about the project

The budget of the project ZOO4NAT made 1.215 million Euro. ZOO Košice has drawn from this budget 541.000 Euro and ZOO Budapest – the lead partner, invested almost 675.000 Euro.  
The goal of the project was to attract to the cross-border regions of the neighbouring countries more visitors. The main idea of the project involved the protection of the original fauna of the Carpathian region, and it focused also on raising the awareness of environmental and nature protection through the planned activities. It focused also on the natural values and protection of the original species of animals in the cross-border regions. One of the main outputs of the project part of ZOO Budapest is the Rescue Centre and presentation premises aimed at breeding the protected species of birds, small mammals and reptiles. Thanks to the project we have built up some important, new premises in the territory of ZOO Košice. In the central zone where the biotope of riparian forest is to be found, we have established a new Nature Trail entitled “Riparian Forests”. Three educational interactive tables and six oversized 3D models of reptiles and amphibians make its integral parts also. In a distance about two hundred meters, close to the breeding premises of the meerkats, we have built up new presentation breeding facilities for the reptiles and amphibians in an area of 80 m². This complex of premises is complemented by 3D models and a further interactive table.
In the area of Košice ZOO you will find also three new aviaries where there are placed rehabilitated birds kept before in the Rescue Centre of the Budapest ZOO. The project has created also a short promotional film in three languages. It provides basic information on the City of Košice and the ZOO for the potential visitors coming from different parts of Slovakia and Hungary. A new educational film for pupils is also a part of the project activities. The film focuses on the protection of the original fauna and rescue of wounded animals.
The entertainment-educational application designed for mobile phones and tablets was the last output of the project, and it has been designed especially for the children and youth. The implementation period of the project took 20 months, starting in January 2018 and ending in August 2019.