Animal adventures in Nyíregyháza: exploring the Animal Park and Sóstó

What the article is about:

• the history and unique features of the Nyíregyháza Zoo
• the presentation of rare animal species in a natural environment
• experience-based learning and ZooSuli
• the attractions of Sóstógyógyfürdő
• programme ideas in the surroundings of the Zoo

The Nyíregyháza Animal Park opened in 1974 under the name Vadaspark (Wildlife Park) in the Sóstó resort area. The establishment has had its current name since 1996 and continues to develop and expand. It is no coincidence that it was voted

in both 2015 and 2018.

The park is home to the second largest animal exhibition in Europe, as well as one of the continent's largest collections of pachyderms and mammals. Another interesting fact is that most bear species live here together, including polar bears, European brown bears, and spectacled bears.

The park is home to around 500 different species and nearly 5,000 animals. Many animals live here that can only be seen in Nyíregyháza in Hungary: in addition to polar bears, there are rockhopper penguins, slender-snouted crocodiles, whitetip reef sharks, red kangaroos, Malayan and Sumatran tigers, and Bornean orangutans.

One of the most important goals in designing the park was to ensure

but would instead discover the animals while walking through romantic landscapes, as if they were truly in their natural habitat.

The Animal Park has been organizing ZooSuli and summer camps for school-age children for more than 25 years. During the four-week sessions, participants learn about the lives of animals and can take part in programmes that are not available to everyday visitors.

Camel riding, elephant and monkey feeding, and themed activities with the animals make the experience complete, while learning becomes entertainment almost without notice.

Sóstógyógyfürdő is a resort area located on the edge of an oak forest, just six kilometres from the centre of Nyíregyháza. The area around Lake Sóstó offers opportunities for walking, boating, pedal boating, and sports.

Other attractions in the area include the Aquarius Adventure and Park Bath, which is open all year round, and the Sóstó Museum Village, where the everyday life of the past is brought to life.

One of the most spectacular features of the park in front of the Aquarius Adventure Bath is the musical fountain of Sóstó, which dazzles passers-by with sound and light effects on a water surface of approximately 500 square metres.

while the works of Erkel, Queen hits, fairy-tale and film music, and popular music melodies are played. The fountain, which operates from spring to autumn, has quickly become a favourite of children and adults alike.

The waters of the lake were already believed to have healing properties in the time of King Matthias. The landscaping of the area began in the early 20th century, and it took on its present form in 1912. The Szekler Gate at the entrance and the Alpine-style Svájci Lak (Swiss Cottage) evoke the history of the area, as does the Krúdy Vigadó, which was an important meeting place for bourgeois life at the time.

In Sóstó, visitors can choose from a wide range of active and relaxing programmes: a play castle, a fitness park, a boating lake, a synthetic running track, bike rides, and horse riding are all available. Everyone can easily find their ideal accommodation, with a wide range of options available, from campsites to hotels.