The Kittenberger Zoological Garden of Veszprém

The Kittenberger Zoological Garden is one of the oldest Hungarian zoos. It is situated in Veszprém, in the picturesque Fejes Valley, just about 50 kms far from Pápa.

The Zoo, founded in 1958, was named after Kálmán Kittenberger (1881-1958), the renowned hunter-writer of Hungary. He had spent nearly 10 years in Africa as a field worker of the Hungarian Museum of Natural Sciences and discovered approximately 300 species, 40 of which have been named after him.

The Zoo had a very rich animal collection during the seventies, featuring notable animals such as Böbe, the entire country’s favourite chimpanzee.

The company’s conversion to a non-profit organisation in 2001 was also accompanied by the commencement of a large scale reconstruction programme. The objectives were keeping the animals in pens sized and arranged according to their natural needs as well as participating in several international programmes for the preservation of species. The old cages are gradually but noticeably being replaced by verdant pens.

As part of a collaboration with Balaton Uplands National Park, they adopt and, if possible, rehabilitate wounded animals in their rescue centre.