5 animal shelters in the countryside where the experience is the focus

Kosd lies in the district of Vác, on the border of Nógrád County, between the western slopes of the Danube Bend and the Cserhát. The picturesque estate is open and can be visited by reservation until mid-October, and accommodation in the guest house is available for a few days. It is especially recommended for those interested in animal husbandry, where anyone can join in on cleaning the stables, milking the cows, feeding the pigs, mouflons and bears with snouts, on request. You can also walk deer and alpacas in the woods near the estate, or try jumping on straw bales. An all-time favourite is the bunny pen, but this year there was a calf, a mangalica piglet and a baby lamb born. There are also regular parties organized for little ones, camps for older children and seven-chance team-building sessions for adults.

Szigethalom is located in the middle of Csepel Island. The family-run park focuses on animal rescue and education for future generations. They are open all year round except Mondays. The forest railway, the creative playgrounds, the high stand for watching game, the old small planes and helicopters parked here are all elements that will entice children. The variety of species that can be seen up close is impressive: from macaw parrots to emus and kangaroos, there is plenty of room for all kinds of animals in the breezy runways, and the population is often refreshed. The backyard section is, of course, set up for feeding and petting. An important part of their mission is the wildlife rescue programme and the specially designed area where large numbers of captive native wildlife can roam freely and we humans can walk around on a raised walkway with a trellis to observe them with binoculars. 

We are in the northern tip of Somogycounty, one of the capitals of the Balaton coastline. In Siófok, the ZOO is open to visitors in both winter and summer. Camel ride is a guaranteed experience, but you’ll also enjoy petting giant tortoises and pygmy goats, not to mention the feedable llamas, donkeys and meerkats. The bird area around the pond introduces you to the dazzling bird life of the area. If you are coming to the wilderness with friends or extended family, be sure to try bubble football, where you strap on giant bubble balls and chase each other until you can hit each other at full speed. Presumably, we will also bring moments of joy to the animals grazing nearby.

Balatonmagyaród, in Zala County, is a popular tourist destination in the Small Balaton region. The former cooperative cowshed here has been converted into a petting ZOO, which is run very successfully by two people, all year round, whatever the season. The little ones are recommended to pet the little rabbits and the donkey foals. You can also let the braver ones play with the pampered buffaloes – under supervision – or let them play tag with the goat herds. It is easy to get into the atmosphere of the past, either by taking a carriage ride through the hiding places of Small Balaton or by taking archery lessons held for children and adults. Thanks to the programme, you will definitely get a taste of the welcoming village atmosphere.

The second largest settlement in Baranya, Komló was until recent times famous for its coal mining. Opened a couple of years ago in a family environment, the petting ZOO seeks to connect with the salvageable natural values of the neighbouring Mecsek Landscape Protection Area. They only accept animal species (around 60 different species) that can be cared for by providing quality living conditions. The community of one and a half hundred animals includes hedgehogs, squirrels, foxes, deer, raccoons, owls and chameleons. The visitor experience with each animal is as interactive as the animal can tolerate. Some of the animals can be handled and caressed, some can be fed and walked, and some can only be looked at, but there’s still a colourful ZOO experience for the whole family to enjoy.