Record-Breaking Year: Budapest Zoo Celebrates Millionth Visitor in 2024

Historic Milestone Reached Earlier Than Expected

In an exciting development, Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden has welcomed its millionth visitor for 2024, marking a significant milestone that hasn’t been achieved this early in the season for nearly a decade. Six-year-old Márton Simon, accompanied by his family, became the lucky millionth visitor when he walked through the main entrance on a bright Wednesday morning.

A Special Welcome for the Lucky Visitor

Dr. Endre Sós, the zoo’s Director of Conservation and Animal Health, personally greeted the young visitor and his family. The celebration included a special meet-and-greet with Izabella, the zoo’s two-humped camel, making it an unforgettable experience for young Márton. The family received various gifts, including an annual family pass, adoption rights for an animal, and other special memorabilia.

Breaking Previous Records

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Budapest Zoo hasn’t seen such high visitor numbers since 2015. With two months still remaining in the year, 2024 is already positioning itself as one of the most successful years in the past two decades. The zoo consistently attracts around a million visitors annually, maintaining its position as Hungary’s most-visited cultural institution.

New Developments Driving Success

Several factors have contributed to this year’s exceptional attendance:

• Opening of the new wombat enclosure
• Addition of a brown bear to the zoo’s family
• Inauguration of new external exhibits at the Biodome
• Expansion of visitable areas by approximately one hectare

Educational and Conservation Impact

Dr. Sós emphasized the zoo’s crucial role beyond entertainment: “We’re not just a tourist attraction; we’re a vital educational institution and conservation center. Reaching one million visitors demonstrates our significance as a community space and reinforces our responsibility to provide both knowledge and memorable experiences.”

European Recognition

The achievement is particularly impressive in the European context, as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s highest category for visitor numbers is “over 500,000 visitors.” Budapest Zoo has doubled this benchmark, showcasing its prominence in the European zoo community.

Looking Ahead

With visitor numbers continuing to climb and two months remaining in the year, Budapest Zoo is poised to set new records in 2023. This success reflects not only the zoo’s popularity but also its commitment to conservation, education, and providing an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Image source: Budapest Zoo