Education
Thematic Educational Programs in Environmental Studies, Nature Studies, and Biology
Located in the heart of the Great Forest, Hungary’s first protected natural area, our institution provides more than 17 hectares of space dedicated to environmental education and offers opportunities for both curriculum-based and extracurricular learning activities.
Our programs are aligned with the requirements of the National Core Curriculum and the National Basic Program for Kindergarten Education. By working directly with animals and using real-life demonstrations, we help students better understand the topics they encounter in the classroom.
Groups can participate in zoo-based educational sessions led by qualified zoo educators, gaining valuable knowledge through cooperative and interactive learning methods.
The content of each session can be tailored to the group's needs and agreed upon in advance.
Booking Information
Bookings and topic selection must be arranged with our zoo educator at least one week before the visit.
Email: zooped@zoodebrecen.hu
Phone: +36 30 355 5370
For Lower Primary Students
Our Feathered Friends
How can we recognize birds? What do they eat? How do they court each other and raise their chicks? Discover the shapes, colors, and movements of birds.
Senses and Perception
What are our senses, and how do they work? What is the purpose of whiskers, and how do insects see the world? Who has the better sense of smell—the dog or the human
Responsible Pet Ownership – How to Care for and Love Our Pets
How should we care for our pets? Learn the seven golden rules of responsible pet ownership through topics such as aquarium inhabitants, birds, guinea pigs and their companions, purring pets, and dogs living indoors.
A Day at the Zoo
What does a typical day look like for the animals at Zoo Debrecen? When do they have breakfast, and how does their food reach them? What does healthy nutrition mean for animals and humans alike? What happens when a new animal arrives at the zoo? Can animals learn? Discover the answers during an exciting zoo walk.
African Safari
Where does The Lion King take place? Where is Africa, and what exotic animals live there? Which penguins live in Africa, and how do they cope with the heat? How do Nile hippos behave, and what do reticulated giraffes do all day? A playful introduction to observing large African animals.
Animals Stepping Out of Fairy Tales
Meet the real-life animals behind famous stories and animated characters. Is King Julien from Madagascar really like a lemur? Does the panda from children's stories look the same in real life? Why do we think raccoons love washing things? Do Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends really behave the way they do in stories?
Farm Animals
How were goats domesticated, and why are they kept? Where do eggs, milk, and cheese come from? Are rabbits and ponies pets or farm animals? Who domesticated llamas? Learn how to care for animals living on a farm.
Our Furry Four-Legged Friends: Mammals
How can we recognize mammals? What do they eat, and how do they care for their young? Explore the colors, shapes, and movements of mammals.
Fragrant Garden Walk
How do we identify plants, and what are their parts? How can herbs and medicinal plants be collected and used? Learn about plant structures and their everyday applications.
Other Programs
Class Trip Package (during the school term)
Participating groups can join thematic, interactive guided tours and playful educational sessions at the zoo. After the zoo program, students can enjoy unlimited use of amusement park rides, making the trip even more exciting.
Career Orientation Program – “BemutatkoZOO”
Our career orientation program offers insight into the work of all zoo departments and behind-the-scenes operations of the zoo.
Zoo Camp
Held during the summer holidays in weekly sessions from Monday to Friday. Children can learn about the behavior, lifestyle, and feeding habits of exotic animals from distant regions, daily zoo operations, and the special plants of the botanical garden. The program also includes team-building games, craft activities, treasure hunts, courage challenges, and lessons on responsible pet ownership.
Educational Program Starting October 2025
For Grades 1–2:
An educational lecture series for school groups from Debrecen. The program is free of charge but requires registration. Only one class can be hosted per session.
For Grades 3–4 and 5–6:
We are launching a study competition for students. Teams of three can apply, including mixed-age groups within each category. The aim of the competition is to help students gain deeper knowledge about the wildlife of Earth, the Great Forest, Zoo Debrecen, and topics related to responsible animal care and animal welfare.