Gift pack terms and conditions

General

Gift packs (except the Animal Experience for two) are strictly for individuals only - ione person will receive the experience and adoption as part of the Experience Gift Pack.

Full payment must be received to secure the gift packs.

Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter, change or remove these items from sale without prior notice.

Animal Experiences

Giraffe experience is available for ages 8+. Children (aged 15 and under) must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times.
Lemur experience is available for age 10+. Children (aged 15 and under) must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times.
Penguin experience is available for age 10+. Children (aged 15 and under) must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times.
All Belfast Zoo animal experiences must be pre-booked.
All bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.
All animal experiences include entry to Belfast Zoo for the participant. Check our website for up-to-date opening times to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
All additional participants or visitors must pay normal admission.
You must be at the zoo at least 30 minutes before your booked session. If you are late, you will not be able to take part in the experience (for health and safety and operational reasons), no refund will be offered, and no discussions entered into.
Make yourself known to a member of our team on arrival at the zoo. A member of zoo crew will guide you to the animal area to meet the keeper.
You must display your ticket to gain access to the animal experience.
Your ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Your ticket can only be used on the date selected. We are not able to change the date.
Once purchased, an experience cannot be exchanged for another option and cannot be re-sold.
Due to unforeseen operational and animal care circumstances, Belfast Zoo cannot guarantee that all animals and exhibits will be available on the date selected. Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter or cancel the experience on any given day. Belfast Zoo will give as much notice as possible. However, this cannot always be guaranteed. Belfast Zoo cannot cover travel, accommodation or any other associated costs if the scheduled date is cancelled.
You must wear suitable clothing and footwear. This includes trousers (not shorts, skirts or dresses) and appropriate closed-toe footwear. Clothing should be in neutral colours and not bright as this can startle the animals.
For animal care and husbandry reasons, all participants must use disinfectant hand wash before entering and upon leaving the animal area.
You must abide by staff instructions and safety rules at all times.
You must not enter areas that staff identify as out of bounds or cross any safety barriers during your experience.
You will be supervised by a member of zoo staff at all times.
Due to animal behavioural issues, experiences may vary.
If you are running late or unable to make the experience due to unforeseen circumstances on the day, call us on 028 9077 6277. If you have any queries prior to your experience, email [email protected]
If for any unforeseen circumstance your member of staff is late, be patient. They will be with you as soon as possible and will ensure that you have the full 30-minute experience.
Belfast Zoo accepts no liability for any person or body for any loss, injury or property damage from any action or cause whatsoever undertaken at the site.
Our terms and conditions apply at all times during the animal experience and while on the zoo site.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to ask any participant to leave the experience or the zoo, should they behave in an inappropriate or unsafe manner.
It is your responsibility to inform us if you have any medical condition that you, or your doctor feel we should be aware of in order to ensure your safety. Inform us if you have any allergies (for example, dust or fur).
Inform us of any disabilities to ensure us to try to adapt our encounters to suit.
You must not take part in an animal experience if you have convictions relating to animals.
You will be supervised at all times during the animal experience.
All children must be accompanied by adults. Normal admission fees will apply to these persons.
During the animal experience, the supervising adult must be present at all times to view their experience from the normal visitors viewing area. However, this adult will not participate in the animal area.
Not all animals will take part in the experience. They have the freedom to choose to participate or not.
Food and drink is not permitted in the experience area.
Multiple people can take part in an animal experience. You may, therefore, share your experience with other people.
It is your responsibility to inform us of any medical condition, disability, mobility requirement, allergy, phobia or any other condition that we should be aware of to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
While every effort is made to accommodate medical condition, disabilities, mobility requirements, allergies, phobias or any other condition, this may not always be reasonably possible. Contact Belfast Zoo for advice before purchasing. Be aware that failure to declare such information may result in cancellation of the experience without refund.

Membership

The following details are required for Belfast Zoo membership:

A family membership is applicable to two adults and three children OR one adult and four children.
Individual adult members must provide proof of address and photographic identification.
Members must have a valid and current Northern Ireland address.
Child members (children aged 3 to 15) must provide proof of date of birth and proof of address.
Concession members (65 and over) must provide proof of address, proof of date of birth and photographic identification.
Concession members (students) must provide a letter stamped by their university or college, in the UK or Republic of Ireland, stating that they are in full time education. They must also provide proof of address and photographic identification.

The following terms and conditions apply to membership of Belfast Zoo:

Members’ received unlimited access to the zoo during normal opening hours.
Members’ must show their card on every visit. If you don't, you may be asked to pay the full entrance fee.
Membership cards are not transferable. Members’ may be asked to present photo identification.
Membership is only for those people named on the original application form.
Membership is for access to the zoo only - other events or venues are not included.
Members’ will have to pay a fee of £5 if your card is lost or destroyed.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to refuse entry and suspend or cancel your membership.
Children should be aged from 3 to 15 on the date they join the membership scheme.
A child member, under the age of 15, must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Membership is only valid for one year and will not be accepted after the expiry date.
Membership cannot be used for school visits.
Membership benefits may change at any time without prior notice.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to amend, withdraw or update the terms of membership at any time without prior notice.
Membership lasts for one year from the date taken out. You will not be refunded if you cancel your membership.
Other zoos participating in the membership scheme reserve the right to withdraw from or amend their offer at any time without prior notice.
Belfast Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The zoo may close in extreme weather conditions or in cases beyond its control.
Belfast Zoo will record your image as proof of identification for usage. Your photo will be taken at the zoo when you apply for membership.

Adoptions

Adoptions can take up to five working days to process.
We are not responsible for any delays, losses or damages, once we have dispatched your adoption pack.
Each adoption is for a term of 12 months, with the option to renew at the end of this period.
Adoption applies to a species at Belfast Zoo and not an individual animal.
Belfast Zoo’s animal collection is always evolving. If your adopted species is withdrawn from the collection you will be given the opportunity to choose another species for the remainder of your adoption year. However, refunds will not be given.
All Adoption packs purchased are non-transferable, non-refundable and are not for resale. Refunds cannot be given if adoption is cancelled mid-term.
Names of adopters are listed on the adoption board located beside the visitor centre for bronze, silver and gold packages only. It can take up to 60 days for the adoption board to be updated.
You will receive a written invitation to the zoo’s annual adopter’s day. We are unable to reschedule this event, offer other dates or provide other options due to an individual’s circumstance. Cub adopters do not receive this benefit.
Due to the nature of the zoo’s collection we cannot guarantee that the animal that you have adopted will be on show at the time of your visit as they have areas to go to for privacy.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to refuse admission or cancel adoption without refund if anyone does not adhere to the visitor code of behaviour.
Any complimentary admission tickets issued with your adoption pack are only valid for the date stated on the ticket. These tickets are only valid during our standard opening times and are not valid for admission to any special events.
If a soft toy of your chosen animal is not available, a substitute animal will be offered.

Junior Keeper for a Day

Junior Keeper for a day experience is available to persons aged 8 to 16.
The participants must have approval from their parent or guardian to take part in the experience.
Junior Keeper for a day itinerary is designed to allow as much time as possible with the keepers whilst not detracting from the running of the Zoo. As such, it is not possible to request activities outside those included in the itinerary, or change the times of the experience.
All participants are required to complete a medical questionnaire before their booking can be confirmed. Inform us of any disabilities, mobility requirements, medical conditions, allergies and phobias to enable us to try to adapt where reasonable the experience to your needs. Every effort is made to accommodate visitors with a disability or medical condition, however this may not always be reasonably possible. Contact Belfast Zoo for advice before purchasing.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to inform us of any medical conditions that we should be aware of in order to ensure the safety of the participant, staff or animals.
The experience is not available to pregnant women, people with relevant phobias or at-risk allergies or immuno-compromised individuals.
You are prohibited from taking part in the experience if you have convictions relating to the mistreatment of animals or a prosecution pending.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter the itinerary, route, or any other element of the experience at any time.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Belfast Zoo cannot guarantee that all animals and exhibits will be available on the date selected.
The experience will finish at approximately 2.40pm. Visitors can remain in the zoo after this time until normal closing time.
The participant must be accompanied by a responsible adult (aged 18 or over) at all times throughout the experience.
If the identified responsible adult is not the participant’s parent or guardian, a parent or guardian is responsible for identifying an appropriate adult to act on their behalf.
The responsible adult will not take part in the experience activities.
As part of the experience, the participant and responsible adult will be tasked with making their way between set locations as part of map-reading activity. The participant will therefore not be supervised by zoo staff throughout the entire duration of the experience.
Participants will not be accompanied by staff during the lunch break.
Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult (aged 18 or over) at all times when on the zoo site.
All Belfast Zoo animal experiences must be booked in advance.
All bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.
The completed medical questionnaire must be returned to Belfast Zoo before a booking can be confirmed.
All animal experiences include entry to Belfast Zoo. Check our website for up-to-date opening times to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
Prices are non-negotiable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion unless otherwise stated.
Wear either sturdy wellington boots or sturdy walking shoes. Do ensure that shoes are comfortable as participants will be on their feet throughout the experience.
Wear suitable clothing. We advise trousers (no shorts, skirts or dresses).
Wear clothing which participants do not mind getting dirty.
Clothing should be in neutral colours as bright colours can startle some animals.
Belfast Zoo is an outdoor attraction. Participants should pack clothing for wet weather and for sun protection.
Do not wear jewellery.
Bring a change of clothes for after the experience.
If you are not wearing suitable clothing or footwear, you will strictly not be permitted to take part in the experience.
You must abide by staff instructions and safety rules at all times.
The users agree that their visit will be conducted in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with all relevant health and safety regulations and requirements.
Visitors must not enter areas which are identified as out of bounds or cross any safety barriers.
Visitors will be supplied with a ‘Stay Safe’ sheet which they must follow at all times.
Responsible adults must ensure any medication, for example, inhalers or epi-pens, are brought to the experience. They are responsible for administering these if required.
Staff may have to manoeuvre participants if faced with emergency situation. This may involve staff placing their hands on the participant to move them. Where possible, this will be communicated to parents in advance, however in the event of emergency there may not be sufficient time for this instruction.
The responsible adult must bring photographic ID to confirm their identity. Zoo staff will check this ID on arrival. If the responsible adult cannot produce ID, the experience will not commence.
The responsible adult is required to sign the terms and conditions and disclosure statement on arrival. By signing these, the responsible adult is confirming that the participant’s information provided is accurate, they are aged 8 – 16 and they have disclosed all relevant medical information.
Visitors should arrive promptly for the start of their booking.
If you are running late or unable to make the experience due to unforeseen circumstances on the day, call us on 028 9077 6277.
The booking may be shortened or cancelled in the event of the visitor arriving late for the booking.
A refund will not be available in the event of no-show or late arrivals.
The responsible adult should make themselves known to a member of staff on arrival.
The responsible adult must display their receipt on the day of the visit as proof of payment.
Due to unforeseen operational and animal care circumstances, Belfast Zoo cannot guarantee that all animals and exhibits will be available on the date selected.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter or cancel the experience on any given day. Belfast Zoo will give as much notice as possible, however, this cannot always be guaranteed.
Belfast Zoo will not reimburse travel, accommodation or any other associated costs if the scheduled date is cancelled.
Your ticket can only be used on the date selected. Belfast Zoo are not able to change the date
Bookings are non-transferrable and non-refundable.
Belfast reserves the right to close or prohibit use of its facilities at its discretion for example on health and safety grounds or on breach of terms and conditions.
Belfast Zoo or its employees do not accept any liability for any accident, loss or damage, injury or illness to participants, their property, vehicles and contents or to any other person or property whatsoever, whether caused by their negligence, breach of contract or in any other way whatsoever.
The zoo’s visitor code of conduct applies at all times during the experience and while on the zoo site.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to ask any participant to leave the experience or the zoo, should they fail to adhere to the instructions of its employees, fail to adhere to health and safety requirements or behave in an inappropriate or unsafe manner.
Food and drink is not permitted in the experience area.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to refuse admission to the site or facilities.
Belfast Zoo provides storage lockers which are located at the Visitor Centre. Lockers require payment.
If a child becomes lost on-site contact Belfast Zoo staff immediately or call 028 9077 6266. Staff will implement the lost child procedure.
The responsible adult agrees to pay any costs of repair or making good any loss or damage that arises from the booking.
Any invoice submitted by Belfast City Council for the costs of repairing damages shall be payable within 30 days.
Belfast Zoo visitor code of conduct protects animals and the safety of visitors. The code of conduct applies to all visitors at all times while at Belfast Zoo.
Normal Zoo opening hours apply.

Adult Keeper for a Day

“Keeper for a day” experience is available to persons aged 18 years and over.
“Keeper for a day” experience timetable is designed to allow as much time as possible with the keepers whilst not detracting from the running of the Zoo. As such, it is not possible to request activities outside those described.
A reasonable level of fitness is required to take part. All participants are required to forward the completed medical questionnaire at least 7 working days prior to the date of the booking.
It is your responsibility to inform us if you have any medical condition that you, or your doctor feel we should be aware of in order to ensure your safety.
Inform us if you have any allergies (for example, dust, fur or animal bedding).
Inform us of any disabilities to enable us to try to adapt where reasonable the Keeper for a day experience to your needs.
Keeper for a day experience is not available to pregnant women, people with relevant phobias or known allergies or immuno-compromised individuals.
While every effort is made to accommodate those with a disability or learning difficulty, this may not always be reasonably possible. Contact Belfast Zoo for advice before purchasing.
You are prohibited from taking part in the Keeper for a day or any other animal experience if you have convictions relating to the mistreatment of animals or a prosecution pending.
You will be supervised at all times during the animal experience.
All Belfast Zoo animal experiences must be pre-booked.
All bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.
Your booking pack includes arrival details, a guide to safety procedures, a medical questionnaire, terms and conditions and a disclaimer.
The completed medical questionnaire must be returned to Belfast Zoo before a booking can be taken.
Full payment is required to secure your booking.
Vouchers or special offers cannot be redeemed in association with animal experiences.
All animal experiences include entry to Belfast Zoo. Check our website for up-to-date opening times to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
Your ticket is non-transferrable and non-refundable.
Wear steel toe capped boots. Do ensure that your boots are comfortable as you will be on your feet for most of the day.
Wear suitable clothing. We advise trousers (not shorts, skirts or dresses)
Wear clothing which you do not mind getting dirty
Clothing should be in neutral colours as bright colours can startle the giraffe herd.
Pack waterproofs in case it rains and sun screen and a sun hat if your experience is booked to take place in summer.
Do not wear jewellery.
Bring a change of clothes for the end of the day. If you have any queries prior to your experience, call 028 9077 6277for advice.
You will be met by the duty officer or the keeper who will check your photographic identification and witness you signing these terms and conditions.
You must abide by staff instructions and safety rules at all times.
You will be supervised by a member of zoo staff at all times.
If you are running late or unable to make the experience due to unforeseen circumstances on the day, call us on 028 9077 6277.
Belfast Zoo or its employees do not accept any liability for any accident, loss or damage, injury or illness to participants, their property, vehicles and contents or to any other person or property whatsoever, whether caused by their negligence, breach of contract or in any other way whatsoever.
Our visitor code of conduct applies at all times during the “keeper for a day” experience and while on the zoo site.
Belfast Zoo reserves the right to ask any participant to leave the experience or the zoo, should they fail to adhere to the instructions of its employees, fail to adhere to health and safety requirements or behave in an inappropriate or unsafe manner.
Food and drink is not permitted in the experience area.
You must not enter areas which staff identify as out of bounds or cross any safety barriers during your experience.
Due to unforeseen operational and animal care circumstances, Belfast Zoo cannot guarantee that all animals and exhibits will be available on the date selected. Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter or cancel the experience on any given day. Belfast Zoo will give as much notice as possible. However, this cannot always be guaranteed. Belfast Zoo will not reimburse travel, accommodation or any other associated costs if the scheduled date is cancelled.
Your ticket can only be used on the date selected. Belfast Zoo are not able to change the date
Once purchased, an experience cannot be exchanged for another option and cannot be re-sold.