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Go a hunting as Belfast Zoo celebrates its 85th birthday
Belfast Zoo is 85 years old and to celebrate is hosting a birthday party on Saturday 30 March with a treasure hunt offering 85 fantastic prizes.
It is part of a fun filled adventure day with other activities including live history tales, animal feeding times, juggling workshops, garden games and street entertainment.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, said: “We are encouraging everyone to join in the celebrations and enjoy one of our important visitor attractions on this fun day for all the family.
“Most people I am sure will have their own memories of Belfast Zoo to share and this is a great occasion to do it. The older generation will have fond memories of climbing the steps that used to lead to Bellevue and these can still be glimpsed as visitors now drive past towards the new entrance.
“The Zoo has evolved so much over the years, it has become very much a conservation and education facility, taking part in more than 60 collaborative breeding programmes and providing a home to rescued animals.
“However birthdays are for celebrating the past and the future and it’s a day for all ages to come together. Parents and grandparents will be able to share their memories with today’s youngsters as well as enjoy over 600 animals and a whole host of activities,” added the Lord Mayor.
“Everyone can have fun hunting for the commemorative coins that will be hidden around the site to win prizes including free zoo memberships, animal adoptions, Junior Keeper for A Day experiences and super souvenirs,” she said.
The Zoo originally opened in March 1934 and was home to tigers, polar bears, baboons, kangaroos, camels, brown bears and leopards among other species. Today the Zoo remains on the scenic Cavehill site and is home to over 120 species of animal including elephants, lions, giraffes, Andean bears, penguins, sea lions and much more.
The celebrations start at 10am and run throughout Saturday, 30 March until 4pm – the last admission to the zoo will be at 2.30pm and normal admission fees will apply.
Join the fun and sign up to enjoy the many events.
- Juggling workshops
- Street entertainment
- Live history tales
- Garden games
- Animal feeding times
- Keeper talks
- Face painting