Belfast Zoo will say farewell to two of its oldest and most beloved animals on the 24 of July 2024.
Asian elephants, Dhunja and Yhetto, have been a huge part of the zoo family for over fifteen years and will soon move to their new home at Burger’s Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands.
At Burger’s Zoo, the elderly female pair will join a herd of two other compatible, older female elephants, providing them with the social structure that female elephants require in their older years.
Asian elephants have been at the zoo since it first opened 90 years ago. Come along and join us for a week-long celebration as we say farewell to our majestic Asian elephants, Dhunja and Yhetto and wish them happiness in their new home.
Starting on 8 July we will be hosting trunk-loads of fun, elephant-themed activities.
So, don’t miss out on the chance for one last look at these gentle giants, visit the zoo and say goodbye to our iconic mammals.
- See the zoo’s animals at special feeding times throughout the day.
- Take time out at the Zoo café and relax and enjoy a screening of “The Zoo” movie, which tells the wonderful true story of how a lonely widow and three schoolchildren banded together to save an elephant in Belfast Zoo from being killed during World War II.
- Join our talks and hear stories about all our elephants during their 90 years at Belfast Zoo.
- Fill the elephants’ packing trunks with postcards full of your memories and well wishes.
- Grab a photo with the zoo mascots.
- Create your own keepsake with our elephant activities.
- Visit the elephants and wish them farewell.
- Pose for a photo souvenir at the Photography Basecamp.
- Pick up a commemorative memento booklet from our gift shop.
Prize draws
If you book your tickets online to visit us during 8 to 14 July, you will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win some great prizes including family zoo memberships, family zoo tickets, animal adoptions and zoo goodie bags.
Catering at the zoo
The Zoo Café offers children’s meal deals, freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and a range of hot meals. Snacks, ice-cream, and hot drinks are also available at Treetops Tearoom. The ice-cream kiosk is open beside the lake.
Plan your day
You need a ticket to enter the zoo. You can buy your tickets online. Standard admission prices apply.
The zoo is open from 10am to 6pm daily, with last admission 4.30pm.