Stara Zagora Zoo, Zoo in Ayazmoto Park, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
Stara Zagora Zoo is a public zoo set within Ayazmoto Park, a green area on the edge of the city center in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The enclosures are designed to resemble the natural surroundings of each species, and many are open enough to give visitors a clear view of the animals.
The zoo opened in 1957, during a period when many countries across Europe were establishing new public animal facilities. Over the following decades it grew steadily and became one of the better known zoos in central Bulgaria.
The zoo sits inside Ayazmoto Park, a green space that locals use for walks and weekend outings, so a visit often feels like part of a larger stroll. School groups come regularly, and the open enclosures make it easy for children to watch the animals from close range.
The zoo is within walking distance of the city center of Stara Zagora, as it sits at the edge of a public park. The paths inside are mostly flat and clearly marked, which makes it easy to find your way around on foot.
The zoo is home to Bengal tigers, a big cat species that appears in only a small number of European zoos. This draws visitors who travel specifically to see these animals, which are rarely found this far into southeastern Europe.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
