3 June 2025

SDLP North Belfast councillor Carl Whyte has called for clarity on the future of Belfast Zoo.

He was speaking after Sinn Féin raised concerns about the cost of running the zoo.

Councillor Whyte said:

“I’ve called for an urgent meeting of the Zoo Steering Group to get full clarity on the current financial situation. Prior to the pandemic, the zoo made a profit, but the post-Covid position remains unclear, and those facts should be established before any political judgments are made. There are many staff working at the zoo who will be rightly concerned at comments made by Sinn Fein today, and they deserve better than this uncertainty.

“Belfast Zoo is not just a visitor attraction, it plays a key role in a number of European and global conservation networks, working to protect endangered species. There is real potential at this site, but that will only be realised with a sustainable funding model and proper political commitment.

“It’s also worth noting that the Zoo receives no funding from any Stormont department. Instead of casting doubt over the future of one of Belfast’s most popular institutions, Sinn Féin might do better appealing to their party’s Finance Minister to provide direct funding to support the Zoo and the wider regeneration required at the site including the much-loved Floral Hall."