site.btaNew Photovoltaic System to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Sofia Zoo

The construction of a new photovoltaic system is already underway that will reduce the carbon footprint of the Sofia Zoo and lead to savings in electricity costs, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said on Facebook. He noted that in 2025 significant investments will be made in animal care and sustainable management of the municipal enterprise. “We are waiting for the adoption of the annual budget so that we can prioritize the projects and begin implementation,” Terziev added.

The plans also include the reconstruction of the western entrance and the area around it, improvement of the appearance of the visitors’ entrance, part of the animal enclosures will be expanded, and the underground infrastructure will be repaired. Reconstruction of the veterinary clinic and the stables is underway to improve the care of the animals in veterinary medical services; reconstruction of the bear complex and improvement and refinement of the external moat inhabited by large mammals is envisaged, as well as reconstruction of the external enclosure for elephants. The plans also include improvements to the heating system in the three buildings of the Primates sector, the Giants hall, where elephants, hippos and a rhino are housed, as well as the Big Cats hall, where tigers, panthers and other large representatives of the Cat family are housed.

Sofia Zoo is getting closer to full membership in one of the most prestigious international alliances, the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), Terziev pointed out and noted that on Tuesday the zoo will hold a training stress test as part of the membership requirements. Licensed trainers from EAZA will simulate an escape from the enclosure of a dangerous animal and will check the reaction of zoo employees and competent external services, the Mayor added.

The Sofia Zoo is the largest and oldest zoo on the Balkan Peninsula.