World Animal Day is celebrated every year on October 4 to raise global awareness about animal welfare, rights, and conservation. It aligns with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

The day was first celebrated in 1925 in Berlin by Heinrich Zimmermann, and later officially adopted worldwide in 1931.Since then, thousands of passionate animal advocates have taken part in a World Animal Day celebration. Today, there are over 90 Ambassadors who help to raise awareness in over 70 countries around the globe.

Debrecen celebrates World Animal Day with a lineup of family-friendly events, educational programs, and animal welfare activities, let’s explore a few highlights:

AQUAKIDS Animation at Aquaticum

A creative corner, dolphin swimming, frog jumping contest, face painting, and magical adventures await you! Create, play, splash, and discover with us the enchanting world of animals! More information about the event can be found here:aquaticum.hu/en/allatok-vilagnapja-aquakids-animacio

Short guided tours and feeding shows at Hortobágy National Park

On Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5, Hortobágy Wildlife Park invites visitors to celebrate World Animal Day with special programs. Guests can enjoy short guided tours and feeding shows on both days at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m..

Participation in the program is free of charge, requiring only a valid wildlife park admission ticket.

Access to the park is exclusively via the wildlife park bus, which departs hourly from the Hortobágy Info parking lot between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the HNP Visitor Center at 52/589-000 (open Monday–Sunday, except Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.).

Interactive sessions  at Agora Scientific Centre

In the first days of October, the Agora Science Centre in Debrecen welcomes school groups and families with special programmes. In connection with World Animal Day, interactive sessions will reveal whether all bats are bloodsuckers, where insects “hear,” what pancake turtles are capable of, and how colors help animals survive.

On Saturday, October 4, starting at 10:30 a.m., children over the age of eight can take part in a one-hour bird watching program entitled “Weekend Science: Binoculars in Hand.” In the Botanical Garden, they can discover greenfinches, blue tits, and blackbirds in a playful way.

An Agora admission ticket is sufficient to participate, but due to limited space, advance registration is required, which can be done by clicking here.

Animal Protection Week a Debrecen Zoo

Additionally, as part of Animal Protection Week, from 29 September to 5 October, Debrecen Zoo is offering special discounts to school and nursery groups.

More information about the programs can be found at the following link:https://www.facebook.com/events/1338041201207631

Date: October 4-5
Location: various locations in Debrecen/Hortobágy

Source:worldanimalday.org.uk,hnp.hu dehir.hu FB events | Photo credit: Facebook Debrecen városa (illustration)