Smiles all round as Belfast Zoo supports festive visit to children’s hospital

Belfast Zoo joins the Lord Mayor, Cllr Tracy Kelly, to spread festive joy

Belfast Zoo has helped bring festive cheer to young patients at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, joining the Lord Mayor of Belfast on a special Christmas visit aimed at lifting spirits during the holiday season.

The Zoo joined Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly on Monday (15th December) as part of her visit supporting local charity Little Heroes, which works closely with children and families receiving hospital care.

Adding a splash of colour and excitement to the wards, Belfast Zoo mascots Brian the Lion and Benny the Bear accompanied the Lord Mayor as she met young patients, their families and hospital staff.

The Zoo team distributed festive goodie bags and complimentary family tickets to Belfast Zoo, giving children something positive to look forward to in 2026.

Festive faces bringing Christmas cheer to patients, staff and visitors at the Children's Hospital

For many families spending Christmas in hospital, the visit offered a rare moment of light-heartedness and escape from the challenges of treatment and recovery.

Smiles were further encouraged by the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus, who helped create memorable moments for children during what can be an especially difficult time of year.

The visit highlighted Belfast Zoo’s wider commitment to community wellbeing and partnership working across the city, particularly in supporting children and families facing challenging circumstances.

Community, Kindness and Christmas Smiles at the Children's Hospital

Ryan McAnoy, Marketing and Events Officer at Belfast Zoo, said:

“It was a real privilege for Belfast Zoo to join the Lord Mayor during a visit to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. As a city Zoo, being part of our local community is incredibly important to us and this visit was about bringing some Christmas joy, positivity and light-hearted moments to children and families during what can be a very challenging time.

“Seeing the smiles on faces throughout the hospital truly showed the power of coming together to support our city’s little heroes.”

Belfast Zoo also paid tribute to the dedication of hospital staff who care for children throughout the festive period, as well as the volunteers and partners who helped make the visit possible.

The Zoo extended its thanks to the staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for their warm welcome, along with Little Heroes, Santa and Mrs Claus, whose involvement helped ensure the visit left a lasting impression on young patients and their families.