Skopje, 19 April 2026 (MIA) – Sunday marked the start of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Skopje Zoo, the oldest in the Balkans, featuring animal stories, a music event and children’s entertainment.

Throughout its century-long existence, the Skopje Zoo has seen periods of growth and decline, and today it is home to 500 animals from 100 species. Among the most popular attractions are elephant Danela, hippo Buco, sea lions, lemurs, tapirs, penguins, the indigenous bear and many others.

Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski said that the centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year, together with efforts to modernise the zoo.

He noted that reconstruction of the old animal enclosures will start, along with a campaign enabling public figures to participate in animal care.

On the first day of marking the 100th anniversary of the Skopje Zoo, Marjo Hoedemaker from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria was also present.

“We will arrange the space that was neglected for many years. Today the zoo is hosting Mr. Marjo, a representative of EAZA, the association from which we were unfortunately expelled a few years ago, and we will do our utmost to improve impressions there and show that we are changing things, in order to return to EAZA, which would again allow us to secure new animal species for the zoo,” Gjorgjievski said.  

Zoo director Katerina Kostova said that priority will be given to renovating the oldest enclosures, some of which are more than 50 years old.

“We will create modern, natural habitats in line with European standards, with more greenery and conditions resembling the animals’ natural environment,” Kostova said.

As a new feature, visitors will be able, at certain times, to attend animal feeding sessions, aimed at educating them about animal nutrition and care.

Kostova added that the health condition of the animals is stable and that efforts are underway to renew the collection with new species, including the potential introduction of new “flagship” animals.

The Skopje Zoo was established in 1926 by a commission led by Dr. Stanko Karaman, covering four hectares and housing a modest number of animals donated from across the Balkans and Europe. The Museum of Natural History, City Park and Botanical Garden were also established at the time, making Skopje the first city in the Balkans with such a natural science and zoo complex.

Photo: MIA