Dublin Zoo: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

Expansion into the lake grounds beside Áras an Uachtaráin significantly enlarged animal habitats. Modern developments include the Kaziranga Forest Trail for Asian elephant herds and an open savannah for giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. Today the institution partners with global conservation networks on endangered species breeding, replacing cramped historic cages with naturalistic communal environments.

Conflict and welfare issues shaped the zoo history. Keepers remained on site during the Easter Rising despite acute food shortages, when some stock was culled to sustain carnivores. A resident lion became the mascot filmed for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio openings. Welfare concerns later forced major changes, including relocating stressed polar bears to Hungary and tightening visitor rules after captive animals died from ingested objects.