It sounds like an April Fool’s joke, but it’s true — Electrolux Group once owned a zoo! Here’s the wild story.
Lehel was a well-established brand in Hungary known for producing high-quality refrigerators. But beyond its factory floors, the company had deep ties to the local community, operating a hotel, sports facilities, a library — and yes, a zoo.
When Electrolux took over the state-owned enterprise in 1991, one of the first unexpected tasks for the new leadership team was naming a newborn tiger cub.
“Lehel owned many assets in the area, including a hotel, sports facilities and the zoo,” recalls János Takács, a key figure in Electrolux Eastern Europe at the time. “The animals had to be named and entered into the accounts.” Imagine that — big cats and balance sheets!
Electrolux, the zookeeper?
From 1967 to 1991 alone, Electrolux managed over 200 acquisitions but none quite like this. The Jászberény Zoo had been founded in 1979 as a collaboration between the town and Lehel. It spanned 4.5 hectares and housed an array of species, from playful penguins to majestic lions.
Electrolux, however, wasn’t in the business of animal care, and one of the company’s first moves was to transfer the zoo to the local community.
What happened next?
Despite parting ways with the zoo, Electrolux continued to invest heavily in its Hungarian operations. Lehel’s factories became key players in our European production network, churning out millions of refrigerators and vacuum cleaners.
In 2005, Electrolux expanded with a new plant in Nyíregyháza, further strengthening Hungary’s manufacturing role. While the Nyíregyháza facility has since closed, production continues in Jászberény, now focused solely on refrigerators, maintaining Hungary’s place in our supply chain.
As for the zoo? It continues to thrive in Jászberény, evolving into a modern wildlife park with conservation programs and interactive experiences like penguin walks. If you ever find yourself in Hungary, it’s worth a visit — after all, it’s not just any zoo; it’s the one Electrolux (briefly) owned!
A piece of our history
The journey of Electrolux with Lehel was about more than just refrigerators — it was about embracing new markets, investing in local communities and, for a short while, managing a zoo. A reminder that with every acquisition, you never know what surprises might come along for the ride.
Curious to see what became of the zoo? Check out Jászberény Zoo online or visit if you’re ever in Hungary!