Budapest Zoo implements restrictions amid disease outbreak, Biodome announces opening date

The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is facing a dual moment of challenge and opportunity. While the zoo has introduced precautionary measures to combat the resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary, it also announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Biodome, a project designed to redefine urban conservation and visitor experiences.

Precautionary measures against foot-and-mouth disease

For the first time in over 50 years, Hungary is grappling with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, and goats. The virus was detected in March at a cattle farm in Győr-Moson-Sopron County and has since spread to other regions, including Slovakia. In response, the Budapest Zoo has voluntarily implemented restrictions to protect its 540 species susceptible to the disease, including elephants, antelopes, and tapirs, Telex reports.

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Key measures in the zoo include:

• Suspension of animal petting activities.
• A ban on transporting vulnerable species in or out of the zoo.
• Enhanced biosecurity protocols, such as mandatory disinfection mats for vehicles entering the zoo’s premises.

According to Endre Sós, the zoo’s director of conservation and veterinary health, these steps are crucial to prevent an outbreak within the facility. If an infection were to occur, affected animals could be isolated and treated under strict legal provisions rather than culled—a hopeful alternative given the disease’s devastating potential.

The Biodome: A new era for urban conservation

In brighter news, the Budapest Zoo will officially open its long-anticipated Biodome in December, Telex reported in another article. Located within the Pannon Park complex, this massive glass structure aims to provide a stable climate for exotic animals from tropical and subtropical regions. The Biodome is envisioned as a year-round urban oasis where visitors can experience lush greenery, diverse wildlife habitats, and modern architectural design.

The facility includes:

• Rich flora and fauna mimicking tropical ecosystems.
• A small river for boat rides.
• Educational zones and exhibition corridors.

The project faced significant delays and financial hurdles since its inception in 2017. Initially budgeted at HUF 12 billion (approximately EUR 30 million), costs ballooned to HUF 45 billion (EUR 113 million) by completion in 2020. Disputes between the city government and national authorities over funding further complicated progress. Despite these challenges, the Biodome is now operational and poised to become a centerpiece of Budapest’s City Park.