Our relationship with flowering plants dates back thousands of years – just think of the multitude of plant-based products we consume on a daily basis, like bread, coffee and tea. Without the help of pollinators, the crops needed for a lot of these products could simply not reproduce.
When thinking of pollinators, the very first thing that comes to our mind is often bees – rightfully so, for they are currently the ones in the most vulnerable position. If you are into beekeeping, you may have already heard of colony collapse disorder, which occurs when workers in a honey bee colony suddenly disappear in large numbers. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is now of major economic importance as it affects both honey production and, more importantly, the cultivation of crops that depend on bees as pollinators.
Honey bees, however are not the only pollinators out there; equally vital work is done by their relatives, solitary bees, as well as flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and even bats and hummingbirds.
It is a key part of our mission to protect and help native pollinator species. We have set up an insect hotel in our bird-friendly garden section, attracting useful insects by the score throughout summer; some lay eggs and raise their offspring there, while others use it as shelter for their winter hibernation. Besides putting a roof over their heads, we have also seen to it that our busy little helpers do not lack any necessary provisions; they have multiple ponds to drink from as well as a special flower mix in our Scent Garden to feed on.
Debrecen Zoo and Amusement Park
