Thank you for supporting Belfast Zoo by becoming an annual member. Our members play a vital role in contributing to our continuing conservation work.
Important information
Members do not need to book and can gain entry to the zoo during normal opening times. Please present your valid membership card on arrival.
Any non-member visitors joining you on your visit must book their tickets online or pay at the gate.
Members’ news
- New partner zoo
Belfast Zoo members now receive one free entry to Marwell Zoo! New members will receive their entry voucher with their membership pack. If you are a current member, you should ask for your entry voucher during your next visit to Belfast Zoo. Please remember to check Marwell Zoo’s entry policy and opening hours before your visit.
- Opening hours
From April to October, the zoo will be open from 10am to 6pm daily, with last entry at 4.30pm. Animal houses close at 5pm.
- Zoo improvement works
We have made these improvements and upgrades throughout the zoo:
Picnic area
Our picnic area at the top of the zoo was completed in 2022. With views of Cave Hill above and Belfast Lough below, we couldn't think of a nicer spot for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy the new sheltered seating next to the Treetops Tearoom, operated by Ability Café, which offers hot drinks, snacks, sandwiches and ice cream to keep you going!
Red pandas
Our red panda habitat was upgraded with new fencing, a higher roof and more open viewing areas. Members have the perfect opportunity to see our furry couple, Chris and Vixen!
Lemurs
We upgraded fencing at our ring-tailed lemur and red-bellied lemur habitats.
Reptile House
We created a new area for our American guinea pigs. Members can view the outdoor area, located near the entrance to our Education Centre.
Moloch gibbon
Lots of our members will be familiar with Hilo, our beautiful Moloch gibbon. Hilo’s outdoor habitat work is now finished with upgraded fencing, and impressive climbing frame and increased space.
Scottish wildcats
Work was completed on a new off-show habitat for our Scottish wildcats. Eagle-eyed members may have noticed some of our feline friends sitting up high on a range of perches.
Barbary lions
We recently started work on upgrading fencing at the lions’ outdoor habitat. We are planning a major development to the old tiger habitat which we hope to start in 2022.
Changing Places facility
We opened our Changing Places facility in April 2021. This is an accessible toilet designed with space and equipment for people who are not able to use a toilet independently. It includes a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling-mounted hoist, an adjustable washbasin, privacy screen and emergency alarm.
Accessible car parking bays
We upgraded our accessible car parking bays to provide level access from the bays to the Visitor Centre. We now have 17 accessible bays which are located close to the Visitor Centre entrance.
We continue to make improvements to the zoo and have some exciting developments planned for 2022 including a new picnic area and habitats some new animal species.
- Café opening hours
The Treetop Tearooms are open from Friday to Sunday in winter for takeaway with outdoor seating available. From April to September, the Treetop Tearooms are open from 10am to 6pm daily.
Zoo Café is open from 10am to 3pm. It will then be open at weekends through May and June, and daily in July and August from 10am to 3pm.
Members receive a 20 per cent discount in the zoo cafés.
- Education programme
The zoo’s education programme is open again for Discovery sessions, Self-guided visits and Outreach visits to your school or community centre. Virtual classes remain available.
- Birthday parties
Parties include zoo admission, tasty lunch, goodie bags, present for birthday child, photo opportunity with a zoo mascot, free admission for supervising adults and discounted admission for additional adults – all for just £18 per child!
Members' benefits
- Special offers
Members receive 20 per cent discount in the zoo’s cafés. Please present your valid membership card at the till.
Members receive 10 per cent discount on the zoo’s photography service. Please present your valid membership card at the till.
- Zoo admissions
Members also benefit from free visits to some zoos in the UK and Ireland (terms and conditions of entry apply):
- Fota Wildlife Park – one visit
- Marwell Zoo - one visit
- Woburn Safari Park – one visit
- Colchester Zoo – unlimited visits
- Exmoor Zoo – unlimited visits
- Twycross Zoo – unlimited visits
- Edinburgh Zoo – unlimited visits
- Highland Wildlife Park – unlimited visits
- Wild Place Project – unlimited visits
- Zoo communications
Members receive a minimum of two editions of Zoo Craic magazine, and our regular e-newsletter.
Contact
If you have any queries about your membership, please email [email protected].
