The zoo in Sofia was established in 1888 by the decree of Prince Ferdinand Sachs-Coburg-Goths. He was a nature lover with interests and knowledge in the field of botany and zoology. The first animal in the zoo was a black vulture (maple), captured by the Bulgarian nature and given to the prince.
The Royal Zoo was built near the Sofia University and enjoyed great interest from the citizens of Sofia and the citizens of the whole country. In 1984, the zoo, together with all its inhabitants, was moved to the foot of Vitosha, in the present place.
Today Sofia Zoo is the largest and the oldest on the Balkan Peninsula. It is located on an area of 235 decares and it has about 2000 animals of 250 species from all over the world, and the zoo is constantly enriched and growing. The Sofia Zoo is among the 100 National Tourist Sites of the Bulgarian Tourist Union.
Zoo Sofia is working without a day off!