The Zoo Belfast Zoological Gardens - Belfast
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We are home to 116 different species, most of which are endangered or extinct in the wild. We are one of many zoos around the world working to protect animals from extinction. Find out more about the animals that we care for. Belfast Zoo owes its origins to public transport in the form of trams. Horse drawn trams of the Belfast Street Tramway Company and the steam tramway of the Cavehill and Whitewell Tramway company carried passengers, from Belfast, to the outlying villages of Whitewell and Glengormley. Prices: Adult (17+) - £12 Child (four to 16) - £6 Child (under four) - Free Student - £6, Seniors - £6, Family (two adults and three children or one adult and four children) - £3 Opening Times: Summer (1 April - 30 September) 10am to 7pm daily Last admission is 5pm Animal houses close at 6pm The Zoovenir shop closes at 6pm Winter (1 October - 31 March) 10am to 4pm daily Last admission is 2.30pm Animal houses close at 3.30pm The Zoovenir shop closes at 4pm In 1911 the line was taken over by the Belfast Corporation who decided to build a playground and pleasure gardens - Bellevue Gardens - at the end of the line, to encourage customers and provide a recreational area. During the 20's and 30's Bellevue was a popular destination for day excursions and, in 1933, it was decided to have a ' representative zoological collection' on the site. In 1934, twelve acres on either side of the Grand Floral Staircase were laid out as Bellevue Zoo. In the first year there were 284,713 visitors. City of Belfast Zoological Gardens During the 50's and 60's the Zoo went into decline and when the Parks Committee took control of the facility in 1962, it was clear that drastic restoration measures were needed. In 1974, the development of the new Belfast Zoological Gardens was started. Since then, Belfast City Council has fully supported this development and has shown concern for, and awareness of, the major conservation problems facing wildlife today. Through their efforts, the City Council have provided and maintained a unique recreational and conservation facility of which they, and the people of Belfast, can be justly proud | |||||||||||||||||||||||||