The new Tbilisi Zoo, located near the Tbilisi Sea, will begin opening this summer in stages, according to the zoo’s PR manager, Mzia Sharashidze. Work is currently underway to finalize infrastructure and landscaping, and the updated complex will feature significantly larger enclosures and renewed exhibits designed to offer improved conditions for both animals and visitors.
In the initial phase, only the Caucasus region section will open, showcasing species native to Georgia. The full complex will expand gradually, with additional areas added step-by-step. One of the most anticipated future zones is the African Savannah, where the zoo is considering bringing a giraffe, a move that will take place only after infrastructure and specialist preparations are fully completed.
Sharashidze noted that the zoo is committed to meeting international animal welfare standards, with staff undergoing regular training both locally and abroad. Meanwhile, the old zoo continues to operate on a reduced territory, still attracting steady visitor numbers, especially during the summer, although part of the animal collection has already been moved.
The zoo’s opening has faced delays due to technical and infrastructural challenges. The long-term vision is to create a space that closely reflects natural habitats, allowing animals to live in environments tailored to their needs. The relocation project, covering 48 hectares, was launched after the 2015 flood tragedy, and its full development is expected to require around $50 million in investment.
