About

Belfast Zoological Gardens is home to more than 120 species of animal, many of which are in danger in their natural habitat.

Belfast Zoo is set on the beautiful slopes of Cave Hill and is home to over 100 amazing animal species, many of which are endangered in the wild.

Spread across 55 acres, visitors can enjoy fantastic views over Belfast Lough while exploring the zoo’s large playpark, grabbing a bite at one of the cafés, or relaxing in the spacious picnic areas. 

Belfast Zoo is an accredited member of leading zoo organisations like BIAZA, EAZA, and WAZA. With a strong focus on conservation and education, the zoo runs a full calendar of fun events throughout the year - making it a favourite spot for families and wildlife lovers alike. 

Get Involved with Belfast Zoo today: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/get-involve

Tickets

Tickets can be bought online or in person at Belfast Zoo. 

Carers entry 

Visitors paying standard admission price who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer. 

Visitors on the autism spectrum 

The Zoo recognises that visiting a busy outdoor attraction can be challenging so they have introduced measures to help ensure you have a stress-free and fun day at the zoo. 

Belfast Zoo have developed a visual guide which has been designed to walk you through the Zoo before you visit so you are aware of what sights and sounds to expect and you can plan your visit accordingly. 

They permit visitors with a JAM Card, Autism Alert Card or National Autism Card to be fast tracked to the top of the admission queue during busy periods. Please enter the Visitor Centre through the Zoovenir Shop entrance and ask a staff member to assist you with fast-track entry. 

Students 

Students receive discounted entry to Belfast Zoo all year round. You may be asked to present your Unidays or Student Card at admission. 

Contact Belfast Zoo for more information. 

Zoo Membership 

Join the Belfast Zoo family by becoming a member. You’ll get a whole year of free entry, access to fast track queuing, free entry to other Irish and British Zoos plus other Belfast Zoo goodies! 

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/membership

Opening Hours 

Summer 

10am to 6pm daily 

Last admission is 4.30pm 

Animal houses close at 5pm 

The Zoovenir Shop closes at 6pm 

The Zoo closes at 6pm 

Winter 

10am to 4pm daily 

Last admission is 2.30pm 

Animal houses close at 3pm 

The Zoovenir Shop closes at 4pm 

Onsite Facilities

Zoo Café  

Treetop Tearoom 

Percy’s By the Lake  

Percy’s Safari Grill 

Vending Machines situated throughout the site 

Zoovenir Shop 

Large Playpark 

Designated picnic areas 

Public toilets including accessible toilets 

Baby changing 

Accessible Zoo-mobile (fee applies) 

Party Room and Event Spaces (fee and pre-booking applies) 

Photography Service 

Animal Adoption

Animal adoption makes a great gift for the animal lovers in your life. Adoption lasts for one year and gives you the chance to contribute to the cost of feeding and looking after rare and endangered species. 

Buy an animal adoption package online >>

Junior Keeper For The Day

Do your little ones fancy walking in the boots of a Zoo Keeper? 

Belfast Zoo’s NEW Animal Experiences will give the next generation of Zoo Keepers the chance to get up close and personal with some of their favourite animals, while getting an insight into the day-to-day life of caring for some of the world’s most endangered species. 

Visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/experience to find out more about their Animal Experiences and Junior Keeper for a Day!