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The Zoo Belfast Zoological Gardens, Belfast
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| Looking for: | Animals and farms, Zoos & Wildlife | | Address: | City of Belfast Zoological Gardens
Antrim Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland | | Postcode: | BT36 7PN | | Nearest City: | Belfast | | Age Group: | All Ages | | Kids Activity: | Indoors and Outdoors | | Telephone: | (028) 90776277 |
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Description
Belfast Zoo owes its origins to public transport in the form of trams. Horse drawn trams of the Belfast Street Tramway Company and the steam tramway of the Cavehill and Whitewell Tramway company carried passengers, from Belfast, to the outlying villages of Whitewell and Glengormley.
In 1911 the line was taken over by the Belfast Corporation who decided to build a playground and pleasure gardens - Bellevue Gardens - at the end of the line, to encourage customers and provide a recreational area. During the 20's and 30's Bellevue was a popular destination for day excursions and, in 1933, it was decided to have a ' representative zoological collection' on the site. In 1934, twelve acres on either side of the Grand Floral Staircase were laid out as Bellevue Zoo. In the first year there were 284,713 visitors.
City of Belfast Zoological Gardens During the 50's and 60's the Zoo went into decline and when the Parks Committee took control of the facility in 1962, it was clear that drastic restoration measures were needed. In 1974, the development of the new Belfast Zoological Gardens was started. Since then, Belfast City Council has fully supported this development and has shown concern for, and awareness of, the major conservation problems facing wildlife today. Through their efforts, the City Council have provided and maintained a unique recreational and conservation facility of which they, and the people of Belfast, can be justly proud. |
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