Africa House at Veszprém Zoo24 September 2010
In the framework of the development programme of the Kittenberger Zoological Gardens, the Veszprém Zoo’s new Africa House has been opened. It was built at a cost of 180 million HUF, part of the 216 million HUF funding from the Central Transdanubia Operational Programme.
The project “Our Zoo: our common asset and experience – thematic touristic developments in Veszprém” with a total budget of 420 million HUF is the largest development at the Veszprém Zoo.
The project contains five main elements:
Chimpanzee World
The development titled Chimpanzee World, which is unique in Eastern Europe with its thematic approach and set-up, has already been implemented with a total budget of 250 million HUF. In addition to the internal space of over 600 square metres, the animals living in this facility have two outdoor enclosures of 1400 and 1700 square metres. The design of the complex is also innovative; in the indoor area the animals are separated from the visitors by a glass wall instead of fences, and in the enclosure only by a ditch.
Africa House
Attached to the enclosure presenting the habitats of the African savannah there is a 110-square-metre building suitable for housing and presenting a small number of giraffes. The building enables visitors to view the animals all year round. As a result of the development, visitors can now see the animals even in bad weather conditions, from an area separated by a security glass wall.
Kid’s jungle
In this 300-square-metre building reminiscent of the jungle, kids can play while learning about animals that live in the rain forest, they can observe the animals interactively, as they are almost able to touch them.
Böbe chimpanzee’s school
After the reconstruction, the building can now accommodate smaller conferences and summer activity events. It also serves as a venue for learning, education and awareness raising. The school is also suitable for zoological courses.
“Traditional forest crafts” educational trail
The educational trail introduces the traditional crafts of the Bakony Mountains, such as lime burning, charcoal burning, resin-tapping, wooden shingle manufacturing. The construction works are to start soon.