Belfast Zoo Reviews

Lovely outing, but quite steep so be prepared for a bit of a workout if pushing a stroller!

Great place, but the animal enclosures could be bigger

I can tell that this is a zoo where they try to ensure that the animals get a habitat which is sorta nice and suitable for them rather than simply put them in concrete or steel cages, which is nice. That said, it's not a big zoo and so they don't have a very varied selection. We found that of the animals they do have they are often found resting all the way at the far end of their respective habitats, so rather hard or even impossible to see for visitors. There tend to be large areas of bushes between the fences and pavements and they are tall bushes at that, which makes it even harder to actually see anything. That's pretty weird. I'm six feet tall and these bushes are obstructing my view considerably. Imagine bringing children. I understand that there is probably a reason for the bushes, such as keeping people from banging on the glass or fences for example for the comfort of the animals, but there's got to be a better way. Perhaps the bushes and such just need to be maintained a lot better. The same could be said for glass enclosed habitats. At some places the glass is quite dirty which doesn't benefit the viewing experience, and this is not just from kids putting their hands on it. The rainforest exhibit is basically a small room with a few bats hanging from the ceiling a few birds and a sloth, and it smells a bit foul in there. The reptilian exhibit is also small but it has a few snakes and lizard-like species in different enclosures. The highlight for me was the sea lions. At least there was a good view on them and they were active. The elephants were decent as well. One thing you should definitely be aware of is that the zoo is extremely hilly. On the one hand this is kinda interesting but on the other it is exhausting and it makes the zoo perhaps not very suitable for people with reduced stamina or physical disadvantages. All in all we made the most of it while we were there but I feel no need to come back and when compared to other zoos I've been to ultimately there really is no point coming here.

Such a good zoo! And they have a baby giraffe called George who's a week old and is so adorable. And baby penguins and baby prairie dogs. And lots of other animals. Looking a nice family day out go and see Belfast zoo! And support your local zoo.

Great day out spent at Belfast Zoo, the new measures put in place for the safety of the staff and customers during the pandemic are great, the one way system and markings make visitation a safe and pleasurable one, keep up the good work.

Amazing, animals well kept. They know what they r doing!

Great day out! Even under Covid19 restrictions. Wonderful playpark, lots of photo opportunities, good viewpoints of the animals and the city, informative facts all around and nice places to eat and rest.

Good selection of animals. The Chimpanzee and Gorilla keeper talks were very good, though the penguin and sealion ones were just feeding, not talks as advertised. The sealion feed was entertaining though. The youngest gorilla is an absolute star, seeking the limelight and hamming it up, she was great fun.
Most of the animals were in good sized enclosures. The only ones that made me uncomfortable were for the big cats, and the Eagles. However, even the lions looked happy.
Be aware, the sight is very hilly.

Great afternoon spent there animals look well cared for, only comment they are still using plastic straws, cutlery and don't seem to recycle much

We took part in the giraffe experience - ten out of ten for the staff and the animals. Absolutely amazing and a wonderful lifetime memory for our daughter.
Thanks everyone!

The zoo itself is good and has a nice tea shop at the top of the walk. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a fine steep walk up to the top. The staff are very friendly and warm and a there is fine variety of animals to see.

Nice little zoo. tight going though when your pushing a pram up them hills.

We had a great time at the zoo, plenty of animals and all loved well looked after

Nicely laid out zoo with good facilities. Was lovely to see the animals opening there Christmas presents.

Great day out with the wife and kids. Only downside was there were too many kids from summer schemes running about screaming, banging the glass and cages of the animals. Think the Zoo should have separate days for Summer schemes and the general public.

A fair day out but not for the faint hearted with the hills an exhausting walk for the unfit elderly or wee ones

Always a great visit, animals seem housed in appropriate enclosures and well cared for. Some nice new ideas.

Guys if you are in the Belfast area go to see the animals me and auntie love it

Nice day but always a bit depressing, others with me enjoyed the experience though

The zoo is a great location to bring the kids, but be warned the food facilities are very over priced and under quality. Recommended bringing your own, there are a number of picnic areas.

Brilliant day out for all the family. Plenty of toilets and two cafes on site. Small gift shop when leaving.

I was not happy going to this zoo it has seriously fallen since i was a child enclosures are to small. There must of been at least 12 giraffe shoved into one small Enclosure not good enough. Not to mention admission price is dear and most of the animals were not present as we walked around there were signs saying enclosures where under repair and so the animals had been taken in etc lions were in elephants and giraffes were in sun bear was pregnant so was in. Thats fine just dont charge full price if that is the case. Its a shame because it sits on cave hill in beautiful part of belfast!! Animals need better enclosures!!

Great day out - combines Hill climbing with "wildlife" viewing in child oriented environ. Climb hill, stop for lunch, stroll down.

Excellent! I will definitely visit again! Lovely staff, that helped me and was very kind and professional! And the animals! Superb idea to spend a day with your family! 5/5 (would give more stars if there was a possibility!)

Great day out. They are updating a number of enclosures but there is a lot of investment need.

Great day out. Well worth a visit. Lots of animals out side but could not see the tigers, also the hedges around the lion's could do with being cut away completely so u can see them. Toilets very clean,cafe at the top was a bit expensive but good. It's a great zoo with stunning views.

Love this zoo. Gets alot of criticism but the kids love it. It's in a great location, reasonably priced and plenty to entertain for a full day

What a fantastic place to take your family .Well set out and very safe the staff was fantastic

The reptile room has reopened, we were disapointed when this closed years back. We seen a lot of animals on our trip and the play park is brill. lovely day out . exhuasting with the hill thou.

Most of the animals were inside their houses, and not much was stirring.

Great place to spend the day. Bring a picnic to keep costs down.

Very friendly place and kept very well but unfortunately it can't hold a candle to the vastly superior Dublin Zoo. Certainly in need of some serious investment !

2nd time in it it's just about ok very expensive food

Terrific! Modern zoo with the animatics being able to retreat. Beautifully integrated in the landscape, should be a bit of a challange for wheelchairs, though ...

Great zoo.
I bring my son here every other month. He loves it.
The last time we were there, we got talking to a zoo keeper, who told us all about the upkeep and care of the animals. He took the time to explain things to my son, which was a great touch.
I really couldn't recommend it highly enough and anyone that complains about the hill, the exercise will do you good.

Given that covid restrictions are in place they are doing a great job and you get to still see a lot of the animals.

Jeepers o the animals look very sad in them wee ol cages do u not feed them

Something different. Didn't like that it was all up hill and that the tree top snack hut wasnt properly advertised as closed for the day.

Awesome family day out, just be prepared for the hills

Great value for money only thing that let's it down is accessibility my elderly mother couldn't make it up the hill to the zoo after arriving at the bottom by public transport kids loved it something for everyone and reasonably priced at 33 ponds for a family

We chose a good day to go, there weren't many other people about and we got to see all the animals. The zoo hasn't changed in all the time I've visited over the last 30 years. They are starting to make changes now so hopefully this will make things better, wear your walking shoes, it's a very steep walk!!

Its fine, just a little out dated, and pricey for what it is.

A lot of walking uphill,badly signed zoo.clueless staff & parking!

The zoo is brilliant my kids love it. always lots of animals on show. My son has autism and asked to go 3/4 times a week it's his favourite place. We own half the gift shop And most of the times we go up its very quiet so suits him as he More

The zoo is nice and local to Belfast which is good. It is on a hill so bring your walking boots.

I like the zoo, and wish it does well in the future however as a returning customer it seems I've been too late to realise the benefits of a picnic.

Brilliant day out. Up close to all the animals. Definitely will be back

Fantastic zoo we go every year Chats with the keepers make a big difference to the enjoyment Cafe at the top is absolute rubbish and the toilets are not too clean The WORST bit is the lack of disabled facilities They should have a full changing room There were quite a few young disabled people there who would have had to be wet or worse all day A great same for a great place

Visited the zoo today with a group of kids from youth club kids food packs were ok but sandwiches that adults got were stale and on the walk round the zoo less than half the animals were out it was a total waste of money even kids were disappointed

Enjoyed my time there. Loved watching Penguins, Sealions, Meerkat, Red Pandas, plus loads of birds species, monkey species. A must visit place for kids especially.

First of all it must be said if you get the bus here be prepared for a good five min walk up a steep hill, this would not be good for prams of wheelchairs, get a cab here or drive if you're a keen walker, infact the zoo itself is a hill so get your comfy walking shoes on people!

Enclosures were spread out, the signage and maps were often wrong or misleading and some animals that they stated did not exist in the zoo anymore.

The cafe here was very limited menu wise, and unless you're having chips vegetarian and vegan optipns very limited, was not impressed by the food here at all.

Plenty of animals to see however so don't let this put you off

A relaxing day at the zoo. Loved it although it would not have killed some of the younger staff members to crack a smile once in a while. My favorite area was at the primate enclosure, just wonderful.

Most animals were cooperative. Great place for someone who loves a camera like me.

There's lots to see & good viewing areas.
Nice family photo option at the reception.
There's a good playground for young kids.
The restaurant wasn't great - Although the staff were friendly & helpful - the kids menu was only 1 option with no choice or variation - ( ham sandwich only, crisps smokey bacon only & drink ) & not really vegetarian or vegan friendly - Better to bring lunch ?
Belfast Zoo is built on a steep hill - So wear comfortable walking shoes & bear the hills in mind.

To many hills far to hard to get a child in a wheel chair around

Nice setting and the animals seem well cared for. Staff were very friendly and helpful and our kids had a great day out at the zoo. A few items weren't open - Bees, Tigers - and the lion enclosure was being redone so it did limit a few of the main attractions but still plenty to see.

If you like killing yourself walking up the side of mountains then you will love this place!

Not terrible but needs an update. A lot of the enclosures were empty and replacing a tiger with a capybara disappointed the kids. Not really in the same league is it? Infrastructure needs some TLC.

If you are disabled forget it .its all up hill very steep gradient. Glass on most of the houses very dirty Resteraunt over priced and basic. No substitution take a picnic. Or better still go to Dublin.

kids had a great day , despite the rain , glad to see the zoo opened again.

Not the best zoo. Faculties a bit out dated. Could do with a revamp..

Took our grandchildren. Not a great lover of animals in captivity. But these ones did look well cared for and contented with their lot. Being on a hillside makes for some good walking - a doddle for the children but some serious aches & pains for us older ones the following day. Hey ho, that's not the zoos fault!! A good place to visit!!

If you are in Belfast you have to go there, it's really beautiful, a bit tiring as you walk a lot uphill but it's worth it.