Sofia Zoo renewed – new cells and new animals
The Zoo in Sofia is the biggest not only in Bulgaria, but on the Balkans. In the last months it has been renewed and new animals have been brought to it.
Until now the taps of the ditches filled with water have been changed. This allows weekly change of water and is important to bears and river horses since they need cold water in the summer.
The 47-year-old elephant Artayda also receives special attention. She came from Germany with injured legs and that necessitated Alan Rockfort’s arrival to Sofia Zoo. He came to Bulgaria voluntarily and taught the stuff how to take care of the elephant. Now Artayda is completely healthy, gaining weight and happy. She enjoys one of the biggest areas in the Zoo – over 2 000 square meters. Soon another one or two elephants are expected to arrive and join her.
So far about 10-15 cells have been enriched with grass, bushes and trees have been planted. Significant part of the concrete and tiles has been removed. Since August all cells have new roofs. Next year the electrical installation and the draining system will be repaired and some of the basins will be reconstructed.
New animals have already arrived at Sofia Zoo – a couple insectivorous hyenas from the US. Soon the director of the Zoo, Dr. Ivanov, expects a Persian leopard from Germany and a couple Indian otters, also addaxes and orixes (kind of antelopes). The director’s dream still remains the silver bars (leopard) – very beautiful and read animals which are pride for any zoo.