Sofia Zoo

Sofia Zoo is the oldest and largest zoological garden in Southeast Europe, situated in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It was established by royal decree on May 1, 1888, and has a rich history of growth and development.

History and Development

Initially located in the park of the former royal palace, Sofia Zoo's collection began with a Eurasian black vulture and later expanded to include pheasants and deer. Significant developments occurred when Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria granted land from the former botanical garden to accommodate a growing collection, including a pair of lions in 1892 and specialized buildings for bears, pelicans, pheasants, and eagles between 1893 and 1895. In 1982, the zoo relocated to its current, much larger 36-hectare site approximately 4.5 kilometers south of the city.

A significant milestone in recent years was Sofia Zoo's admission to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in April 2023. This membership opens doors to new quotas for obtaining animals, facilitates exchanges with other European zoos, and provides access to international conservation and breeding programs for a wide array of rare and endangered species. It also offers modern training opportunities for zoo specialists and access to a knowledge-sharing platform.

Exhibits and Facilities

Sofia Zoo houses a diverse array of animals across various sectors. The grazing animal section features about 80 individuals from 20 species, including white rhinos, hippopotamuses, elephants, zebras, and various antelopes. The primate section is home to 93 individuals from 19 species, such as ring-tailed lemurs, hamadryas baboons, and macaques. The predator sector includes large cats like lions and tigers, as well as bears and smaller predators. In January 2011, the zoo also hosted eight Humboldt penguins on loan for a period. The bird collection is extensive, with some 1,400 individuals representing 192 species, including waterbirds on a lake and raptors in a large walk-through aviary. The zoo also maintains a veterinary clinic with a separate public entrance.

Animal Population

In March 2006, Sofia Zoo reported housing approximately 4,850 animals representing 840 species. Current figures indicate about 2000 animals from 280 different species. An incident in 2009 highlighted the challenges faced by the zoo when a disruption in gas supply led to a shutdown of its central heating, requiring employees to use portable heaters to protect vulnerable animals from the cold.