Belfast Zoo has announced a week-long celebration as it says a final farewell to the last two majestic Asian elephants housed at Northern Ireland’s only zoo.
Dhunja and Yhetto have been a key attraction for many visitors - both old and young, over the years but now as they prepare for savannahs new, everyone has one last opportunity to see these gentle giants for the final time in Belfast.
News of the duo’s upcoming journey was first revealed in last September by Belfast City Council when the decision was made for their departure.
Dhunja & Yhetto, the Asian Elephants have been a huge part of the zoo family for over fifteen years and are now set to begin their move to their new home in Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands.
At Burger’s Zoo, the elephants, now in their senior years, will have the opportunity to join a herd of two other compatible, older female elephants, ensuring them the structure of companionship female elephants need, throughout the later stages of their life; and being EEP accredited, they will continue to receive the highest standard of veterinary and animal care that they are accustomed to at Belfast Zoo.
Kicking off next week on Monday 8th July, the zoo will be hosting ‘trunkloads’ of fun - elephant themed activities, memory cards, elephant talks and daily screenings of ‘The Zoo’ movie!
Come along and say goodbye to the iconic mammals
If you book your tickets online to visit Belfast Zoo between 8th and 14th of July, you will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win some great prizes including family zoo memberships, family zoo tickets, animal adoptions and zoo goodie bags.
Plan your day
You need a ticket to enter the zoo. Buy your tickets online. Standard admission prices apply.
See prices https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/prices
The zoo is open 10am – 6pm daily, with last admission 4.30pm.
Screenings of The Zoo movie will be held twice daily at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Seating is limited for this intimate screening so advanced booking is highly recommended.