Belfast Zoological Gardens

Looking for a great day out with the family? Then make sure you fit in a visit to the wonderful Belfast Zoological Gardens in Northern Ireland, situated on Cave Hill on a 55-acre site overlooking Belfast Lough.

The zoo cares for over 1,000 animals and 150 species and most of its animals are in fact in danger in their natural habitat. Conservation is an important aspect of the zoo’s work and consequently it is involved in international and European breeding programmes to help protect the survival of these threatened species.

The Bird Park contains a variety of endangered and exotic birds including hornbills and turacos, while the Rainforest House is a tropical experience at a constant 27ыC. In its walk-through exhibition, visitors will see fruit bats, sloths (summer only), different types of pigeon and jacanas, a wading wetland bird. The Giraffe and Elephant enclosure houses favourites such as Grant’s zebras, Asian elephants, meerkats, porcupines, anteaters and a large herd of Rothchild’s giraffes, many of which have been born at the zoo as a result of a successful European breeding programme.

Other animals on view include Barbary lions, kangaroos, gibbons and spider monkeys. At the Lake side, there are beautiful Chilean flamingos, spider monkeys and the great white pelican. The zoo has set up a native species group to raise awareness about the problems that they too face, to work with other zoos to conserve them and their habitats. Why not find out about Animal experiences?

Suitable for children aged 4+, these are a great memory of a special day and visitors can get close to either giraffes, penguins or ring-tailed lemurs and learn all about them. There is a busy events calendar with events running through the year including zoo tours. It really is a fantastic day out for everyone, no matter their age.