Margitsziget Petting Zoo Animals Moved to Safety

Hey there, folks! Have you heard about the exciting adventure that took place at the Margitsziget Petting Zoo in Budapest? Well, let me tell you all about it!

You see, the rising water levels of the Danube River posed a serious threat to the adorable critters living in the petting zoo. The staff knew they had to act fast to ensure the safety of their furry and feathered friends. So, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work on a daring evacuation plan.

The preparations began last week, with the staff diligently setting up temporary shelters at the Budapest Zoo in the heart of the city. They made sure every animal would have a cozy and secure place to stay during this unexpected adventure.

On Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, the big day arrived. The evacuation team, consisting of nearly twenty dedicated staff members, swung into action. They carefully captured each of the 110 animals residing in the petting zoo, gently placing them in crates and containers for their journey to safety.

Luckily none of the storks decided to go on an adventure to the nearby Palatinus bath, so all of them are accounted for.

Now, here’s an interesting tidbit: the fallow deer needed a little extra help during the evacuation process. To ensure their safety and minimize stress, the team had to sedate these majestic creatures before transport. Talk about going above and beyond for the well-being of the animals!

The entire operation took just three hours, thanks to the incredible teamwork and efficiency of the zoo staff. From the smallest guinea pig to the tallest fallow deer, every single animal was successfully relocated to their temporary home at the Budapest Zoo.

But wait, there’s more to the story! Did you know that this isn’t the first time the Margitsziget Petting Zoo has had to evacuate due to flood risks? In fact, since the Budapest Zoo took over the management of the petting zoo in 2002, this is the third time they’ve had to move the animals to safety.

Back in 2006 and 2013, the rising waters of the Danube forced similar evacuations. In 2013, the river reached a record-breaking 891 cm at the Vigadó Square water gauge, just shy of the sandbags protecting the petting zoo. It’s incredible to think about the challenges the staff has faced over the years to keep these animals safe and sound.

Now, you might be wondering when the animals will be able to return to their beloved home on Margitsziget. Well, that all depends on how quickly the floodwaters recede and what kind of impact the flooding has had on the island and the petting zoo itself. Rest assured, the zoo staff will keep everyone informed as the situation develops.

In the meantime, let’s all send our best wishes to the animals and the hardworking staff who made this incredible evacuation possible. Their dedication and love for these creatures are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the petting zoo back in action when it’s safe to do so.

So, there you have it, folks – the inside scoop on the great Margitsziget Petting Zoo evacuation of 2024. It’s a testament to the resilience and compassion of the zoo community, and a reminder of the extraordinary lengths they’ll go to protect the animals in their care.

Image source: Zoo Budapest