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Newtownabbey
Things to do in Newtownabbey
Belfast Zoo
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Belfast Zoo

See all things to do
See all things to do
Belfast Zoo
4
#2 of 25 things to do in Newtownabbey
Zoos
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Belfast Zoo is located in north Belfast. The zoo's 55 acre site is home to more than 1,000 animals and 150 species. The majority of our animals are in danger in their natural habitat. The zoo also carries out important conservation work and takes part in European and international breeding programmes which help to ensure the survival of many species under threat. Belfast Zoo is one of the top fee-paying visitor attraction in Northern Ireland, receiving more than 300,000 visitors a year.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
977 reviews
Excellent
380
Very good
283
Average
153
Poor
90
Terrible
71
Flick1972
Carnmoney9 contributions
Avoid
Nov 2023 • Family
Where do I start.. dog poo virtually everywhere. Filthy tables in the tree top cafe and virtually no animals to be seen anywhere. Avoid at all costs
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We are sorry to hear that you where disappointed with your visit. Belfast Zoo has a no dog policy which is strictly adhered too, however exceptions are made for assistance dogs which is rare. Belfast Zoo team work hard daily to ensure that the grounds and facilities are cleaned daily to ensure a good customer experience. We do have a large variety of different animals at the Zoo, however sometimes a very small amount of them decide to take some time in their houses
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tootruthful
Belfast, UK57 contributions
Great Day Out
Aug 2023 • Family
Lovely day out.
Zoo well kept, clean and tidy
Lion enclosure 5*

Staff friendly and helpful.

Only criticism would be lack of cafe/food facilities.
Take your own picnic.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Hi tootruthful Thank you for giving us a 5* review, We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon !
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CGR_11
Whitehaven, UK21 contributions
The worst tearoom in the world
Oct 2023 • Family
The worst tearoom in the world!

The only catering that was open was the Tree Tops Tearoom.

Despite what the menu said there was no hot food and they couldn’t even make a cup of tea.

The whole inside seating area has been given over to self service units (most of them empty) so we had to sit outside on the wet benches.

Dreadful.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Hi CGR_11 Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We are disappointed to hear that the catering was not what you expected, Our catering partner offers a limited service during the Winter Months. However We do offer Vending facilities with covered seating near the Tree tops tearoom which we are looking to upgrade very soon. We hope that you will choose to visit us again
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lasv32
Belfast, UK711 contributions
Hilly! But a good zoo
Jul 2023 • Family
Be warned there are steep parts to this zoo. We had a good day. We went on a lotto day out with babies in prams and enjoyed the walk and animals. However the wasps are a nightmare and the smell of weed st the restaurant was awful. The shop is also very expensive.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Hi Lasv18 Thank you for leaving your 4* review, we are pleased to hear that you had a great day with the babies, the zoo is hilly, but did you know that we do offer drop offs (bookable online) at the top of the zoo, so that you can take your time visiting the animals on the walk down. The smell that you referred too, near the restaurant comes from the maned wolf, who has a very pungent distinct smell, which they use to mark their territory over very large areas, and it is documented to smell like marijuana.
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann B
Belfast, UK28 contributions
Enjoyable day out.
Sep 2023 • Family
Lovely day at Belfast Zoo with Canadian visitor who works at Toronto Zoo. I was delighted that she was so impressed with the Zoo and spectacular views of Belfast. Added bonus was the Zoo mobile that got us to the top of hill, enjoyed a delicious ice cream and made our way back down visiting all the animal enclosures. It was so good to see the animals well cared for. It would have been good to get a coffee when we arrived back down to the entrance of Zoo but nothing available.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you for your kind 4* review! We're glad that you enjoyed your visit, and we hope to see you again soon!
Written 24 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jennifer c
95 contributions
Not the best I’ve been to but ok
Aug 2023 • Family
Be prepared for the wasps!! They do work hard to look after the animals but there’s a few empty unexplained enclosures, very steep in places for folk with disabilities and walking issues it isn’t ideal. I’d like to know why there was only 1 elephant, and where the sun bear had gone. The hill top cafe was covered in wasps inside and outside the shop. I suggest the zoo try and eliminate the nests, whilst they do have wasp catchers all around the park, they still don’t help. Over all it was a 7/10 experience.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you for your kind 4* review! Unfortunately wasps are a recurring problem at this time of year, particularly around areas with food and bins, however we, our catering provider and contracted pest control company try our best to actively manage them with regular removal of nests, emptying of bins, use of closed-topped bins and using sprays. While our unique Cave Hill location provides unrivalled and stunning views across Belfast Lough, we do recognise that the steep terrain can be difficult for some of our visitors. For this reason, we have included information on hill gradients on our zoo map which is available on the zoo website and at the zoo Visitor Centre. Visitors can book a tour on our Zoo-mobile vehicle or a drop-off to the top of the zoo site. We are currently home to two Asian elephants, Yhetto and Dhunja, and one Malayan sun bear called Bora. All of our animals have areas of their enclosures that they can retreat to for privacy and comfort, so we are sorry to hear that not all of the animals were viewable during your visit. Again, thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and we hope to see you again soon!
Written 8 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
the gluten free traveller
March, UK43 contributions
Good but steep
Aug 2023 • Family
Nice zoo. A bit hilly, some on our party couldn't make the mountain walk due to bad knees, we were not prepared for some areas being so steep. Lovely little zoo though even managed to get a gluten free sausage and chips with some lovely dips!!
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you very much for your kind 4* review. While our unique Cave Hill location provides unrivalled and stunning views across Belfast Lough, we do recognise that the steep terrain can be difficult for some of our visitors. For this reason, we have included information on hill gradients on our zoo map which is available on the zoo website and at the zoo Visitor Centre. Visitors can book a tour on our Zoo-mobile vehicle or a drop-off to the top of the zoo site. We are glad you had a great day out and hope to see you again soon!
Written 1 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joesv1
Kent, UK211 contributions
Great zoo
May 2023 • Couples
Great zoo really nice views over the city
Animals welfare is good and the facilities for guests also really good great day out for the family
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you for your kind 5* review, we hope to see you again soon!
Written 1 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
somethingsassy
isle of wight19 contributions
Great family day out
Aug 2023 • Family
Overall we would recommend this zoo. We spent about 5 hours here but could have stayed longer. We are a family of 4 with children aged 10 and 8 years and we visited on a sunny day in the summer hols.
We were initially disappointed with the first area where you see a derelict Floral Hall and some rather dated/small enclosures. These probably originate from when the zoo first opened in the 30's and could do with some updating. Some of the animals here did not look happy at all (the red squirrel looked really distressed). After this we found lots of large enclosures with multiple viewing areas, allowing a good chance of seeing the animals. The zoo is set on a hill offering beautiful views but the hilly nature may be tricky for wheelchair users and buggys.
We attended the feeding sessions and were slightly disappointed that there were no associated talks. The zoo offer an audio tour so I guess that is the alternative but we didn't take advantage of that.
There is a lovely play area suitable for all ages - great for letting the kids let off some steam while the adults take a rest.
The food eateries had a good selection including veggie/vegan options but none of the food is priced.
I realise a lot of this sounds negative but I just want to let people know what to expect. We had a lovely afternoon here and would recommend it to others. The kids definitely want to come back!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you for your kind 4* review! A feasibility study into the future of Belfast Zoo, including the listed Floral Hall, is ongoing and any long-term decision will be made by Belfast City Council’s elected members of the relevant committee. In recent years, a number of different uses have been considered including conferencing, weddings, animal exhibition, educational facilities, child-friendly facilities, etc. However, as I am sure you can appreciate, renovation of the building would be largely dependent on funding and resources available. We can assure you that animal care and welfare are our top priority. The zoo is home to more than 120 species, many of which are facing increasing threats in their natural habitats. We work collaboratively with zoos and conservation organisations around the world to ensure the future survival of these species through shared knowledge and breeding programmes. We are a member of several industry bodies including BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria), EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquaria). These bodies set out standards of animal care, enclosure requirements and animal husbandry. We are also regularly inspected to ensure that we meet the necessary legal standards for zoo licensing. Again, thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we hope to see you again soon!
Written 17 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shannon M
Larbert, UK18 contributions
Good value for money
Aug 2023 • Couples
This zoo has a wide variety of animals to see and is good value for money. The zoo is easy to navigate, however, quite steep paths due to it being on a hill. The enclosures are pretty good for most of the animals. Would like to see some more trees in the giraffes. Would recommend for a fun day out.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belfast Zoo
Thank you for your kind 5* review, we hope to see you again soon!
Written 17 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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BELFAST ZOO: Tickets, Tours & Things to Know (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Belfast Zoo