its commitment to Asian wildlife by hoping to add more Asian species to its collection in the future. The current Asian zoo collection already includes special species such as white-handed gibbons, Asiatic lions, two-humped camels, northern Chinese leopards, great migratory parrots and blue peacocks.
Zoo Debrecen has a 10-year track record of success in introducing small pandas and its breeding program, and the introduction of a big brother could be a continuation of this. This ambition is foreshadowed by the installation of the flower panda family, donated by CATL Company Debrecen, which was very popular at the Flower Carnival and is now on display. István Piedl, Employer Brand Builder at CATL Debrecen, commented on the event:
“This year we participated in the Debrecen Flower Carnival for the first time, and we came up with a very inspiring composition. Thanks to the persistent work of Chinese conservationists, the giant pandas, which can be seen on the company’s flower float, are no longer a critically endangered species. CATL Debrecen believes that with hard work we can achieve similar successes in the field of sustainability and climate protection. We are delighted to donate the family of the Giant Panda flower float to the Nagyerdei Cultural Park, which will allow families and children visiting the park to learn about this success story.”
The event will feature a number of exciting activities. Visitors with a creative bent can take part in craft activities at the Panda Cuckoo or create an exhibit together in an interactive painting experience. In addition, the Panda Cinema offers magical nature films to bring you even closer to Asia’s fascinating wildlife. Staff from the Confucius Institute and volunteers from the Debrecen Chinese Students’ Association will give a music and dance performance. Erik László Kovács, the Confucius Institute of the University of Debrecen Faculty of Humanities, shared that they will present traditional Chinese costumes, dance, Chinese zither and other stage performances.
All program elements are free of charge with a Zoo pass for the Chinese Autumn Festival and Panda Days.
