Zalesye. Zhirovichi Zoo (Garden of Eden).

The place, known as Starye Zhirovichi, has a rich history. In the XV century, the possessions of the noble nobleman Alexander Soltan were located here. According to legend, it was to him that the shepherds presented the miraculously found icon of the Mother of God, which later became an object of pilgrimage. This event marked the beginning of the new settlement of Zhirovichi, around which the monastery eventually grew.

The "Garden of Eden" Zoo was built on the abandoned lands of the former Soltan estate, which were recently buried in weeds, and the apple orchard was in complete disrepair. In 2010, the Zhirovichi Monastery received this territory as its own compound.

Starye Zhirovichi is not just a monastery compound, but also a popular tourist destination. Not only pilgrims come here, but also nature lovers to stroll through the shady alleys, admire the animals, see the remnants of the former luxury of the estate and just enjoy the fresh air. This is a great place for a family vacation that will leave unforgettable impressions for children and adults.

Thanks to the efforts of monks and local residents, a kind of "Garden of Eden" has been organized here - a place where various species of animals and birds live in spacious aviaries. There is a poultry farm, a pig farm, a herd of artiodactyls and a fish farm on the territory of the farmstead.

There is quite a wide variety of animals and birds in a large well-kept area: bear, porcupine, fox, raccoons, donkeys, deer, ponies and ostriches, hares, wolves, guinea pigs, meerkats, wild boars, goats, fallow deer, horses.

There is a playground for children with swings and a slide, and trampolines are freely available. There are special places for picnics.

The entrance fee is at the discretion of visitors: you can go for free, or you can decide on your own how much to donate for food and improvements to the zoo. The recommended donation is 6 rubles for children, 10 rubles for adults.

The garden is open on weekdays by appointment, for groups of 15 people or more, as well as on weekends and holidays. You can make an appointment by phone. +375 29 571 17 93.