Rules
Dear visitors,
We kindly ask you to note that the following rules apply on the territory of Sofia Zoo and must be observed:
Feeding the animals in the zoo’s exhibition areas is strictly prohibited. Each animal in the zoo has a predefined feeding schedule and a specific daily food quantity that must be followed. Feeding the animals with any type of food by visitors (including apples, carrots, and similar items) is dangerous to the animals’ health and life. Throwing food to the animals can also lead to behavioral changes and disorders. The animals at Sofia Zoo receive sufficient, high-quality food from verified and certified sources.
Entering the zoo with pets is prohibited, regardless of their species or size
Crossing protective barriers, climbing over fences, and entering staff-only areas are prohibited.
Entering the zoo with bicycles of any kind, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards, segways, as well as bringing in balls, balloons, and any objects or devices that could disturb or stress the animals or fall into their enclosures, is prohibited. An exception may be made only when the Zoo is visited by children with special needs who require wheels or other devices to assist with mobility.
Entry is prohibited for persons under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances.
Smoking is prohibited in indoor areas and on the children’s playgrounds within the zoo.
Children under the age of 12 may enter only when accompanied by an adult.
Picking or uprooting plants within the zoo is prohibited.
Bringing food into the zoo and consuming it inside the animal halls is prohibited.
The use of flash photography when taking pictures of the animals, especially in the indoor halls, is not permitted.
Filming or photographing with professional cameras for commercial purposes requires permission from the zoo administration.
Please keep your ticket with you while on the Zoo’s premises and present it upon request. Violators will be escorted out of the zoo by security staff.
Frequently asked questions
No, this is not possible at the moment. You can enter the zoo within 30 minutes after purchasing your ticket at the ticket office. After that, the ticket is no longer active and will not open the entrance turnstiles.
No, entering the zoo with any pets is strictly prohibited, regardless of their species or size. Many of the animals may become stressed or disturbed by the presence of new species near their enclosures. Animals have much more sensitive senses than humans and can detect the scent of another animal from a greater distance. In addition, a small puppy could pass through some of the fences in the buffer zones around the enclosures.
Because there is a risk of tipping over and falling into enclosures with lower barriers. In addition, moving at higher speeds may disturb some of the animals. There are also many small children and free-roaming animals in the park, which could make this dangerous. The zoo is a park with a special purpose and is not an appropriate place for sports activities.
Because each animal has a strictly defined diet that is followed by its keepers. Feeding by visitors, even with natural foods such as fruits and vegetables, carries the risk of exceeding the animal’s daily intake and causing subsequent digestive disorders. In addition, many animals—such as primates—can contract various diseases from humans (hepatitis, tuberculosis, influenza, etc.) or develop diabetes if regularly fed inappropriate food.
Sofia Zoo does not have the capacity to accept unwanted pets such as rabbits, red-eared slider turtles, parrots, and similar animals.