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
- Opening hours
- From 29 September to 30 March, the zoo is open from 10am to 4pm daily. Last entry is at 2pm. Animal houses close at 3pm.
- From 31 March to 28 September, the zoo is 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.
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 upgraded fencing at the lions’ outdoor habitat. We are planning a major development to the old tiger habitat which we started in 2023.
Changing Places facility
Our Changing Places facility 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.
- Café opening hours
Both cafés are currently closed. We will update this page when the cafés are open again. If you visit the zoo before 1 April 2025, there is no hot food provision. You can buy snacks and hot and cold drinks from our vending machines throughout the zoo.
- 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 are available.
- Birthday parties
Our Little Monkeys birthday package has everything you need for a zooper celebration.
Members' benefits
- Special offers
Members receive 20 per cent discount in the zoo’s cafés. Currently our cafés are closed.
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
- Exmoor Zoo – unlimited visits
- Twycross 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, email [email protected].
