“The Ministry of Environment and Water will provide full assistance for solving the problems of all zoos in the country. I want citizens and their children when they enter a zoo to feel that we are part of the connection between man and nature. It is my mission to find a path to solve all the problems you face.” This was stated by the Minister of Environment and Water Asen Lichev at a meeting with the directors of all 22 zoos in the country. He expressed hope that in the future media reports on zoos will show footage that we now see from large and modern zoos around the world.

The invitation for the meeting was extended by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Emilia Toncheva on the occasion of their national holiday today. “I highly appreciate your work in zoos. I know it is not easy for you. Your cause is to teach people to protect nature and animals,” she said. According to her, this meeting is the first of many to follow, also with non-governmental organizations and representatives of local authorities. According to Deputy Minister Toncheva, these will lead to a faster solution for the problems of zoos.

The director of the Sofia Zoo Dobromir Borislavov said: “Thank you for initiating a change in our relations, I hope for assistance in solving the various contradictions in our work and in overcoming the problems.” The other directors of zoos in Bulgaria also expressed their gratitude.