Anastasia Chukovskaya
Even Budapest animals live amidst Secession luxury. The city Zoo opened in Varosliget Park in 1866 so it's all about history. You enter through the old wrought iron gates, above hippos is a blue animal-decorated dome and most buildings are architectural oeuvres (watch for the elephants pavilion). The Zoo mainly deals with research and conservation of rare and endangered species as during WW2 it survived severe bombings – some animals died and some were eaten by starving people. This spring the Zoo welcomes its first koalas, and some animals can be visited in their cages and petted, like kangaroos, who are always happy to see both adults and kids.
