Budapest’s Tropicarium is heading into 2026 with a full lineup of interactive animal feedings and close-up encounters that bring the oceans and rainforests right to the city. Open every day, the capital’s beloved “Shark Zoo” offers family-friendly programs where visitors can watch, learn, and even take part in feeding sessions that put them inches from some truly fascinating creatures.
Get hands-on with nature
Curious how a sand tiger shark wolfs down lunch? Want a front-row seat to a snake’s unusual dining ritual? Certain programs let you not only watch but, under supervision, also take part in the feeding, strengthening that bond between you and the wild world.
In the rainforest zone, grab feed from a vending machine and hand-feed the dazzling koi carp that glide right by the alligators—an electric, edge-of-the-pond experience. Guided tours dig into piranha behavior, and with expert direction you can feed rays, monkeys, and birds, adding a dose of awe to the education.
Feeding schedule
– Monday 14:00 snake
– Monday 14:30 alligator (every third Monday of the month)
– Tuesday —
– Wednesday 14:00 monitor lizard (temporarily paused)
– Thursday 14:30 shark feeding
– Friday 15:30 common marmoset showcase feeding
Monkey feedings typically run 11:30–12:00 and 15:30–16:00.
In the rainforest, you can feed the koi carp living alongside the alligator using feed from the machine. During guided tours, watch piranhas and feed rays, monkeys, and birds with the guide’s help.
Sharks, rays, and a tunnel you won’t forget
The Tropicarium spotlights creatures from across the globe: laid-back alligators, exotic reptiles and amphibians, tiny monkeys, free-flying birds, thousands of vivid fish—and the ocean’s heavyweight crew, the sharks. At the ray touch pool, everyone can gently stroke these graceful animals and, with keepers assisting, even feed them.
A 39-foot viewing tunnel beneath the shark tank puts sand tiger and brown sharks practically within arm’s reach. Every Thursday at 15:00, divers hand-feed the predators in a dramatic show. Over in the rainforest area, tropical rain showers mist down above the alligators every 15 minutes.
Upcoming dates in Budapest
– 2026-04-27 Snake feeding
– 2026-04-30 Shark feeding
– 2026-05-01 Common marmoset showcase feeding
– 2026-05-04 Snake feeding
Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
