SOFIA ZOO

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Sofia Zoo is the largest and oldest zoo in the Balkans. It was opened on May 1, 1888. Today, it is one of the capital's attractions, attracting between 550,000 and 800,000 visitors each year. It is a favorite spot for relaxation and entertainment, offering a rich variety of animals. Sofia Zoo is among the 100 national tourist sites. It is located 15 minutes from the center of Sofia and is open all year round. The zoo covers an area of 360 decares and is home to 2,150 animals from 237 different species, including 29 endangered species.

Sofia Zoo was established in 1888 by Tsar Ferdinand and was initially located in the courtyard of the then royal palace. Its first inhabitant was a black vulture (cartal). Tsar Ferdinand was a passionate ornithologist, and soon after, a special pavilion for pheasants was built. The collection of animals quickly grew, with deer and a pair of brown bears appearing. The area designated for the zoo became insufficient, and Tsar Ferdinand allocated part of the royal botanical garden's territory for the zoo's needs. At that time, the site was on the outskirts of the city, but today it is part of the park between Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi Blvd (Perlovska River), Gurko St, and Vasil Levski Blvd (opposite the Sports Palace) in the city center.

In 1892, the first two lions were brought to the zoo, which gave birth to a male cub the same year. In 1893, ornithologist Dr. Paul Leverkuhn was appointed as the zoo's manager. In 1894, the first pool was built, inhabited by several pink pelicans, and the first Bactrian camel was brought in. The collections of birds and mammals were expanded. In 1895, a large domed cage for large birds of prey was built, and two bearded vultures were placed in it. In 1896, the palace's chief hunter, Bernard Kurcius, was appointed as the zoo's manager, and he remained in this position for more than 40 years. By 1950, the zoo housed over 2,000 animals, attracting about 400,000 visitors annually.

In early 1966, a project for a new, larger zoo was developed by architects Radoslavov and Iliev. It was built in the Gorna Banya district (near Vitosha Mountain) in three stages over 15 years. In 1983, preparations for moving the animals began, with dozens of special wooden crates made to German standards for their transportation. The relocation took place in 1984 and was a major challenge for both people and animals. The new zoo was opened on September 10, 1984. In 1995, a program for "adopting" animals by private donors was created to support their care. Sofia Zoo is involved in conservation activities and actively participates in national and international programs for the breeding of rare or endangered species. Its current director is architect Dobromir Borislavov.

Sofia Zoo is a favorite place for children and not only. The park is an excellent place for a walk, with wide alleys, benches for sitting, gazebos, a playground for the little ones, and places for eating. The variety of animals you can see is truly impressive (avoid midday hours as the animals rest then).

Sofia Zoo has two entrances:

• Western - at 1 Srebarna St - a 10-minute walk from Vitosha metro station.
• Central (eastern) - near the intersection of Simeonovsko Shosse Blvd and G. M. Dimitrov Blvd.

Working Hours Sofia Zoo is open every day, including holidays. There are winter and summer working hours.

• Winter working hours: November to March. The ticket offices at both entrances (Central and Western) are open from 09:30 to 16:30, and visitors can stay in the zoo until 17:00.
• Summer working hours: April to October. The ticket offices at both entrances (Central and Western) are open from 09:30 to 18:00, and visitors can stay in the zoo until 19:00.

Tickets Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices at either entrance of Sofia Zoo. Cash and card payments are accepted. The price of an adult ticket is 4 BGN, for children from 3 to 18 years - 2 BGN, and children under 3 years enter for free. There are discounts for group visits (over 15 people) and for students, pensioners, and people with permanent reduced working capacity (50% and above) upon presentation of a document. Individuals in specialized social institutions enter for free. Annual subscription cards are also available (valid for one year from the date of purchase) for 50 BGN, allowing two visits per day (morning and afternoon) and are not personalized. After purchasing the ticket, you have 30 minutes to pass through the electronic turnstiles at the entrance. Keep your ticket while on the zoo premises and show it upon request. Children under 12 years enter only with an accompanying person.

Rules The back of the tickets and the entrances to Sofia Zoo list the rules that every visitor must follow. On the zoo premises, it is not allowed to:

• Cross the protective barriers and climb over fences.
• Feed the animals with any food (including carrots, apples, etc.).
• Take photos with professional cameras and video equipment without permission.
• Enter with pets (regardless of type and size), bicycles, rollerblades, balls, balloons, and other items that may disturb the animals (exceptions can be made only for children with specific needs to facilitate their movement).
• People in a state of intoxication are not allowed.

Violators will be immediately escorted out of the zoo by security.

For more information about Sofia Zoo, visit www.zoosofia.eu.

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