Are you thinking about a future career working with animals?
If you’re considering a career in animal care, conservation or zoology, our Science Behind the Zoo event is designed to help you understand what this could be like.
Modern zoos play a vital role in protecting wildlife and science sits at the heart of everything we do. From animal health and behaviour to nutrition, breeding and conservation planning, working in a zoo needs knowledge, skill and a strong scientific foundation.
We’re involved in over 60 international conservation breeding programmes, helping to safeguard endangered species around the world. Our keepers, vets, educators and curators all rely on science every day to support animal welfare and conservation. During this event, they’ll share how that knowledge shapes their roles.
This half-day session has been specifically designed for 15 to 18-year-olds, particularly those approaching GCSE or A-level choices, further education or university applications.
You will:
- hear directly from zoo professionals about their career journeys,
- learn what qualifications, skills and subjects are needed to work in zoology and animal science
- gain a realistic understanding of what working in a modern zoo involves, and
- explore the wide range of roles that exist beyond zoo-keeping.
While adults with an interest in zoo careers are welcome to attend, the content and delivery are tailored to school-leavers who are exploring their next steps.
Workshop time and cost
Our science behind the zoo event will run from 9.15am to 2.15pm and costs £25 per person. The price includes zoo admission.
How to book a workshop place
To book a workshop place for a child, go to Book a Science behind the Zoo workshop for a child (link opens in new window).
To book if you're 18 or over, go to Book a Science behind the Zoo workshop (link opens in new window).
For workshop information, email [email protected] or call 028 9077 6277.
Terms and Conditions
- Participants aged under the age of 18 require parental consent to take part in Science Behind the Zoo.
- Participants will not be supervised during the allocated lunch break.
- Full payment is required to secure your place.
- The booking is non-refundable and non-transferable. Participants must abide by staff instructions, safety rules and health and safety guidelines at all times while in the Zoo.
- Participants cannot enter areas that staff identify as out of bounds or cross any safety barriers during the time at the zoo.
- Belfast Zoo reserves the right to alter or cancel the event, schedule and planned activities on any given day with no prior notice.
- Belfast Zoo will not cover any travel, accommodation or associated costs if the scheduled date is cancelled for an unforeseen reason.
- The Zoo’s visitor code of conduct applies to all participants.
- It is your responsibility to inform us of any condition that we should be aware of in order to ensure the safety of all participants. Whilst every effort is made to accommodate conditions, this may not always be reasonably possible.
- Participants should wear suitable, weather-proof clothing and flat, comfortable footwear.