The Ostrich Farm "Three Sophias" (Страусиная ферма «Три Софии» in Russian) is a popular agritourism attraction located in the Adler district of Sochi, Russia. It serves as both a working farm focused on breeding and raising ostriches and a mini-zoo-like experience for visitors, emphasizing education, entertainment, and interaction with exotic birds and animals. Established as one of the largest and most well-equipped ostrich farms in Sochi, it has been a family-friendly destination highlighting the unique biology and behaviors of ostriches while incorporating elements of local Caucasian culture. The farm is named "Three Sophias," though the exact origin of the name isn't detailed in available sources—it's speculated to reference three women named Sophia or a symbolic nod to wisdom (as "Sophia" means wisdom in Greek). It operates (or operated) year-round, drawing tourists en route to nearby ski resorts or natural sites.
The farm is situated at ул. Форелевая, 41 (Forelevaya Street,
41), in the village of Kazachiy Brod, Sochi. It's conveniently
positioned along the main road leading to Krasnaya Polyana (a
popular ski resort area), just before the entrance to the
Akhshtyr Canyon (also known as the Akhshtyr Gorge) and adjacent
to a well-known trout farm (Форелевое хозяйство). This placement
makes it an easy stop for those traveling from central Sochi or
Adler toward the mountains.
How to Get There:
By car:
From Adler, take route A-148 toward Krasnaya Polyana; the farm
is about a 20-30 minute drive from Adler's center.
By public
transport: Buses 105 or 135 from Sochi or Adler stop nearby
(e.g., at the trout farm stop), followed by a short 5-minute
walk.
GPS Coordinates: Approximately 43.5025° N, 39.9997° E.
Nearby Attractions: The trout farm for fishing and dining, a
glass-blowing studio, the Akhshtyr Canyon for hiking, and the
Skypark Sochi adventure park with its famous suspension bridge.
The scenic location amid the foothills of the Caucasus
Mountains adds to the appeal, with views of rivers, forests, and
canyons enhancing the rural, naturalistic vibe.
History
and Background
Detailed historical records are sparse, but
the farm appears to have been established in the early 2000s as
part of Sochi's growing ecotourism scene, capitalizing on the
region's subtropical climate suitable for raising non-native
birds like ostriches. It was designed not just for commercial
breeding (producing ostrich meat, eggs, leather, and feathers)
but also as an educational and recreational site. The farm
gained popularity in the lead-up to the 2014 Winter Olympics in
Sochi, when tourism boomed. It positioned itself as the "largest
and most equipped" ostrich farm in the city, expanding to
include diverse bird species and visitor amenities. However,
some sources indicate it may have closed in recent years (more
on this below), possibly due to economic factors, maintenance
issues, or shifts in tourism post-COVID.
The farm's star attractions are its ostriches, but it's more
akin to a small zoo or petting farm with a variety of birds and
a few mammals. Visitors can observe animals in spacious
enclosures that mimic natural habitats, including open fields,
ponds, and aviaries. Key highlights include:
Ostriches
and Relatives:
African Ostriches (Struthio camelus): The
largest birds in the world, known for their powerful legs, long
necks, and curious, childlike expressions. Adults can weigh up
to 150 kg and run at speeds of 70 km/h. The farm breeds them for
eggs (which can weigh 1.5-2 kg each), meat, and leather.
Australian Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae): Slightly smaller
than African ostriches, with shaggy feathers and a more docile
demeanor.
South American Rheas (Rhea americana), sometimes
referred to as Nandu: Flightless birds similar to ostriches but
native to the pampas; they're less common in farms and add an
exotic touch.
Other Birds:
Golden Pheasants: Vibrant,
colorful birds with iridescent plumage.
Peacocks: Known for
their stunning tail displays.
Parrots: Various species, some
of which are talkative and interact with visitors.
Waterfowl:
Mandarin ducks (famous for their bright colors), black swans,
white swans (including mute swans), and Egyptian geese (native
to Africa, with a rare "golden" variety said to inhabit the Nile
region).
Other: Golden pheasants, fazans (pheasants), and
possibly popugai (parrots) that mimic speech.
Mammals and
Others:
Decorative Boar/Pig: A friendly, ornamental breed
often allowed for petting.
Possibly a tortoise sanctuary
(mentioned in some older descriptions, though not consistently).
The animals are described as habituated to humans, often
approaching fences for interaction. Educational signage and
guided tours explain fun facts, such as ostriches' ability to
swallow stones for digestion or their non-flying nature despite
large wings.
The farm emphasizes hands-on experiences, making it ideal for
families with children:
Guided Tours and Interactions:
Excursions cover ostrich biology, breeding, and care. Visitors
can feed birds (special feed available for purchase), touch some
animals, and learn myths/facts (e.g., ostriches don't actually
bury their heads in sand).
Pony Rides: Short rides on ponies
for kids.
Photo Opportunities: Pose on an ostrich (safely,
with staff assistance) or in traditional Caucasian attire (as a
"dzhigit" or horseman) with a shashka (saber) and a trained
Caucasian kite (a type of falcon) on your shoulder.
Cafe and
Dining: On-site cafe serving ostrich-based dishes like grilled
meat (lean and healthy, similar to beef but lower in fat) and
omelets from ostrich eggs. Snacks and drinks available.
Souvenir Shop: Items made from ostrich products, including
leather goods (wallets, belts), feathers for crafts, and
decorated eggshells (as lamps or vases). Also, general souvenirs
like postcards or bird-themed toys.
Relaxation Areas: A
gazebo by the pond for resting, bird-watching, or picnics.
Tours typically last 30-60 minutes, with an emphasis on
eco-friendliness and animal welfare.
Opening Hours: Historically, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00
PM (some sources say year-round daily operation; verify
locally).
Ticket Prices: Around 100 RUB (about $1-2 USD) per
adult; children often half-price or free under a certain age.
Additional fees for pony rides (50-100 RUB), photos (100-200
RUB), or feeding (small amount).
Contact: Phone: +7 (862)
233-38-59. No official website listed, but info available on
tourism sites like kuda-sochi.ru.
Best Time to Visit: Summer
for warmer weather and bird activity; winter for a quieter
experience en route to ski areas.
Tips from Visitors: Reviews
from earlier years (e.g., 2012-2023) praise it as "interesting
and inexpensive," more like a zoo than a strict farm. Families
note it's engaging for kids, with opportunities to pet animals.
Some suggest bringing insect repellent in summer and wearing
comfortable shoes for walking. One reviewer called it "not just
ostriches" but a diverse bird paradise.
As of available information up to 2025, the farm's status is
uncertain, with conflicting reports. Some sources (e.g.,
kidpassage.com) explicitly mark it as "CLOSED" (ЗАКРЫТО),
without specifying a reason—possibly due to financial issues,
ownership changes, or post-pandemic tourism declines. However,
other sites (e.g., kuda-sochi.ru) describe it as operating
year-round without mention of closure. No recent reviews from
2024 or 2025 were found in searches, which may indicate it's no
longer active or has reduced operations. If planning a visit,
contact local tourism offices in Sochi or check updated
platforms like Yandex Maps or TripAdvisor for confirmation.
Nearby alternatives include other ostrich farms in the Krasnodar
region or the Sochi Dendrarium for similar nature-based
experiences.
This farm represents a blend of agriculture,
wildlife education, and cultural immersion, offering a unique
glimpse into exotic bird life amid Sochi's stunning landscapes.
If it's indeed closed, its legacy highlights the region's
ecotourism potential.