We’re thrilled to announce the winners in our Annual Photography Competition.
The competition in 2026 showcased the incredible talent, creativity and passion of our visitors and local photographers. From striking animal portraits to stunning landscapes and light-hearted moments, every entry captured the magic of wildlife and the unique charm of Belfast Zoo.
We thank everyone who entered the competition. Your passion for wildlife and photography helps celebrate and share the beauty of nature every year. Our judges were very impressed by the quality and imagination display in the photographs submitted.
Congratulations to our winners
After much deliberation, judges selected the winning entries in each category.
Best Photograph Taken by a Zoo Visitor
First place and Overall Competition Winner: Simon Johnston
Simon's photograph took the top spot in his category and was also selected as the Overall Winner for 2026. The photograph has outstanding composition, emotion and storytelling.
- Second place: Mark Weir
- Third place: Colin Gamble
- Highly commended: Asghar Laei
Best Photograph Taken by a Young Person under 18
- First place: Ruby Saoirse Curry
- Second place: Amy Sizer
- Third place: Harry Stronge
- Highly commended: James Dalton
Best Photograph Taken by a Professional Photographer
- First place: Stephen Henderson
- Second place: Janos Szabo
- Third place: Frances Price
- Highly commended: Stephen Henderson
Best 'Wildlife in Need' Photograph
- First place: Bruce Marshall
- Second place: Peter Soult
- Third place: Bruce Marshall
Best Humorous Caption
- First place: Fiona Beattie
- Second place: Barry Blaney
- Third place: Joe Beattie
Best Photograph of a Zoo Landscape or Garden
- First place: Peter Soult
- Second place: Fiona Beattie
- Third place: Marina Wells
Winners' gallery
We will display all first place photographs in the Belfast Zoo Visitor Centre during October half term. Visit the zoo between Saturday 24 October and Sunday 1 November 2026 to see these incredible photographs.
You can view all the winning and placed photographs on our social media channels from Sunday 11 October.
Belfast Zoo Annual Photography Competition 2027
In spring 2027, we'll publish information on this page about next year's competition.