We’re thrilled to announce the winners in our Annual Photography Competition.
The competition in 2025 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: Patricia Mackey
Patricia’s photograph took the top spot in her category and was also selected as the Overall Winner for 2025. The photograph has outstanding composition, emotion and storytelling.
- Second place: Stephen Haydon
- Third place: Bruce Marshall
Best Photograph Taken by a Young Person under 18
- First place: Lily Hovers
- Second place: Jessica Bickerstaff
- Third place: Lacey Gregory
- Highly commended: Lily Hunter
Best Photograph Taken by a Professional Photographer
- First place: Paul McIlwaine
- Second place: Frances Price
- Third place: Paul McFarland
Best 'Wildlife in Need' Photograph
- First place: Gareth Waller
- Second place: Bruce Marshall
- Third place: Bruce Marshall
Best Humorous Caption
- First place: Marina Wells
- Second place: Charlie Russell
- Third place: Barry Blaney
Best Photograph of a Zoo Landscape or Garden
- First place: Gemma Campbell
- Second place: Ashish Kittorr Vincent
- Third place: Peter Soult
Winners' gallery
We will display all winning and highly commended photographs in the Belfast Zoo Visitor Centre during October half term. Visit the zoo between Saturday 25 and Friday 31 October 2005 to see these incredible photographs.
Belfast Zoo Annual Photography Competition 2026
In spring 2026, we'll publish information on this page about next year's competition.