Our story
Our Story
The first zoo-like institution in Győr was established in 1962 in Püspökerdő, next to the Forestry Depot. The wildlife park was created in the floodplain of the Mosoni-Duna River with the goal of showcasing native large wild animals and predators. For example, the brown bear was on display.
The Forestry institution operated until 1966; according to reports, it had significant visitor numbers, but no exact data is available. Its operation was ended by the 1966 flood, during which most of the animals perished, and some were relocated to private homes. Following this tragic event, the decision was made to establish a new zoo in Győr. As a result of a decision by the Győr City Council, the "Május 1 Cultural Park" was opened on May 1, 1967, consisting of two parts: a wildlife park and an amusement park. The "Május 1 Cultural Park" functioned as an independent budgetary institution until the end of 1986.
Initially, the main goal of the wildlife park was to showcase native wild animals and indigenous domestic animals, as well as to provide education. In the mid-1970s, the collection expanded to include exotic species, and after ten years, the wildlife park was transformed into a zoo. On January 1, 1987, the "Május 1 Cultural Park" was dissolved, and through the merger of several institutions, the Leisure and Sports Center was established. The development of the zoo continued, and the number of species on display increased.
In 1988, the Aquarium and Terrarium House was built. In 1993, the Mayor's Office, through institutional mergers, established the City Sports Directorate as the legal successor to the Leisure and Sports Center. Within this structure, the zoo was a relatively independent unit. Unfortunately, during the following period, there were no positive changes. Visitor interest declined, and the quality of development also decreased and the suitability of the institution was called into question. The park's technical condition gradually worsened, and there was no possibility for renovation. Both animal care and public services declined in quality. Soon, a proposal to close the zoo was made.
However, the local population stood by the zoo, and the leadership of Győr decided to keep the facility open. On April 1, 1997, an independent Xantus János Zoo Ltd. was established, with the activities and assets previously managed by the Győr County Municipality Sports Directorate being transferred.
A well-trained, young team took over the leadership. At this time, Dr. György Andréka became the head of the zoo, and he was given a few years to prove the institution's validity. The main goal of the leadership was to elevate the zoo to an appropriate standard. This involved not only improving the conditions for keeping and displaying the animals but also promoting educational and zoo-pedagogical activities. In the following years, the zoo was able to renew itself, and the number of visitors tripled, making it one of the most visited cultural institutions in the region.
A special event at the turn of the millennium was the arrival of Dona, the pygmy hippopotamus.
The zoo, which opened in 1967, has undergone significant renewal over the past decades. It showcases more than 500 individuals of 100 animal species in large enclosures, providing conditions similar to their natural habitats.
Our First Giraffe Bull: Rudi
By 2007, for the zoo's 40th anniversary, the modernization of the old areas was completed, and all the residents moved into new enclosures. In the meantime, the zoo underwent a name change. The new name of the institution is Xantus János Zoo Public Nonprofit Limited Liability Company, which began operating on May 1, 2009.
Visitors can enjoy the zoo's daily life under the shade of trees in a well-maintained, beautiful environment, offering engaging programs for both children and adults.
