I finally got around to visit Belfast Zoo, via an early morning and flight, and the visit was well worth the effort.
Animals
The mammal collection is easily one of the best in the UK. It has pretty much a full compliment of ABC's (Lions, Tigers and (two types) of Bears, oh my!) which, off the top of my head, would only be bettered by Whipsnade and, probably, Chester and Colchester. Then there's the mammal rarities which really raises the bar (Beared Saki, Tree Kangaroo, Sifaka, Blesbok, Fossa, Sun Bear, Smooth-coated Otter, Moloch Gibbon & Asiatic Golden Cat). The bird collection holds its own (highlights for me being the Cockatoo collection, Blue-bellied Rollers, Wattled Jacana and the White-tailed Sea Eagles) but the reptile section, whilst well presented, is fairly small and pedestrian.
Enclosures
Like Blackpool (also established as a municipal zoo) the fact that the zoo was built in the 1970's means a lack of problematic "legacy enclosures" meaning that there are few blind spots and all enclosures are of good size and well-furnished. The Spectacled Bear enclosure is reminiscent of Dudley's Asiatic Black Bear enclosure, but much much larger and the big cat exhibits reminded me of some of those seen at German zoos (sizeable and open fronted with a water barrier near the viewing areas). A lot of the mammal enclosures allow for indoor viewing and whilst, aesthetically, the vast concrete back walls of some enclosures might be criticised by some I doubt the animals care. The views from the zoo to/over the surrounding areas is truly breathtaking and there are very few zoos in the UK that better Belfast in this respect. Be warned that the zoo's on quite a hill, probably second only to Edinburgh in it's challenging nature.
Keepers/Staff
They're easily the best out of all the zoos in Northern Ireland I've visited (boom boom!). Seriously, if there are more friendly and generous (with their time and knowledge) zoo staff in the UK I've never met them. The keepers bring their enthusiasm and personalities to the job which is all too rare in establishments nowadays.
Facilities
The toilets are good (sorry, an obsession of mine, probably born of having to endure cob-web ridden dark, dank outdoor toilets at infant school). The catering is in flux at present, with a cafeteria being refurbished, though the variety at the (only) kiosk was reasonable and the sandwiches bought were very nice. The gift shop was a little disappointing (very little Belfast Zoo branded product and no guide book) but, to be fair, it is probably very consistent with zoos with similar visitor numbers rather than in line with the (very high) the quality of the zoo.
Value For Money
Astoundingly good, best in the UK by a mile, no debate needed. It's only £7.10 to get in and a mere £3.60 for children (how many zoos in the UK have childrens' prices at pretty much half adult prices nowadays? not that I necessarily think they should, but you get my point). Anyone aged 60 or above gets in FREE!
As you might have guessed I loved the place and would encourage any zoo enthusiasts to the east of the Irish Sea (notice my skilled avoidance of the "M word" there) to make an effort to visit there when you can. Make sure you engage the keepers is conversation as they will enjoy talking and listening to you as much as you will to them. I guarantee you'll find the visit worthwhile, I'll be back that's for sure.
Animals
The mammal collection is easily one of the best in the UK. It has pretty much a full compliment of ABC's (Lions, Tigers and (two types) of Bears, oh my!) which, off the top of my head, would only be bettered by Whipsnade and, probably, Chester and Colchester. Then there's the mammal rarities which really raises the bar (Beared Saki, Tree Kangaroo, Sifaka, Blesbok, Fossa, Sun Bear, Smooth-coated Otter, Moloch Gibbon & Asiatic Golden Cat). The bird collection holds its own (highlights for me being the Cockatoo collection, Blue-bellied Rollers, Wattled Jacana and the White-tailed Sea Eagles) but the reptile section, whilst well presented, is fairly small and pedestrian.
Enclosures
Like Blackpool (also established as a municipal zoo) the fact that the zoo was built in the 1970's means a lack of problematic "legacy enclosures" meaning that there are few blind spots and all enclosures are of good size and well-furnished. The Spectacled Bear enclosure is reminiscent of Dudley's Asiatic Black Bear enclosure, but much much larger and the big cat exhibits reminded me of some of those seen at German zoos (sizeable and open fronted with a water barrier near the viewing areas). A lot of the mammal enclosures allow for indoor viewing and whilst, aesthetically, the vast concrete back walls of some enclosures might be criticised by some I doubt the animals care. The views from the zoo to/over the surrounding areas is truly breathtaking and there are very few zoos in the UK that better Belfast in this respect. Be warned that the zoo's on quite a hill, probably second only to Edinburgh in it's challenging nature.
Keepers/Staff
They're easily the best out of all the zoos in Northern Ireland I've visited (boom boom!). Seriously, if there are more friendly and generous (with their time and knowledge) zoo staff in the UK I've never met them. The keepers bring their enthusiasm and personalities to the job which is all too rare in establishments nowadays.
Facilities
The toilets are good (sorry, an obsession of mine, probably born of having to endure cob-web ridden dark, dank outdoor toilets at infant school). The catering is in flux at present, with a cafeteria being refurbished, though the variety at the (only) kiosk was reasonable and the sandwiches bought were very nice. The gift shop was a little disappointing (very little Belfast Zoo branded product and no guide book) but, to be fair, it is probably very consistent with zoos with similar visitor numbers rather than in line with the (very high) the quality of the zoo.
Value For Money
Astoundingly good, best in the UK by a mile, no debate needed. It's only £7.10 to get in and a mere £3.60 for children (how many zoos in the UK have childrens' prices at pretty much half adult prices nowadays? not that I necessarily think they should, but you get my point). Anyone aged 60 or above gets in FREE!
As you might have guessed I loved the place and would encourage any zoo enthusiasts to the east of the Irish Sea (notice my skilled avoidance of the "M word" there) to make an effort to visit there when you can. Make sure you engage the keepers is conversation as they will enjoy talking and listening to you as much as you will to them. I guarantee you'll find the visit worthwhile, I'll be back that's for sure.
