Historical photo gallery

Bellevue Zoo
The former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Crawford McCullough, opened the zoo in 1934. He was accompanied by Mr Chapman, who part-funded the project along with Belfast Corporation (now Belfast City Council).

Daisy the elephant
When Daisy arrived on the Heysham steamer on 27 March 1934 (the day before the zoo officially opened), she walked six miles from the docks to her new home.

Find out more about Daisy

Tina the elephant
This photograph shows Tina looking at plans for the redevelopment of the zoo with her keeper Bill Carlisle. The photo was taken in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Tina, now considered the 'grand old lady of the zoo, can still be seen in the zoo today.

Floral Hall
At its peak, around 4,000 people visited the Floral Hall each week. Although it did not serve alcohol, almost 98,000 cups of tea and coffee were served over a period of seven months!                           
                             
                             

Floral Hall
This Art Deco-style dance hall opened in the mid 1930s. You can still view it today.

Sheila the elephant
Sheila arrived at the zoo in 1935. The photograph shows how closely she interacted with the public.

Bellevue Zoo in 1960
This photograph shows the old Bellevue Zoo around 1960. The present zoo site was developed in 1986.

Tina the elephant
Tina is pictured in the mid-1980s with her keeper Billy Johnston. A new elephant house was built when the zoo was developed in the late 1980s.

Lake side and farm area
This photograph shows the lake side and farm area of the zoo.

Old monkey cages
These cages, located in the old zoo site, were used to house monkeys.

Zoo advertisement
This photograph shows an advertisement for the old Bellevue Zoo.

Zoo entrance
This photograph shows the new entrance to the zoo in 1978.

New Siberian tiger cubs in 1937
Sheila Hughes, aged eight, is pictured (left) at a special tea party in 1937 to celebrate the naming of the zoo's two new Siberian tiger cubs. Head zookeeper Dick Foster (centre) shows the cubs to other children and parents who attended the party.

Lion cubs in 1935
Maureen Edwards, aged 15, with two lion cubs in 1935. Maureen's father was a chemist and budding photographer with contacts in the zoo. "I just adored animals," she said, remembering her meeting with the cubs.

Sheila's christening
Eight-year-old Sheila Hughes with Sheila the elephant during her 'christening' ceremony. She was accompanied by Gordon McNutt whose father was associated with Hazelwood Café. Sheila says she "was proud to give the elephant her own name". She was also given an elephant brooch as part of the naming ceremony. Also pictured is Dr Hunter, thought to have been the zoo's vet at the time.