Asia’s Wildlife in the Center During Night of the Zoos in Debrecen

This year, the wildlife and culture of Asia will be in the focus of the Night of the Zoos at the Debrecen Zoo on 25 August.

Sándor Gergely Nagy, Managing Director of the Great Forest Culture Park (Nagyerdei Kúltúrpark), the zoo’s home, said at a press conference on Thursday that 20 percent of Zoo Debrecen’s 200 animals are of Asian origin, and as the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums has once again called for the protection of Asia’s wildlife, this year the zoo will also focus on this continent on 25 August.

He pointed out that,

in addition to the animals – including red pandas, that recently gave birth to their offspring, the leopard, the Asiatic lion and the two-humped camel – there will be guided tours of the flora, including the citrus exhibition, the richest citrus collection in Hungary.

“We ourselves consider this occasion as the main holiday alongside the World Week of Animals, when we partly summarize the main season, all the keepers are present and tell more about the animals,” noted Sándor Gergely Nagy, adding that the population is expected to expand this year, for example, the leopards are expected to have offspring.

The director added that the Night of Zoos also offers a rich variety of accompanying programs, as visitors are welcome not only in the zoo but also in the amusement park area between 19 and 23 o’clock on the last Friday of August.

Mária Nagy, chief event organizer, said that

the programs will be reminiscent of Japan, China, Korea, India and Inner Asia. The opening ceremony will be held at the red panda exhibit, followed by zoo feedings and guided tours of Asia’s hidden treasures and endangered species in Europe.

Throughout the evening there will be craft activities, bravery tests, stargazing and a mini planetarium, as well as a new light trap insect survey.

The event, mainly in the Amusement Park area, will feature several performers presenting the traditions of different Asian countries, including Far Eastern martial arts and weapons demonstrations, dance performances and gastronomic specialties, stressed the head event organizer of the Great Forest Culture Park (Nagyerdei Kúltúrpark).

Mária Nagy emphasized that all the program elements are free of charge with the ticket for the event.

Via MTI, Featured photo via Facebook/Zoo Debrecen