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Belfast Zoo

  • Address: Belfast Zoological Gardens Antrim Road Belfast
  • Tel: 028 9077 6277
  • Email: info@belfastzoo.co.uk
  • Location: View Belfast Zoo on Google Maps

Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo occupies a 55 acre site about a 15 minute drive north of Belfast city centre and is a must for a family fun day out, if you are visiting Northern Ireland. Belfast Zoo houses over 140 species of animals, many of which are now endangered in their natural habitat.  

Belfast Zoo was originally opened in 1934 and so is celebrating its 75th birthday this year (2009). It suffered some decline during the after the Second World War and in 1974 work was begun on the new modern zoo which was built and supported by Belfast City Council who provide £1.5m per annum to help run and promote the zoo. Like most modern zoos, Belfast Zoo has an active programme of education and conservation through its various breeding programmes.

Facilities at Belfast Zoo include a café, souvenir shop and toilets. There are baby changing facilities and mobility scooters for hire (however please check with zoo prior to your visit for further information by phoning 028 90776277 ext 201). 

Being about half the size of Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo is well laid out with various walks but be prepared it is sited on a reasonably steep hill which may pose problems for some visitors.

 
 

Visiting Belfast Zoo

It is well worth taking some to plan your visit to Belfast Zoo prior to your arriving there. There are various different walks laid out through the Zoo highlighting different animals, such as the Monkey Walk, the Elephant and Giraffe Walk and the Hill Walk. The Lake Walk will enable families with younger kids to see the farm animals and also visit the play park. 
 
Drop into the Rainforest House which allows visitors to walk through a tropical environment at a balmy constant 27 degrees to view sloths, fruit bats, whistling ducks and a laughing thrush! The Bird Park houses plenty of exotic birds. 

Also have a look at the Animal Feeding Times so you can plan to view your favourites at their most animated. Choose from Chimpanzees, Malayan Sun Bears, Gorillas and the ever popular Sea Lions.

The Ark Café near the Zoo entrance serves hot food (chips, sausage rolls, soup etc) along with tea and coffee, soft drinks and sweets. It is open from 10.00hrs to 17.30hrs in summer (closes at 15.30hrs in winter).
 
Unfortunately the Mountain Tea House which is located at the top of the zoo with great views over Belfast suffered a fire earlier this summer and is closed for the moment. 

There is also a kiosk selling ice creams, drinks and confectionery which is open during the summer months

Thanks to a successful European breeding programme, the zoo is home to a large herd of Rothchild’s giraffes. The Rainforest House is a walk-through exhibition with tropical landscaping and a constant temperature of 27 degrees.

 

 

Belfast Zoo Opening Hours

  • Summer – April to September inclusive 10.00 – 19.00 (last admission at 17.00). Animal houses close at 18.00, café and tea house closes at 17.30 and the shop closes at 18.00 on weekdays and 19.00 at weekends. 
  • Winter – October to March inclusive 10.00 – 16.00 (last admission at 14.30). Animal houses close at 15.30, shop closes at 15.00 and café and tea house closes at 15.30
 
 

Belfast Zoo Admossion Prices

  • Adult (over 18) - £ 8.50
  • Child (4-17) - £ 4.50
  • Children under 4 years - Fee
  • Disabled - Free
  • Seniors (60+) - Free
  • Family  Admission Ticket (2 adults + 2 kids) - £22.80
 
  • Season Tickets and Group Reductions are also available
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

 

 

Family Fun Tip for Visiting Belfast Zoo

Car parking is available at the zoo, but it can get full by late morning during busy periods. If you are planning to visit when it is likely to be busy and if you are not going to arrive early, it might be an idea to call Belfast Zoo beforehand for advice on alternative car parking. The number is 028 9077 6277 ext 201

 

Directions To Belfast Zoo

  • By Car
Belfast Zoo is located on the Antrim Road, off the M2.Coming from the South on the M1, follow signs for the M2 over the West link. Exit the M2 at junction 2 and the zoo is signposted from here.
From Belfast City Centre follow signs for M2. Exit the M2 at junction 2 and the zoo is signposted from here.
 
Parking: there is parking for approximately 400 cars at the zoo car park. During busy periods the car parks can be full by late morning. For information on alternative car parking contact the zoo before you visit. 
 
  • By Bus
From Donegal Square West in Belfast City take any of the following Metro services
1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G or 2A for Antrim Road or Bellevue. The zoo visitor centre is about a 500 metre walk uphill from the bus stop.
 
  • By Train

The nearest train station is Whiteabbey Station and that is about 3 miles from the zoo

 

Support The Belfast Zoo

There are lots of ways you can show your support for Belfast Zoo. These include:

  • adopting an animal
  • joining Friends of the zoo
  • becoming a member of Belfast Zoo
  • taking part in our Keeper for a Day programme
  • exploring our corporate partnership opportunities

 

Assisting the zoo in this way helps them care for the animals and continue their important conservation work.The growth in human population and changes to the environment means the danger to animals is even greater than before.

 

View all items in the sections:  Zoos and Aquariums  |  Things To Do In Antrim

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