About Us
Our Origins
Dublin Zoo first opened its gates on 1 September 1831, founded by a small group of scientists and naturalists with a shared curiosity about the natural world. In 1840, featuring 46 mammals and 72 birds donated by London Zoo, the radical decision was to throw its gates open to the public for a penny on Sundays. This gesture, remarkable for that time, established the affectionate relationship that still exists between Dubliners and the ‘ah-Zoo’ in the Phoenix Park.
Like many early zoos, it reflected the values and understanding of its time – very different from the welfare-focused approach we champion today. But those early beginnings laid the foundation for nearly two centuries of evolution, growth and learning, shaping the modern conservation organisation we are now.
We are Dublin Zoo.
We save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.
Charity Number: 20003715
Images reproduced with the permission of TCD and the National Library of Ireland.
Today, Dublin Zoo’s 28 hectares welcomes over one million visitors each year.
Dublin Zoo is a Conservation charity and one of Ireland’s biggest family attractions, where unforgettable days out become journeys of learning, discovery and a deeper understanding of our vital mission.
We are Dublin Zoo
Animal Care &
Welfare
Our animals live enriched lives in natural social groups, within habitats that reflect their native environments – complete with appropriate vegetation, water features, and space to roam, play and thrive.
We are driven by a deeply held belief: the wellbeing of every creature is non-negotiable. That commitment was recently recognised when Dublin Zoo became officially certified by Global Humane Society – a global acknowledgement confirming the high standards of welfare and care we maintain.
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Conservation &
Global Action
As a conservation charity, we work to protect animals and the wild places they call home – in Ireland and around the world. Every visit to Dublin Zoo directly supports our mission.
Dublin Zoo is part of a worldwide community working to protect the planet’s biodiversity – and at the heart of that mission are the dedicated keepers, veterinarians, conservationists, scientists and animal care professionals who work here every day. Their skill, passion and deep understanding of the species in their care are essential to everything we do: from supporting endangered populations to advancing global research and best-practice standards for modern zoos.
Through carefully managed breeding programmes, field-conservation initiatives and partnerships with over 30 organisations around the world, our teams help safeguard threatened species – from rhinos and big cats to golden lion tamarins, amphibians and many more. Their work ensures that every success at Dublin Zoo contributes to something bigger: the long-term survival of wildlife in the wild.
The Centre for Species Survival: Ireland (CSS Ireland) is based right here at Dublin Zoo, in our historic Society House. It’s part of a global network of Centres for Species Survival established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – the world’s leading authority on the state of nature and biodiversity. That makes Dublin Zoo the proud home of Ireland’s national hub for species conservation science – connecting the country’s researchers, conservationists and policymakers with international experts working to prevent extinction.
Our strategic 10-year plan, Dublin Zoo 200, sets out an ambitious path toward our bicentennial year in 2031. It strengthens our conservation impact, elevates our facilities and animal habitats, and expands our ability to educate and inspire millions of visitors to protect the natural world.
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Sustainability
Caring for wildlife means caring for the environment. Through our Sustainability Master Plan, Dublin Zoo works to reduce its carbon footprint, conserve water, safeguard ecosystems, and inspire our visitors and community to think and act sustainably.
Education &
Inspiring Curiosity
We believe every visit can spark a lasting connection to nature. At Dublin Zoo, you’ll find a living classroom where learners of all ages – from toddlers to university students – you can explore, wonder, and grow. Our Conservation Education programmes, school workshops, summer camps, and virtual learning experiences aim to nurture respect for wildlife and equip the next generation of conservation champions.
We’re committed to inclusivity, too with the launch of Irish Sign Language (ISL) video content to ensure that our message reaches Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors too.
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Why it
matters
Nature needs protectors, and every day at Dublin Zoo, that’s the work we’re doing. From hands-on animal care to global conservation partnerships and meaningful education, every action we take supports a healthier, more balanced future for wildlife.
What happens here matters beyond our gates: it shapes how people understand animals, how families connect with nature, and how future generations learn to care for the planet. Our role is simple and powerful – we save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.
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How You
Can Help
You can be part of the solution. Here’s how:
Learn and share: Ask questions, join a talk, and spread the word about wildlife conservation.
Choose wisely: Reduce single-use plastics, support sustainable products and protect local nature.
Support Dublin Zoo: Every ticket, annual pass and on-site purchase helps us protect animals here and in the wild.
We are Dublin Zoo. We save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.
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