We are introducing a brand-new way to explore the zoo with our Touch and Tell Tours. These unique tours are designed for visitors who are blind or partially sighted, offering an immersive and inclusive way to experience the animals and their habitats. The tour and format is designed in partnership with RNIB and Guide Dogs NI.
Guided by our expert visitor experience team, the tours use descriptive storytelling, sensory keywords and specially-prepared tactile and scented props to bring the sights and sounds of the animal kingdom to life. Guests explore some of our most popular habitats, from the Farm to the Rainforest House, with opportunities to touch, listen and smell along the way.
The tours are free of charge, and visitors only need to pay general admission. Every participant must be accompanied by a carer, family member or friend for support. Carers and companions receive free entry.
What to expect on the day
When you arrive at the zoo for your Touch and Tell Tour, here’s what you can expect:
1. Arrival and welcome
Enter through the Visitor Centre, where our education team will greet you and your carer or companion. You’ll receive a short introduction about the tour, the route, and the sensory props that will be used. Carers and companions receive free entry and are encouraged to participate fully in the experience.
2. Small group experience
Each tour has a maximum of 10 participants, keeping groups small and friendly. This ensures there is plenty of time and space for everyone to enjoy the sensory props and ask questions.
3. The tour route
The guided tour takes you through some of our most popular habitats.
At five key sensory stations - the Farm, Giraffe House, Gorilla House, Lion habitat, and Rainforest House - you’ll have the chance to handle textures, smell scents, and listen to sounds linked to the animals. Along the way, your guide will use descriptive storytelling to bring the animals and their environments to life.
4. Sensory props
Items may include feathers, fur samples, textured fabrics, replica skulls, natural scents, and animal calls. Our guides explain how each item connects to the animals you are learning about. Props are cleaned and cared for to ensure they are safe to handle.
5. Accessibility and support
The route is planned with accessibility in mind, though there may be some slopes and outdoor paths. Carers and companions are on hand to provide personal assistance if needed, while our staff support the group as a whole. Service dogs are welcome.
6. Duration
The full tour usually lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, including sensory stops and time to enjoy each habitat.
7. After the Tour
Tours finish back at the Visitor Centre, where you are welcome to explore the rest of the zoo at your own pace. Carers and companions can continue to enjoy free entry for the day.
What to wear and accessibility
The tours suitable for wheelchair users and follow accessible routes where possible. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific access needs so we can best support you.
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as much of the tour takes place outdoors. Service dogs are welcome.
Tour dates and times
Tours take place at 11am on the last Sunday of each month. Tours run throughout the year from January to December.
- Sunday 28 September
- Sunday 26 October
- Sunday 30 November
- Sunday 28 December
- Sunday 25 January
- Sunday 22 February
- Sunday 29 March
- Sunday 26 April
- Sunday 31 May
- Sunday 28 June
- Sunday 26 July
- Sunday 30 August
How to book
To book your place on one of our Touch and Tell Tours, or to find out more, email [email protected].
Spaces on each tour are limited and you must book in advance.
Terms and conditions
- Tours must be booked in advance.
- Each participant must attend with a carer, companion, or friend (minimum age 16), who will receive free entry.
- Tours are limited to 10 participants per session, plus carers.
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable unless we cancel the tour.
- Tours run in all weather conditions except where safety is affected. In such cases, we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel.
- Routes are planned to be as accessible as possible; however, some outdoor paths include slopes. Please contact us in advance with any accessibility concerns.
- Sensory props provided during the tour must be handled with care and returned after use.
- Visitors must follow the guidance of zoo staff at all times.
- We reserve the right to alter or adapt the tour route, animal stops, or sensory items due to animal welfare or operational needs.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.