The most sophisticated tourists, most likely, will not be very surprised to visit such a place as a zoo in Belgorod, since it does not differ in the vast territory and species diversity of animals. However, acquaintance with its inhabitants will give a lot of positive emotions. Also, cheap zoo tickets, a convenient location and well-groomed lawns with flowerbeds will become pleasant bonuses.
How to get there
The Belgorod Zoo, which was previously located in the Victory Park, recently moved to the Sosnovka tract. The grand opening took place on Children's Day, June 1.
Now you can get to the new Belgorod zoo:
- By buses following routes No. 232-a, 123.
- Minibuses No. 103, 36, 129, traveling towards Razumovka.
- Trolleybuses number 9k, 9s, 9.
It is located at the intersection of Peschanaya and Volchanskaya streets in Belgorod. The fare from the railway station or, for example, a stop of "1000 little things" will be insignificant. In addition, it is convenient to drive by car, as there are special convenient parking lots near the zoo. There are also bicycle parking. In order to look at animals and birds, you need to go through a mixed forest about 400-500 meters from the stele, which is located directly opposite the bus stop. The cash registers are led by neatly tiled paths and trimmed lawns.
Zoo history
Previously, the Belgorod Zoo was just a small living corner, founded on August 5, 1988, and was located on the banks of the Vezelka River. In 1991, it became a separate legal institution, and since 2012 - an autonomous cultural institution. The transfer of the zoo to the Sosnovka tract began to be discussed as early as 2010, as the animals needed a large territory and free conditions. Active construction of new spacious enclosures began in 2014.
Now the Belgorod Zoo in Sosnovka covers an area of up to 50 hectares, on which there are 43 large aviaries for animals.
The scheme of the zoo and who lives in it
For convenience, the zoo in Belgorod is divided into the following zones:
- Russian north.
- Asia.
- Europe.
- Far East.
- Australia.
- America.
All of them correspond to the natural habitats of animals. In addition, animals living in the Belgorod Region are placed in a separate zone. Waterfowl are placed in a specially created artificial lake with a volume of 15 thousand cubic meters.
However, the construction of the exotarium has not yet been completed on the territory of the park, so the primates are planned to be transported no earlier than this fall. The Belgorod Zoo will allow visitors to admire the tiger python, caiman, wolves, foxes, brown bear, tiger, Mexican spider and aga toad. Living on its territory and kangaroos, deer, camel. In total, the park has 400 animals of 83 species, including birds, reptiles and primates.
Fun for kids
Young visitors can get to know the inhabitants of the zoo closer by visiting the contact corner. The territory of the so-called “Grandma’s hut” is specially created so that children can watch chickens, stroke furry rabbits, hamsters, ponies, goats and lambs. Also, all of them can be fed, after purchasing a special feed. It is sold in the park.
After meeting animals, children can have fun on the rides, ride ponies, horses or carriages for an extra fee, as well as take part in fascinating workshops. It is completely free to play on special playgrounds with slides, stairs and swings.
It is worth noting that in the zoo there are many picturesque places for photos. A huge picnic area where you can not only relax, but also eat. For spoiled visitors there is a cafe.
There is a shop at the zoo where you can buy Japanese dancing mice, pheasants, chickens, chinchillas, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, as well as pet food.
How much are entrance tickets, work schedule
Since January of this year, 2017, prices for tickets to the zoo have risen. It was assumed that adults would have to pay 300 rubles for a visit, and children - 100 rubles. However, the initially declared value had to be reduced by almost three times, almost equalizing it with the price of entry to the old zoo.
The total cost of tickets to the zoo:
- For adults - 200 rubles.
- Children aged 5 to 15 years - 50 rubles.
- Children under 5 years old - free of charge.
- Large families (with three or more children) - free of charge.
Schedule during the summer period (from April to October):
- Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.
In winter:
- Wednesday-Sunday - from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Monday-Tuesday is a day off.
It is worth recalling that the opening of the zoo in Belgorod was timed to coincide with Children's Day. On this day, visitors were entertained by animators and entertainment events. For the entire time the zoo has existed, the number of visits per year has increased from 105 thousand to 150. Also, over 27 years, the collection of animals has almost tripled. In addition, people began to think more often about the role of the environment in their lives and the protection of endangered species.