Friends of the Zoo

Friends of the zoo logo

Friends of the Zoo was formed in 1997 by a group of community volunteers with a shared love for the zoo.

They have since raised more than £30,000 for the zoo through fundraising and maintenance projects.

Volunteering at the zoo is very rewarding - you could teach visitors about our animals or participate in fundraising activities which support animal conservation.

Friends of the zoo

You could also take part in:

  • animal craft workshops
  • special zoo events such as Let's Go Batty
  • fundraising projects
  • committee meetings
  • face painting
  • the painting and repair of animal enclosures
  • animal talks.

Members also receive:

  • copies of the zoo's magazine, Zoo Crack
  • membership of the Zoo Club for children aged between six and 12
  • free entry to friends' events
  • free subscription to the zoo e-newsletter.

Zoo Club

The two Zoo Clubs meet from September to May each year. They give children aged six to 12 and children aged 12 to 16 the chance to meet some of the world's most endangered animals.

They teach children about conservation and show them the best ways to protect wildlife at home and abroad.

Members also have the chance to meet our animals and zookeepers and find out interesting facts about our most endangered species.

How to join

Membership of Friends of the Zoo costs £5 per year for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family of two adults and three children.

You can download both PDF and Word versions of our application form:

Return your form to:

Friends of the Zoo
Belfast Zoological Gardens
Antrim Road
Belfast
BT36 7PN

Remember to enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to Friends of the Zoo.

Alternatively, you can pay by credit by debit card by calling us on 028 9077 6277.

More information

For more information about Friends of the zoo, call us on 028 9077 6277 or email friends@belfastzoo.co.uk

Our animals

Belfast Zoo is home to more than 1,200 animals and 140 different species.

The majority of our animals are in danger in their natural habitat.

About the zoo

Belfast Zoo opened in 1934 and is one of Northern Ireland's top attractions.

It receives more than 300,000 visitors a year.

Newsletter

Want to find out what's happening at Belfast Zoo?

Keep up to date with our e-newsletter.

Sign up for e-newsletter