Spring 2025 saw a burst of new life at Belfast Zoo. From tiny tamarins to bouncing baby wallabies, our animal families are growing.
Powerful reminder of conservation in action
Among our new arrivals is a cotton-top tamarin, one of the world’s most endangered primates. Born to experienced parents Vicky and Spencer, this critically endangered monkey is a beacon of hope, with fewer than 2,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild.
Lara Clarke, Zoo Curator, said:
Many of these species are in real danger of disappearing. Breeding success like this isn’t just adorable – it’s essential. It reflects the incredible care from our teams and the vital role modern zoos play in conservation and species survival.
New arrivals to see at the zoo
Visit the zoo and look for:
- a cotton-top tamarin - critically endangered and full of character
- a wallaby joey peeking out in our Animals of Australia habitat
- five fluffy emu chicks, born to parents Bruce and Sheila
- two meerkat pups, the second litter of the year
- a baby sloth, born in our Rainforest House to Prescita and Enrique
- a Colombian Spider Monkey infant, a species categorised as endangered and under serious threat
These births are part of wider efforts to protect species at risk. Many of our animals are in European breeding programmes (EEPs), which help preserve healthy, diverse populations and support future rewilding efforts.
Senior Keeper Ruairi Donaghy, said:
Watching these little ones thrive reminds us why we do our jobs. We protect species and inspire people to care about wildlife.
Meet the new family members
If you want to see sloth snuggles, cheeky meerkat pups or emu chicks finding their feet, now is the perfect time to visit the zoo. These animals are cute. They’re also ambassadors for their species, and symbols of hope for our planet’s future.
Zoo tickets
To buy tickets online, go to Book tickets (link opens in new window).