Zoomobile

Hop on board our zoomobile for a 'zooper' day out!

The zoomobile is an accessible buggy that can carry one wheelchair user and four non-wheelchair users, or four non-wheelchair users. 

The zoomobile must be booked in advance and is subject to availability. We cannot guarantee availability for visitors who have not booked in advance. Before you book the zoomobile, you should read our terms and conditions.

Choose a tour around the zoo or a drop-off at the top of the zoo.

Inclusive tour

The zoomobile tour includes a guided tour of Belfast Zoo from the vehicle. Visitors can disembark the vehicle during the tour.

The tour lasts for approximately two to two and a half hours and costs £27 per tour.

Tours are available daily at 10.15am. You must book the tour before you arrive at the zoo.

Hilltop drop-off

The hilltop drop-off provides transport from the zoo’s Visitor Centre to the top of the zoo (beside Treetop Tearooms). This journey lasts approximately five minutes.

The drop-off costs £3 per adult and £1.75 per child or concession.

Drop-offs are available daily from 10am to 4.30pm in summer, and from 10am to 2.30pm in winter. You need to book a hilltop drop-off before you arrive at the zoo.

Booking the zoomobile

Book the zoomobile

If you need more information or want to check availability, please email info@belfastzoo.co.uk or call us on 028 9077 6277.

Frequently asked questions about the Zoomobile

• What is the difference between the Zoomobile tour and the Hilltop drop-off?

  The zoomobile tour is a two to two and a half hour guided tour with a member of zoo staff. It costs £27 per tour. Hilltop drop-off will take visitors up to the top of the zoo for £3 per adult and £1.75 per child or concession.

• How many people does the zoomobile hold?

  The maximum capacity on the zoomobile is one wheelchair user plus four non-wheelchair users and driver or four non‐wheelchair users and driver.

• Why do I have to book in advance?

  We need advance booking to ensure that we have trained staff available on the date and time requested.

• Can I drive the zoomobile?

  No. The zoomobile is not available for visitors to drive.

• Where does the Hilltop drop-off stop?

  At the top of the zoo, beside Treetops Tearoom and our picnic area.

• Can I get picked up again after using the Hilltop drop-off service if I find it difficult making my way down the zoo?

  We will do our best to accommodate this however there may be others who have also booked the zoomobile that we will need to prioritise.

• Do members need to book the zoomobile in advance and is there a discounted rate?

  Members must book the zoomobile and there is no discounted rate for this service.

• Why is the zoomobile unavailable on certain dates?

  There are several reasons why the zoomobile might not be available on your preferred dates, such as:

  • we may already be fully booked;
  • we may have reduced staffing levels;
  • we may have other events or operations that will affect the zoomobile’s operation; or
  • we may have vehicle maintenance scheduled.
• I booked the zoomobile but it was cancelled because the battery died. Why and what can be done about this?

  The zoo site includes some very steep hills which needs a lot of power for an electric vehicle. The zoomobile needs to be charged between uses. Unfortunately, there have been occasions when the charging time has taken longer than expected which has impacted on following bookings. We are looking into other transport options that have improved battery life.

• I want to book a tour but 10.15am doesn’t suit me. Can I book another day?

  We advertise the tours as available at 10.15am as the vehicle will be fully charged in the morning. If this time doesn’t suit, we will try our best to accommodate a different time. Please contact us to discuss your preferred time.

• Why don’t you have more zoomobiles or other accessible transport options?

  We hope to offer more accessible transport in the future and are currently looking into the most suitable options for visitor experience, site terrain, conservation impact, and budget considerations.

Terms and conditions

Capacity

• The maximum capacity on the zoomobile is one wheelchair user plus three non-wheelchair users and driver or four non‐wheelchair users and driver.
• Maximum weight limit is 700kg.
• Wheelchair‐accessible platform measures 40 inches wide. Wheelchairs larger than 40 inches wide cannot be accommodated.
• Storage for buggies or luggage is available on the vehicle but will be limited in the event of the vehicle’s full capacity.

Operations

• The inclusive tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The tour will follow a pre‐determined route around the zoo site, commencing from the visitor centre. At the end of the tour visitors will be dropped off at their chosen location on the zoo site.
• The inclusive tour will commence strictly at 10.00am. Belfast Zoo reserves the right to retain the booking fee in the event that patrons do not arrive at the time of commencement.
• A map detailing the inclusive tour route is available. However, Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter the route at any time due to unforeseen circumstances and in the interests of customer health and safety.
• The hilltop drop‐off is one way only, from visitor centre to the top of the zoo (locations 36 and 37 on map).
• Visitors should arrive promptly for the start of their booking.
• The booking may be shortened or cancelled in the event of the visitor arriving late for the booking. (This may also result in the visitor’s booking fee being retained by Belfast Zoo).
• The hirer agrees to vacate the vehicle immediately at the end of the hire period and that all persons and property, including litter, will be removed.
• The vehicle cannot access all areas of the zoo and will, in as far as possible, follow the predetermined route around the Belfast Zoo site. Some animal exhibits may not be clearly viewed from inside the vehicle.
• Due to unforeseen operational and animal care circumstances, Belfast Zoo cannot guarantee that all animals and exhibits will be available on the date selected.

Health and safety

• All visitors must wear their seatbelts at all times when inside the vehicle.
• All visitors must strictly follow the instructions of zoo staff at all times.
• Visitors may only enter and exit the vehicle when instructed to do so by zoo staff.
• Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• The hirer will ensure that all supervising adults maintain adequate standards of health and safety throughout the booking.
• The users agree that their visit will be conducted in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with all relevant health and safety regulations and requirements and will adhere to all instructions given by zoo Staff.
• Visitors must not enter areas which are identified as out of bounds or cross any safety barriers.
• Smoking inside the vehicle is prohibited.
• Visitors should not interfere with any part of the premises, vehicle or equipment.
• Zoo staff will undertake a vehicle check on the day of each hire, follow only the designated routes and follow all speed restrictions.
• Belfast Zoo shall not be liable for any loss or injury howsoever occurring as a result of the negligence of other patrons to Belfast Zoo.
  All visitors must wear their seatbelts at all times when inside the vehicle.

Booking and payment

• The zoomobile service is currently available for advance booking only.
• The inclusive tour costs £27 per booking.
• The hilltop drop‐off costs £3 per adult and £1.75 per child or concession.
• Carers receive free admission for hilltop drop‐off when assisting a visitor with a disability. To gain free carer’s admission the carer must provide proof in the form of documentation to show that you are in receipt of carer’s allowance, a doctor’s letter or other relevant paperwork. Or, the visitor who requires a carer can provide evidence of their disability.
• Zoomobile prices do not include entry to Belfast Zoo. Standard zoo admission prices apply.
• Prices are non‐negotiable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
• Belfast Zoo reserves the right to charge additional fees for any extended use of the zoomobile outside of the agreed booking period.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking, which must be a minimum of 14 days before the date of the visit.
• Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or invoice.
• The hirer should make themselves known to a member of staff on arrival.
• The hirer must display their receipt on the day of the visit as proof of payment. Failure to produce an official receipt may result in the booking being cancelled, and the booking fee may be retained by Belfast Zoo.
• Vouchers cannot be redeemed in association with zoomobile bookings.
• The hirer must inform Belfast Zoo, in advance, of all disabilities and relevant medical requirements. Every effort is made to accommodate visitors with a disability or medical condition, however this may not always be reasonably possible. Please contact Belfast Zoo for advice before buying
• The zoomobile may not be available on bank holiday weekends, special event dates and other key dates.

Cancellations and refunds

• Bookings are non‐refundable and non‐transferable.
• Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter or cancel the booking on any given day and will give as much notice as possible in the event of alteration of cancellation.
• In the event of cancellation, by Belfast Zoo, another date or refund will be offered.
• Belfast Zoo cannot cover travel, accommodation or any other associated costs in the event of alteration or cancellation.
• Belfast Zoo reserves the right to close or prohibit use of its facilities at its discretion, for example on health and safety grounds or on breach of terms and conditions.

General

• Belfast Zoo is an outdoor attraction. Guests should bring suitable shoes and clothing for walking, wet weather and sun protection.
• Belfast Zoo reserves the right to refuse admission to the site or facilities.
• Belfast Zoo accepts no responsibility or liability for loss or damage of property or belongings of visitors.
• Belfast Zoo does not provide storage facilities for visitors.
• If a child becomes lost on‐site please contact Belfast Zoo staff immediately or call 028 9077 6277. Staff will implement the lost child procedure.
• The hirer agrees to pay any costs of repair or making good any loss or damage that arises from the booking.
• Any invoice submitted by Belfast City Council for the costs of repairing damages shall be payable within 30 days.
• Belfast Zoo visitor code of conduct protects animals and visitors' safety.